How to apply paint directly on to rust or bare metal

Discover simple tips and tricks to transform your rusty or bare metal surface with metal paint and bring it back to life in no time.

Use a roller to cover large areas fast and efficiently. And better use a brush for painting metal surfaces with tight corners and reaching those areas where a roller just can’t come.

Simply follow our step by step process to paint your metal surface.

Before we start the metal project, we flick the bristles back and forth to remove dust and loose bristles from the brush.

'Whether you’re breaking in a new brush or picking up a used one, be sure to moisten it first. Remove any dust by flicking the bristles back and forth and then moisten it with water.

If you’re using an oil-based paint you should wet the brush with turpentine rather than water. Clean off any excess liquid on an old paper before moving on to painting.

Dip the brush 1/3 the length of the bristles into the paint. Tap the brush against the outside of the can to get rid of excess paint don’t press let it flow naturally.

Tip: Pour a thin layer of metal paint into a tray or a cut bucket, this way you don’t risk the paint in the can getting contaminated. Dip the brush in for about ⅓ of the bristles’ length and tap the brush gently against the side of the tray to prevent dripping. Don’t press or wipe, the bristles should only flex slightly so the paint can flow from the brush naturally.

Hold the paint brush at about 45 * degree angle using several diagonal strokes. Then apply the paint on the metal surface (rusted or bare). 

Start at the top and work down, painting with light even strokes working back in to the wet edge,

When painting a smooth/large area by brush, paint over the top with horizontal strokes to even out the metal paint. Ensure the first coat is dry before applying the second coat.