7 best paints for metal

Metal is a durable building material from which various structures can be formed. It is used as a frame for the house, door boxes, furniture and stairs. In the courtyard of a private house you can often find an iron gate, a fence, a garage. The only drawback of the material is oxidation upon contact with moisture, as a result of which carbon steel rust. We present you the rating of the best paints on metal, possessing high adhesion to solid material and forming a strong protective film. Products are selected by analyzing the characteristics of our experts and taking into account the opinions of customers in the reviews.

How to choose paint for metal

Choosing paint on metal, many people think only about its color, unaware of the existence of important characteristics that affect the application process and subsequent operation. Here are the main parameters that should be paid attention to when choosing enamel for metal structures:

1. Application temperature. For the paint to easily fall on the metal and evenly distribute, a suitable ambient temperature is required. In some compositions it is +10 degrees, while in others it is +1, which expands the possibilities for using for street work during the cool season.
2. Operating temperature. After hardening, the paint-and-varnish layer retains its yellow color to a certain temperature. Alkyd paints indicator is 80 degrees, acrylic 120º, and polyurethane to 150º.
3. Dilution. To prepare for the use of water-soluble paints will require water and they do not emit an unpleasant odor. Dilution with a solvent increases slightly the painting cost per square meter and is more toxic at the time of application.
4. Surface requirement. Some types of enamel need to be applied only to the cleaned and degreased surface, others are allowed to paint even rust. This is achieved by special substances in the composition, which transform the already existing corrosion and stop it.
5. Drying time. The indicator varies from 5 to 12 hours and affects the duration of the work and the commissioning of the structure.
6. Application Method. Some products are suitable for brushes, which is practical in the case of a small painted area and a complex contour of the product. Other enamels are allowed to be applied with a roller or with a spray gun, and this speeds up the process and is optimal for large and even structures.
7. Hiding power. Costs depend on the consumption of the coloring material. Hiding power can range from 7 to 13 m² per liter.
8. Gloss degree. In addition to paint color, there is a degree of gloss, where there are matte, semi-matte, glossy, semi-gloss variants. All this in its own way affects the appearance of the painted parts.

Top Metal Paints Rating

The ranking presents paints for metal from different components. The TOP included products based on alkyd resins obtained by cooking oils, and acrylic enamels. All products are suitable for carbon non-alloy steel, cast iron, aluminum, copper and galvanized surfaces.

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price per liter
Top Metal Paints Rating	1	Alpina Direkt Auf Rost	770 ₽
	2	Tikkurila panssarimaali	990 ₽
	3	Hammerite 3 in 1	1270 ₽
	4	Pantolac Stancolac	750 ₽
	5	Teknos KIRJO AQUA	1135 ₽
	6	Hammerite Hammer	800 ₽
	7	Tikkurila Metallista	800 ₽

Alpina Direkt Auf Rost

Rating: 4.9

The first place in the ranking is taken by a product from the German company Caparol, manufactured under the Alpina brand. Enamel is suitable for outdoor and indoor use. In the first case, you need three layers, and in the second, two is enough to reliably protect the metal from corrosion. Paint the surface with a brush, pressure spray or roller. The main requirement is air temperature from +5 degrees. The paint consumes 100-120 ml per 1 square meter and dries in 6-8 hours, after which a second layer can be applied. Thanks to the alkyd base, the substance is easily distributed over the surface and does not form streaks. For a variety of colors, there are 13 options, where users in the reviews like gold, which looks very natural.

Our experts took the product to the first place in the rating due to anti-corrosion properties - you can even paint rusty metal, without prior treatment. This saves time when updating the decorative layer on the fence, gate and door. Another product is positioned as 3 in 1, which allows you to apply it immediately and as a primer, and as a topcoat.

Tikkurila panssarimaali

Rating: 4.8

The second place ranking received Finnish product from a famous brand. The paint is made on alkyd basis and contains anti-corrosive pigment that eats away rust on the metal. The surface does not need to be cleaned, and you can immediately paint. After drying, the metal has a semi-gloss gloss. Consumption is 8-12 m² with 1 liter. It is necessary to dilute the paint with a solvent, and it is allowed to paint objects with a brush or spray gun. Roller application is allowed, but brush alignment is required after it. The product is available in packaging from 900 ml to 18 liters. Buyers in the reviews are pleased that this paint is up to 8-10 years and do not have to do the hard work of caring for metal on the street every year.

We included the product in the rating for high resistance to moisture and ultraviolet radiation. Thanks to these properties, the paint can paint metal roofs and gutters. The decorative layer easily carries snow and rain. Enamel keeps the color long and looks rich.

