How To Spray Paint Metal

When learning how to spray paint metal, you may have an easier time than you think. One of the most important things to remember is that slow and steady is best. Spray painting metal is a great way to liven up old metal furniture, appliances or railings.

To spray paint metal, you will need:

• Spray paint (use heat-resistant paint if repainting a grill or stove)
• Sandpaper
• Cheesecloth
• A wire brush
• A drop cloth or newspaper
• Plastic
• Tape

1. Prepare the area. Using the drop cloth or newspaper, prepare the area around and under the metal object to be spray painted. Spray paint can be very hard to remove, so covering the surrounding areas will save a lot of work and possibly ruined items. Tape off any areas on the metal object to be spray painted that are not to be painted.
2. Remove the old paint. When you are spray painting something, you don’t necessarily have to remove all of the old paint, but you will want to use the wire brush and sandpaper to remove and loose and flaking areas. This will also remove any rust and create a better bonding surface for the new paint. When you are done sanding, use dampened cheesecloth to remove any dust particles from the metal.
3. Paint the metal object. In slow and even strokes, begin painting. Start spraying before the nozzle passes onto the metal and spray continuously until after the nozzle passes over the edge of the object. You never want to start or stop spraying directly above the object. Be sure to hold the spray paint eighteen inches away from what you are painting.