Metal wall art is a great choice for home décor because it adds a personal touch to any room. You can find the right fit for your room, but the metal wall art doesn’t go well with the decorating scheme. If the metal wall color isn’t to your taste, you can repaint it to match your choice. Also, as time goes on, the metal might get rusted, or the colors can fade over time, and there is the need to repaint the wall art piece.
Spray paint will be the best choice if you want to know how to paint metal wall art. This method will not leave brush strokes, and the paint will be applied evenly. It just takes a little effort to repaint metal wall art and restore it to its original form. We would outline the process and the important things you need to know to learn how to paint over the metal wall art. After painting your metal wall art, learn how to hang it properly onto the wall!
How To Prepare The Metal Wall Art For Repainting
You cannot start repainting your metal wall art immediately; before you begin the spray, you should make some preparations. Let’s walk you through them.
Here is a good reference for different metal paints.
| Metal Paint | Features | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| Rust-Oleum Metal Primer | Prevents rust | Iron and steel |
| Krylon ColorMaster Paint | Quick-drying | Metal, plastic, and glass |
| Valspar Metal and Plastic Paint | Durable finish | Metal, plastic, and wood |
| Dupli-Color Metalcast Anodized Automotive Paint | Creates a metallic finish | Automotive metal surfaces |
| Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Metallic Finish | Protects against rust | Outdoor metal surfaces |
| Plasti Dip Metalizer | Provides a metallic finish | Plastic and rubber surfaces |
1. Take The Metal Wall Art Into A Ventilated Area
First, you want to move the wall art to a ventilated area, this will make the paint dry faster. You should preferably take it outside; if it’s in a room, you should ensure enough ventilation in the area where you will work on your project. You should then place the metal wall art on cardboard to prevent flooring. Then you want to ensure you have put on a ventilation mask to avoid breathing fumes from primer coats and paint spray.
2. Cleaning The Metal Art
The metal art might have loose paint, dirt, or even rust. You need to use fine-grit sandpaper to clear the whole surface; you should preferably use 150-grit sandpaper for this work. This will ensure the metal is free from any dirt or rust. You should lightly sand the surface to remove any unwanted elements and particles on the metal surface. You can also use a wire brush to get rid of stubborn paint and rust on the paint.
You should then soak a rag or paper towels in Naphtha or any preferable solvent cleaner you have to wipe the container. This will help you eliminate all the fine particles left by the sandpaper and take care of the remaining dirt and grease particles left on the metal surface. Let the solvent evaporate and get rid of the rags used appropriately.
3. Using A Coat Primer
Priming is important before applying paint on metal and basically serves two purposes. First, it will help the paint to adhere to the metal surface better by acting as a good bonding agent, and they also boost the durability of the paint. The other major function they perform is that primer increases the metal’s resistance to corrosion. The primer’s components will help seal, clean, and protect the metal in humidity, rain, and salt areas.
The primer can be applied using various methods; you can use a roller, brush, spray gun, or spray can. Each product has application instructions; you must check them before applying them to the metal. The primer should be left to dry overnight before applying any paint. There are metal surfaces that may require a second coat. You can also add a second coat to protect your metal wall art better if there is a need.
When spraying primer coat on the metal, you should spray multiple passes on the areas lightly, this will prevent drips and runs. You have to spray on the most visible metal part and then let it dry. After the primer has dried completely, you should sand lightly. When applying multiple coats, you should use 220-grit sandpaper between the coats and wipe away particles left by sanding before applying the next coat.
It’s important to note that water-based primers shouldn’t be applied on metal surfaces. The best primer options you have are galvanizing primers, rust-inhibiting primers, and iron oxide primers. These are the options to look for when buying primers. Another thing to note is to avoid scratching the metal while sanding. You should sand lightly and gently on the surface to avoid scratching.
Type Of Paint To Choose For Painting Metal Wall Art
Depending on your budget, there are various options to choose from. We can categorize paints into two: water-based paints and oil-based paints. Which option is best to use on metal wall art? Keep reading to find out.
