Whether you’re painting metal doors, siding, furniture, or the like, it’s important to know which paint to use. When it comes to painting, metal is pretty unique. It does not adhere to paint as well as wood or drywall. 

As you’re planning or perhaps finishing up home projects, you might be wondering: can I use latex paint on metal?

Yes, you can use latex paint on metal. For indoor and outdoor metal surfaces, oil-based latex paint will work quite well. Water-based latex paint can accelerate rust so it’s only recommended if you prime the surface with an oil-based primer first. Because metal is naturally prone to rust, priming is highly recommended. It’s a must if you want to get the most out of your metal.

Oil-based paint and primer help protect the surface from rusting and from the elements. Compared to latex paint, it is more prone to chipping though. The color will fade over time too, so it’s best to look for a product that has fade protection.

In addition, oil-based paints apply thicker than water-based paints, so you don’t need many coats. They take about a day to dry, though, whereas water-based paints dry in a few hours.

When painting metal surfaces, one of the most important things to consider is preparing the surface. Metals are vulnerable to the elements and rust. If metal surfaces are not cared for properly, you won’t get nearly as much mileage out of them.

Here’s what you need to do before you start painting metal.

1. Clean the surface with dish soap and water.
2. Rinse the surface with water and let it dry completely.
3. Remove as much rust as possible with steel wool or a wire brush.
4. File down any imperfections with steel wool and repair dents and holes.
5. Apply a rust-resistant primer.
6. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

How long does it take for latex paint to dry on metal?

Latex paint takes between 15 to 30 minutes to dry to the touch while oil-based paint takes between four and six hours to dry to the touch. Latex paint takes about four hours to cure whereas oil-based paint takes around 24 hours to cure.

Can I use acrylic paint on metal without a primer?

For the most long-lasting surface, prime your metal before applying acrylic paint. The primer helps protect against rust and helps the paint adhere to the surface.

Can I use latex paint on metal siding?

Yes, you can use latex paint on metal siding. Invest in oil-based paint to better protect against rust and the elements. For the best results, apply a rust-resistant oil-based primer before painting metal siding.

Can I use latex paint on a metal door?

Yes, you can use latex paint on a metal door (see also ‘What Is The Best Paint For Trim And Doors?‘). Invest in oil-based paint for interior and exterior doors. It will better protect against rust and the elements. For the best results, apply a rust-resistant oil-based primer before painting metal siding.

Note: You can use water-based latex paint if you apply an oil-based primer first.

Can I use latex paint on a metal bookshelf?

Yes, you can use latex paint on a metal bookshelf. Invest in oil-based paint for your bookshelf. It will better protect against rust and the elements. For the best results, apply a rust-resistant oil-based primer before painting metal siding.

Can I use flat latex paint on metal?

Yes, flat paint means that the paint has no gloss or sheen. Whether the paint is flat or glossy does not affect if it can be used on metal surfaces. Oil-based latex paints are best because they protect against rust.

Can I use acrylic latex paint on metal?

Yes, but most acrylic paints are water-based so you will want to apply an oil-based primer first. Otherwise, the metal surface will be prone to rust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use emulsion paint on metal?

Yes, you can use emulsion paint on metal, along with plaster, brick, wood, and concrete. Most emulsion paint is meant for walls and ceilings. Most emulsion paint is water-based, so be sure to first apply an oil-based primer when painting metal.

Do you need to prime metal before painting?

Yes, you should prime metal surfaces to protect them from rust and the elements – especially for outdoor surfaces. An oil-based primer works best because it will not accelerate rust.

Do you need to sand metal before spray painting?

Yes, but regular sandpaper isn’t durable enough for metal. Instead, use a wire brush or steel wool to smooth out imperfections and remove light rust.

Can you use acetone on metal before painting?

Yes, acetone is an effective solvent to remove light rust and prepare a metal surface before painting. 

That’s all for our post, ‘Can I use latex paint on metal?’ The short answer is yes. Just make sure to prime the surface with oil-based paint if you are painting with water-based latex paint. Hope this helps! Thanks for reading.

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