
Spray painting metal isn’t an easy job. It requires a lot of preparation and planning.
Other than that, the selection of the best paint is equally important. Being metal, the same goes for aluminum.
If you are a DIY/Professional spray painter, You have to be choosy, and strict in what you are buying. Bringing the intended color on metal surfaces like aluminum is a tough paint job. You have to apply multiple coats of the right paint.
If you are a newbie then it is obvious, that you will be standing in front of the sea of spray paints not knowing which one to buy. This is why our experts have recommended their guideline and their personal favorites for aluminum. We have arranged them below in a sequence.
What is the best paint for aluminum?
Painting on Aluminum might seem the most troublesome part of a painting. We are here to change that idea.
Most people fail in painting aluminum because of not preparing the metal surface properly. Other than that the success of spray painting aluminum depends mostly on selecting the exact paint for metal. It is difficult for the paints to adhere to a metal surface. The surface of aluminum being non-porous the spray paints don’t get the grip to hold on to it.
The best spray paint to paint aluminum should be oil-based paints. Oil-based paint because, it can hold on to metal or other surfaces very well. The good idea is to use heavy-duty paint with a good primer infused and full coverage.
What To Consider Before Buying The Best Spray Paint For Aluminum
The color:
The most important thing to consider is the color you want. If you are painting on metal like aluminum, it is hard to bring the color and finish you want. Manufacturers focus on this especially to bring the color right. But the shine and luster are often an issue.
Most paints tend towards dullness or flatness. So if you are looking for gloss and shine then there are limited options for you.
Ease of use:
Some paints come with primer included. If your paint doesn’t then you have to buy a primer separately as well.
Some paints are prone to clogging. It causes uselessness and waste of paint even if there are more paints in the can. Invest in some spare nozzles so that you can use your can again.
Durability:
There are different cans with different levels of durability. When you are painting aluminum look for the brand that can be used for both indoor and outdoor projects.
For such purposes a paint that can stand extreme heat, protects from UV lights, gives you rust and corrosion is the right one for you. Such durability makes spray paint different from others and perfect for metal painting.
Coverage:
The more your paint covers the saving you can make from painting. There are paints for aluminum that offer 2x/3x coverage. Some latest technologies prevent dripping or chipping. Read the label of the paint carefully before purchasing.
Drying:
The drying and hiding performance of paint is equally important as other features. A paint that dries fast and hides the metal dullness is considered best among the experts.
If you are in a hurry then fast drying formulas with low time dry-to-touch abilities are the ones that you should select.
Price:
We haven’t said anything about the price yet. The spray paints for metals might seem a little bit costly. But if you keep the above factors in mind you will definitely get the best-valued paint for the money.
6 Best Spray Paints For Aluminum:
Some master brands in the market specialized in painting aluminum. They are resistant to scraping and weather conditions. Not only this, they are great for professional and home usage. Some brands support the hobby and DIY painting project as well.
Our research has been narrowed down to a list of the best spray paints for aluminum. Check it for your individual preference.
1. Rust-Oleum 327875 American Accents Spray Paint - for professional performance
The Rust-Oleum American accent spray paint is heavy-duty spray paint for interior/exterior painting. The paint is made for any type of metal paint. This is what makes it eligible for painting aluminum.
The American accent delivers 2x coverage than other brands. The advanced double cover technology gives the paint a good hiding power. You get to complete your project faster and easier.
With Rust-Oleum American Accents spray paint you get long-lasting protection. The any-angle spraying ability gives you easy spraying advantages. You get to reach the hard-to-reach spots with ease.
The comfortable grip of the can doesn’t cause fatigue to the fingers. The paint dries to touch within 20 minutes only. The outstanding coverage of 12 sq ft and the durability of the paint make it a great choice for aluminum.
Not only the full coverage. The vivid colored high gloss paint provides a shiny-looking surface. The hiding capability of the paint gives you a professional finish on aluminum.
Pros
- For interior and exterior use.
- 2x coverage.
- Ease of spraying.
- Glossy finish.
- Excellent hiding power.
Cons
- No cons found.