Oil-Based Metal Paints Are Suitable For Outdoor
If you’re using your metal wall art outdoors, the best option you have is an oil-based paint. This is because it’s more durable, resistant to staining and corrosion, water resistant, and other marks. They also create smooth surfaces, and you can take care of any flaws your wall art might have. Oil-based paints with a primer will help you create the perfect finish for your project. Since they’re more durable, oil-based paints are more expensive, unpleasant, and highly flammable.
Water-Based Metal Paints Are Suitable For Indoor Use
Water-based paints are the best option for indoor use. They are more affordable, and they dry faster than oil-based paints. However, they tend to fade quickly. The components are mostly rubber-based mixtures, acrylics, or vinyl. If you’re using water-based paints, it’s advisable to use oil-based primer for your coat. This will help protect the metal wall art better.
Spray Vs. paint brush
The best and easiest way to paint metal surfaces is by spraying. This also applies to your metal wall art; a spray doesn’t leave brush strokes as with the case of using a paintbrush. Using a spray has become more popular because it’s inexpensive, doesn’t leave a hard finish, and it’s easier to use. Let’s see why you should use a spray rather than a paintbrush.
- Achieve A Flawless Finish; A single coat of spray paint will give you the same result you will achieve with 6 coats of paint applied with a brush. It will give you better results because there will be no stray bristles or brush marks. With a spray, you can achieve a smooth finish on your painting projects.
- Dry Faster; A spray-painted surface will dry faster than a brushed surface. With spray paint, you don’t need to worry about smudged surfaces. Sprayed paints can dry within 45 minutes, while brush paintings require a minimum of 5 hours.
How To Repaint Your Metal Wall Art
Now that you have made all the preparations, it’s time to repaint your metal wall art. You can repaint it in a few simple steps outlined below.
How To Repaint Metal Wall Art With A Spray
- Shake the paint can multiple times before you begin an application; this will mix the paint components and help you get a flawless finish.
- Then you hold the paint can 6-12 inches away from the metal wall art; by doing this, you can protect the paint from pooling.
- Start spraying on the metal wall art with long and weeping motions. You should spray on one spot; if you notice excess dripping, you must wipe the area and spray again. Maintaining the same position while spraying across the metal wall art is important.
- You should apply 3 coats of spray on your metal art for best results. You should wait for the paint to dry in between the coats.
How To Repaint A Metal Wall Art With A Brush
- You should mix the paint according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
- If the paint is too thick, you should add mineral spirits to break the thickness. You have to do this because if the paint is too thick, you will have brush strokes on the surfaces, and it will take longer to dry.
- Once your paint is ready, you can begin application using a high-quality bristle brush.
- You should paint a thin layer on the surface, and you can apply multiple layers of coats if necessary.
- Let the paint dry and cure; it can take up to 36-48 hours before a metal cure. Make sure the paint isn’t exposed to high temperatures or direct sunlight. Just place the art in a well-ventilated area.
We have answered your most popular questions about painting metal wall art.
What Kind Of Paint Do You Use On Metal Art?
Oil-based paints and enamel are best suitable for metal art because they create a tough finish.
Do I Need To Prime Metal Before Painting?
Yes, you need to prime the metal before painting. It helps the paint stick to the metal and protects it from corrosion.
Can I Paint Metal Wall Art?
Yes, you can paint metal wall art, and it’s preferably done with a spray.
What Paint Will Stick To Metal?
Oil-based paints tend to adhere to metal surfaces more than other types of paints.
How Do You Paint Exterior Metal Art?
Start by cleaning the metal art, prime the surface, and apply your paint with a spray or paintbrush.
In conclusion, you can see that learning how to paint over metal wall art isn’t a big deal. You need to clean your piece, get the right paint and tools and then get to work. Follow these steps if you want to learn how to paint a metal sun wall art.