How to Paint a Metal Surface

Painting metal can brighten even the ho-hum.

Metal is versatile and durable. It is used to make toys, plates, roofs, and everything imaginable. However, metal can be a little plain. To make it brighter and interesting, you can paint it. The trick is painting the metal surface so that the paint will stick and not flake off. Preparing the surface properly is important.

Things You'll Need

• Non-alkaline cleanser
• Rubber gloves
• Rag
• Zinc chromate primer
• Brushes
• Exterior paint
• Citrus-based cleanser
• Sandpaper
• Steel wool

Instructions

Aluminum

1. Pour non-alkaline cleanser onto a rag and thoroughly clean the surface of the aluminum. Let it dry.

2. Apply a coat of zinc chromate as a prime coat, using a brush. Make sure the aluminum is thoroughly covered before continuing. Let it dry.

3. Apply an exterior finish coat of any color, using a brush.

Toys

1. Disassemble the metal toy as much as possible and clean it with a citrus-based cleanser and a rag to remove any grease and dirt.

2. Remove any chipped paint on the metal toy with steel wool or sandpaper. Clean the toy again to remove any dust and paint chips. Let it dry,

3. Roughen the surface of the metal toy with sandpaper or steel wool so that the paint will stick. Clean it again to remove any dust and let it dry.

4. Apply metal primer with a brush. Make sure that the coat is a thorough one, covering the toy completely. Let it dry.

5. Apply a finish coat to the metal toy, using a brush. You may have to apply more than one coat, especially if some of the original paint was damaged. By adding more paint, you even out the surface of the toy.

References

• Antique Antiques: Anitique Metal Toys
• Very Handyman: Metal Painting Info