2. Krylon ColorMaster Paint Primer - best glossy finish
You know how important primers are if you are painting aluminum. The Krylon ColorMaster is a two in one spray paint that you should use for a smooth finish. The primer in the paint seals it well and leaves a glossy finish.
The perfect combination of paint and primer boosts the drying time of the paint. The paint dries within 10 minutes or less.
Likewise Rust-Oleum American accent, Krylon color master also has a cover max technology that ensures premium coverage along with brilliant color. The durability of the paint ensures long time protection for your project. This is why you can use it to paint your aluminum for indoor and outdoor use.
Pros
- 2x coverage than other colors.
- Durable.
- Fast-drying formula.
- Dries-to-touch within 10 minutes.
- Glossy finish.
- Both interior and exterior grade paint.
Cons
- The odor of the paint is really bothersome.
3. Rust-Oleum High-Performance Enamel Spray Paint - for commercial applications
The rust oleum enamel spray paint protects your aluminum from rust. The finishing is tough, durable, and attractive. This is the paint and weathering protection that aluminum deserve., The paint gives the metal surface twice the protection than others.
The oil-based formula of the paint is high quality, and durable. This helps the paint to maintain consistency and provide a corrosion-resistant color.
A single can of Rust-Oleum enamel spray paint can spread up to a 14 sq ft area. It dries to touch within 15 minutes. Let it dry for an hour before putting on the second coat if you want to finish the project quickly.
The industrial paint formula comes in a can that has a high output tip.it allows the paint 50% more coverage. The ease of spraying the can at any angle gives it the ability to reach tough corners. You get a semi-gloss enamel finish from the paint that leaves a subtle glow on aluminum surfaces.
Pros
- Consistent, corrosion-resistant color.
- Semi-gloss finish.
- Oil-based enamel paint.
- Fast drying time exterior surface.
- Fast healing time.
- Outstanding coverage.
Cons
- No cons found.
4. Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint - best for DIY aluminum
Krylon Fusion has it all. It is an all-purpose spray paint that bonds with aluminum really well. You won’t have to worry about priming or sanding separately. The durability, 5x adhesion, and rust protection capability of the paint make it a real deal for spray painting aluminum.
The flat black spray paint is good for both indoor or outdoor aluminum works. The maximum rust protection, color changes do the job for you every time. No matter if you are doing it indoor or outdoor, you will be getting the same protection, same finish every time.
The coating is thin, smooth, and free of blemish. The paint runs out very evenly and nicely. It leaves no running or dipping or bubbles even if you are overdoing a place.
The fast-drying paint dries to touch within 20 minutes only. Wait for an hour before applying the coat again. The spray can have a big button to spray paint. The can holds 12 ounces of paint in it and covers 25 sq. feet.
Pros
- Fusion all-in-one paint.
- 5x stronger adhesion.
- No peeling guaranteed.
- Rust protection.
- Fade-resistant.
- Durable and protects from rust.
- Can be sprayed from any angle.
Cons
- Might go uneven if no sprayed accurately.
5. SEYMOUR 620-1415 Industrial MRO High Solids Spray Paint - best industrial finish
Seymour 620-1415 is an industrial-grade oil paint for metals. The rust-resistant formula of the paint protects your aluminum in the long run. The glossy exterior finish is really satisfying for the eyes.
The paint gives you 3-4 times more coverage than the other paints in the market. The paint doesn’t run or sag. Not only rust, but the paint also withstands weather, oil, gasoline, and other corrosive chemicals. It also resists abrasion and heat.
A single coat of paint has the hiding power to bring the old useless junks a brand new look. It even protects your aluminum projects from the UV rays of the sun. The paint can withstand extreme temperatures upto 300-Degree.
The paint is free from any types of lead, cadmium, or chlorinated solvents. This is why experts consider it less harmful for your body. You can spray paint aluminum if your children are around.
Pros
- 3x/4x coverage.
- Durable.
- Excellent hiding power.
- Free of harmful chemicals.
- Oil-based.
Cons
- Slow drying.
6. Dupli-Color Metalcast Coating - best protection and durability
Dupli color metalcast coating turns your old metal pieces into a jazzy art. The anodized effect of the color looks pearlescent and shifts the look to a whole new level.
