What type of paint is best for metal?

Answer 1

Any quality exterior paint. Do prime first however. Rustoleum makes a high visibility spray paint that might also be of interest to you. It can be purchased in the paint department of most Home Depots.

Answer 2

For non-automotive use, direct-to-metal (DTM) paints are ideal if you want to avoid using oil based paints. They adhere very well and do not rust the surface. If you want to use a standard water based paint for a top coat, use a DTM primer, which can also be used as a flat topcoat.

Oil based enamels and urethanes area also available in most areas and tend to spray out smoother than water based alternatives. However, they do require longer to dry and utilize petroleum based thinners for reducing and cleanup.

Answer 3

You can use a direct-to-metal (DTM) 100% acrylic primer and paint in all parts of the US. It will last long and adhere to any clean metal surface that is free of rust.

For rusty metal, a direct-to-rust two-part epoxy works best as a primer, followed by a DTM or 2-part urethane topcoat.
spray paint

Answer 4

If you have an old mailbox you are simply putting another coat of basic paint on, or if you are simply changing the colour of a new one.

- check the interior to be sure it is solid, and in good repair.

- remove the flag and set aside for re-installation later (purchase a new one if the old one is in disrepair, broken or missing).

- make what repairs are necessary.

- clean and sand the exterior of the mailbox.

- wipe the exterior with a tack cloth to remove sanding dust.

- using a good quality, exterior, high-gloss, spray paint intended for use on metal, (in an appropriate place - outside, or in a well ventilated area where over-spray will not be an issue, use drop-cloths as needed ) give the mailbox two or three coats. Three thin coats is better than one thick coat as you will have less problems with dripping, runs or flaws in the finish.

- allow the mailbox to dry and cure completely (check the container for information -Yes, that means read the label)

- re-install your old flag, or if necessary replace it with a new one.

- install your mailbox

If you are intending to do a decorative painting on the mailbox.

- my best suggestion is to start with a new mailbox, an old mailbox often has rust problems that will greatly reduce its usable life.

- carefully remove the flag from the side, retaining this for replacement at the end of the project.

- thoroughly sand the entire exterior of the box. top, sides, bottom, and both the front and back door.

- wipe the entire sanded area with a tack cloth to remove all traces of dust.

- using a good quality, exterior grade, white or light grey, rust resistant primer, spray the entire exterior of the mailbox. Be sure to work in an appropriate place - outside, or in a well ventilated area where over-spray will not be an issue, use drop-cloths as needed. Make sure you get the primer into all the small areas where, in future, water might settle and cause rust.

- using acrylic, colour-fast, paints and brushes (there are some craft paints specifically intended for outdoor use,) or if you have the equipment and expertise, an airbrush and appropriate paints, paint your decorative design on the mailbox. You might want to add something "fun" on the back, and the address and possibly the family name(s) to the front door.

- allow the decorations to dry completely.

- top coat with a good quality, clear, exterior grade, protective spray sealer. Use several thin coats, and follow the instructions on the can for best results. Once again be sure to work in an appropriate area.

- allow the top coat to dry and cure completely - read the label.

- replace the flag on the side. This might be the time to replace the "standard" red flag with something appropriate to your decorations. For example add a red flower with an appropriate length stem if your decorations are "outdoorsy" of floral.

- mount the mailbox securely on the post (or wall) and enjoy.

Hand decorated mailboxes, despite the carefullest of work, do have a somewhat shorter life span.

Old decorated mailboxes that have rusted, or are no longer useful can be used as garden decorations, clothes pin holders, and birdhouses for robins and larger birds..

Several of the ones I have made for neighbours have finished their existence as impromptu bird houses on fence posts and in trees around our area.

Answer 5

Prime it first with an auto spray primer. Then paint with Tremclad Anti-rust paint in brush or spray.

Answer 6

Usually an enamel for exterior is used. This can be sprayed or brushed on. Good luck.

Answer 7

any paint that contains a rust inhibitor. Rustolium is an excellant one.

Answer 8

Use a 100% acrylic latex paint over a pre-primed door. If it is bare metal, use a 100% acrylic primer first.

Answer 9

A metal paint such as Tremclad or Rustoleum is best.