Will Acrylic Paint Stick to Metal Surfaces?
Choosing the right type of paint is the first step in any painting project, and one of the most common questions we get as Tucson’s trusted house painters is, “Will acrylic paint stick to metal surfaces?” The short answer is yes, but a successful paint job requires thorough surface preparation.
As the top local painters with a long history of high-quality residential and commercial painting work, our experts at Wiese Painting Contractors, Inc. are your local experts for all things paint. Call us at (520) 327-3200 for more information about commercial painting, and keep reading to learn more about how to successfully paint metal with acrylic paint.
The Basics of Acrylic Paint
Acrylic paint is a comparatively new, water-based paint made from color pigments suspended in acrylic polymer mixed with binders and stabilizing agents. This composition not only makes the paint easier to work with than oil-based paint, but it also makes it an ideal choice for painting metal. Whether you want to paint metal doors, fences, railings, furniture, or decorative items, acrylic paint will adhere and give the finished piece a long-lasting coat of color.
Preparing Metal Surfaces for Acrylic Paint
The most important factor when considering the question, “will acrylic paint stick to metal?” is surface preparation. After stripping any existing paint or rust from the surface, use a wire brush or fine sandpaper to “rough up” the surface, so the acrylic paint sticks better. Wash the surface with soapy water and a soft cloth, allow it to dry, then sand it lightly once again before moving on to primer.
Priming Metal for Painting
Most metal surfaces benefit from a coat of primer before a paint application, but metals that don’t oxidize (like stainless steel) don’t require primer. Otherwise, choose a primer made for acrylic paint on metal surfaces, and apply two coats. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second.
Painting Metal with Acrylic Paint
Once the primer dries, apply at least two coats of paint, allowing them to dry between coats. An acrylic spray paint designed for metal typically provides the most even coverage and dries quickly. You can also apply acrylic paint with a brush or roller, but doing so will require additional coats of paint for full coverage.
Apply Sealant
A coat of varnish or sealant preserves the finish of painted metal objects against damage from moisture, UV rays, extreme temperatures, and abrasion. You don’t need to apply sealant if you use acrylic paint designed for outdoor use.
Get Answers to All Your Painting Questions
Now that you have the answer to “will acrylic paint stick to metal?” you may have additional questions about painting, like the advantages of oil-based vs. water-based paint. Our residential and commercial painting experts at Wiese Painting Contractors, Inc. are here to provide knowledgeable insights along with reliable, professional painting services for homes and businesses in Tucson, AZ, and the surrounding area. Call us at (520) 327-3200 to reach one of our painting experts and get all the information you need.