With the right prep, your aluminum workpiece will look brand new. You have to apply primer before painting the surface. You might also have to apply a base coat.
The easy touch fan spray nozzle doesn’t tire your fingers so that you can work for a long time. The durable enamel finish is resistant to oil, gas, and heat. The paint can withstand upto 500 degrees Fahrenheit of heat. This makes the color of your aluminum workpiece withstand the weather for a long period of time and looks brand new for a long time.
Dry to the touch within 30 minutes and can be handled in 1-hour intervals. You can paint that aluminum mailbox, car, bike parts without any hassle.
Pros
- Durable and Good coverage.
- For interior and exterior usages.
- Can withstand heat.
Cons
- Slow drying.
- Late handling time.
How to spray paint aluminum? (5 - easy steps to success)
Before spray painting aluminum there are a couple of things that you will need. They are listed below.
- Spray paint
- Self-etching primer
- Sandpaper (Medium Grit)
- Cloth
- Primer for aluminum
- Respirator
- Gloves
Spray painting aluminum is a relief if it is a DIY project. We have narrowed the process into 5 simple steps. Follow these steps if you are struggling in painting aluminum.
Step 1: Preparing the surface
Your paint must get something to hold on to. This is why preparing the surface is important. Lightly sand the surface well using sandpaper before painting.
Proper scuffing makes the aluminum surface rough enough to paint. Don’t go crazy with it, just add a bit of texture using sandpaper of finer grit. It makes the next step smoother.
Step 2: Rub off the dirt
Use a cloth to rub off the dirt and old rag after the sanding process. This prevents uneven spreading of the paint on the surface. This also makes the surface ready for the paint.
Step 3: Rinse and dry the surface
After applying the coat, simply rinse the surface. Give it enough time to completely dry. Leave it for air dry. When the area is golden, it indicates that the surface is ready to be painted.
Step 4: Apply self-etching primer
The purpose of applying primers is that it creates a smooth, durable surface for your spray paint. Before starting the application it will be clever to take the setup outside. The harmful chemicals will be outside your home that way.
Apply a fresh coat of 3-4 layers and let it rest for 5 minutes before applying the next coat. For preparing the surface well, apply multiple times.
Step 5: Apply the paint
Now, It’s time to apply paint of your choice. It is important to evenly paint the surface for a good outlook. Hold the can accordingly and paint slowly and nicely.
Beware of dripping. For an even, durable coating, make sure to apply 2/3 layers of coating.
Tips: Give your new paint job to dry for at least a full day. If not, two for good measures. Keep the project away from dust, or debris so that the texture of the surface remains consistent.
Optional Step:
This step is a must if you are spray painting a project that will be heavily used or kept outside. In those cases, put on some extra layers of primer after the paint heals. It will seal the paint job for the long run.
Frequently Asked Question:
What Spray paint will stick to aluminum?
Ans: Not all spray paints are good for painting metals. oil-based, enamel spray paints that are thick and can stick to surfaces are best for painting aluminum.
Do I need to prime aluminum before painting
Ans: It has to be done. If you want good adhesion, finish, and durability, you must apply light coats of primer before painting. Apply the spray paint after the clear coat dries. The good news is many spray paint cans have primer in them. This is why you won’t have to worry about priming.
Does spray paintwork on aluminum?
Ans: Of course it does. If your job is critical, if there are tough spaces that you can’t reach using brushes, spray painting is a solution. If you want to paint your patio furniture, mailboxes, you can even use spray machines to paint if you’re doing any industrial project. Spray painting is easy and does the job for you. Even on aluminum.
Do you have to sand aluminum before painting?
Ans: This one of the preps you need to do before painting aluminum. If you don’t sand your metal surface well, there are chances that your paint won’t be able to give you the adhesion and finish you are looking for.
This is why we also recommend sanding aluminum well before painting on it.
Final Words:
When you are looking for the best spray paint for aluminum, there are few names that you will hear. Krylon, rust oleum products, etc are well known for their higher quality, durability, excellent coverage, in-home improvement spray paint. Not only this but also future damage protection make these brands more popular.
Still before bringing any final thoughts to your mind read the labels, know what you are looking for, and then decide.