Hammerite 3 in 1

Rating: 4.8

In third place ranking is a product from a Polish company. The paint is positioned as 3 in 1 and is suitable for priming, filling the middle layer and finishing coating. This simplifies the work and increases the security of the metal operated in the street. In the manufacture of the product used a new technology Dual Tech, which has few analogues among competitors. Not only alkyd resin, but also greasy wax are responsible for protecting the metal from moisture. Masters in the reviews like that the paint falls without drips and dries quickly within 2 hours. After the decorative layer has hardened, the painted elements have a glossy shine that increases the presentability of the product. This is the best paint for finishing window forged gratings, canopies and fences on the balconies, so that the designs look advantageous.

We put the paint in the ranking of the best because of the presence of wax in the composition. This natural component increases moisture resistance, so the metal gets double protection from rain and snow.Iron structures painted Hammerite 3 in 1, guaranteed to serve without corrosion up to 8 years. The presence of wax in the composition makes the metal less branded.

Pantolac Stancolac

Rating: 4.7

The fourth place in the ranking is reserved for Greek goods made from alkyd resin and synthetic additives. The product is weather resistant. Paint can be distributed on metal by roller or brush. When using a spray nozzle with a diameter of 4 mm is required. For a decorative layer to last up to 8 years, a thickness of up to 80-100 microns is recommended. At an outdoor temperature of + 20º, the surface will dry for 5 hours, after which you can start applying the second layer. Before starting painting, no rusting is required. The consumption of the substance is 9-10 m² per liter. Full rejection of the decorative layer occurs after 96 hours. Only the white version is on sale, and the rest are obtained by tinting.

Our experts decided to add paint to the rating due to high resistance to water. Under static exposure, for example, when the painted metal is completely immersed in the liquid, the iron will remain inaccessible to moisture for 24 hours. This is the best option for painting forged fences and gates with a lot of complex elements that hold water on themselves.

Teknos KIRJO AQUA

Rating: 4.6

On the fifth place of our rating is another Finnish product. Paint on metal is made of acrylate base, therefore it is much more resistant to atmospheric effects than competitors. As part of present anti-corrosion pigments. The substance is suitable for painting new sheet metal and repairing previously coated surfaces. Paint is available in two bases for tinting in light and dark colors. The dry residue by volume is 38%. Buyers in the reviews like that on a tack off the metal dries in 60 minutes at a temperature of +23 degrees. To transfer the enamel to the iron, you can use a brush or spray.

We included paint on metal in the top ranking, because it can be diluted with water up to 15% without losing properties. This provides significant savings (in fact, buyers get 15% of finished paint free of charge) and makes it easier to wash tools after work. She can also paint metal that was previously coated in an industrial way (Purex, Pural, polyester, acrylic).

Hammerite Hammer

Rating: 4.5

In sixth place in the ranking is a product from a Polish manufacturer, whose name Hammerite has become a household name for all colors with a combined black and color effect. Enamel consists of alkyd varnish, light-resistant pigments, anti-corrosion active components and functional additives. There is no lead in it, what customers like in reviews. Metal can be painted at a temperature of +5 degrees. Allowed any type of application. The second layer can pass through 4-6 hours.Paint is available in 250 and 750 ml containers, as well as 2.5 and 5 liters, which is convenient for iron items of various sizes.

Our experts liked the product with their unusual appearance after drying. The metal surface looks like a hand-struck with a hammer. This effect is very attractive and distinguishes the product from the monochrome enamels of competitors. In terms of color, 11 paint options are available, each of which has a hammer effect. We recommend enamel for metal doors in order to visually hide the small irregularities of the sheet that occur during operation.

Tikkurila Metallista

Rating: 4.5

Finishing our rating product from the Finnish brand Tikkurila. This is a glossy paint, produced in several bases for tinting. Allowable creation of 32,000 variations of shades. After curing, the enamel can withstand temperatures up to 80 degrees without losing its color. The varnishing layer is resistant to the light that customers like in reviews. Dries enamel on tacky for 1-2 hours. To get started, you will need to dilute the paint with a solvent. Goods are sold in small containers from 400 ml to 2.5 liters. For staining you can use any tool.

Our experts put the paint in the rating because of the content of natural wax. The double composition provides improved protection against moisture, and iron structures will last up to 10 years without the need to re-paint over this period. We recommend the product for garden fencing, as well as items on industrial facilities, because the paint can withstand the effects of turpentine, denatured alcohol, lubricating oils and various fats.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.