Applying paint to metal requires a certain level of expertise. Painting any wooden furniture can be complicated if you do not practice and know the best technique. Now, painting metal is almost three times as tough.
This article will discuss selecting the appropriate type of paint and the recommended techniques for its application. To choose the kind of paint to be used, the surface to be painted must be considered and observe the metal’s state. And although it requires less attention than wood, you still have to be careful.
Types of paint for metal
As for the type of paint, latex or acrylic paint usually best suits metal. However, before starting the project, you must apply a base (or primer) to cover the pores on the metal surface so that the final result is more uniform.
Plugging the pores into the metal surface will also prevent future rust from forming. It is necessary to verify that the paint to cover pores works well with the final paint. Many people use spray paint as an alternative, but this is recommended to a lesser extent. Because, with the effects of time, it tends to fall off and will surely force you to repeat the entire painting process.
Suppose you want to avoid this situation; spending a little more with acrylic or latex paints is preferable. Using acrylic could translate into better protection for your metal piece and more excellent durability in the finish of your project. This is due to being careful and painting slowly and evenly to avoid more coats than necessary.
How to paint metal?
The method that most people traditionally use and, in addition, is the most infallible to apply is the brush. However, the finish will be even more pleasing if you have airless equipment. However, some skill is required to use the paint with this machine.
Prior preparation is essential. The surface to be painted must be cleaned of any contaminating agent such as dirt, traces of previous paint, remove grease, dust, and rust. If you don’t perform this cleaning, it could affect the final finish of your project. Try sanding first, then wipe with a damp cloth.
Rust on metal: Metal paint is affected by rust as it does not adhere and naturally interferes with the original color. If cleaning is not done beforehand, the paint will not adhere to the metal, and the work will look terrible.
The layer of paint to cover pores is a good option since it protects your metal piece for longer and prevents rust from forming in the future. Applying thin layers slowly and smoothly allows the finish to be lighter than thick layers of paint that, apart from giving it a bad appearance, will end up with the color falling off the metal.
How to paint acrylic paints on metal
Acrylic paint is a versatile paint commonly used in fine art painting. Still, it is also used for more practical purposes, such as model painting and goldsmith painting. Acrylic paint is often used for fast-drying, durable, and holds its color even when exposed to the elements. When painting metal with acrylic paints, you will need a primer to adhere properly.
Instructions
- Clean the surface of the metal you want to paint with alcohol wipes. Doing this will remove any dust or dirt that would cause a problem during painting.
- Apply the oil-based primer with a brush. Choose a brush that is the right size for the painting object.
- Wait for the primer coat to dry or cure. Check your primer packaging to check the curing time for the brand you’ve used, as it varies. The average time is about an hour.
- Paint over the acrylic paint with a brush. As before, the size of brush you use will depend on what you are painting. If you’re painting something huge, you could even use a roller.
Conclusions
When you want to paint metal, you need to apply some basic ideas to make the painting look presentable. You can also meet some artists for advice on combining the colors. Some shops that sell the paint also help with the combinations.
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