We don’t use random paints for wooden surfaces that may result in damage. Instead, depending on the wood quality, we select suitable paint following the instructions. To protect the metal from potential harm, you must know the usage processes of metal paints that protect metals and wood. Metal paints can work well on wood and give almost a similar kind of protection it provides on metals.
Reasons for Using Metal Paint on Wood
There are numerous reasons why you prefer using metal paint on wood to natural wood paint. Usually, natural wood paints are quite expensive; therefore, you don’t feel the need to purchase wood finishes for smaller wood surfaces. So why should you invest in new wood paints when there are some metal paints around you?
Vibrant metal paint can upgrade the look of your woodworking project. If you are out of budget but enthusiastic enough to finish a DIY woodworking project, consider painting that item with metal paint. It is a cost-effective and effortless solution for any DIY woodworking enthusiast.
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Difference between Metal and Wood Primer
Wood primers are very effective when painting the wood as they work like a foundation to help the wood adjust to the paint and look great. Wood primers are created in a way that helps to prevent the natural tannin acids contained in the wood. On the contrary, metal primers contain some additives to protect the metal surface from rusting.
Wood and metal primers are too good to use before painting the wood and metal surfaces. The formulation of the primer helps the paint to stick to the surface. In addition, it creates a texture that allows the paint to be long-lasting and hides the blemishes of the surface to which the paint is applied. The purpose and job of these two primers are similar, but you might need to follow different ways to make the paint suitable for the surfaces they are applying.
6 Steps to Use Metal Paint on Wood
Metal paint can be used to paint wooden doors, trim, window frames, moldings, and other surfaces that bear metal paint. Many complain about metal paint’s durability on wood, but you can get excellent results if you follow some basic steps. Let’s walk through the steps-
Step 1: Preparing the Wooden Surface Well
The first and foremost purpose of painting something is to ensure durability. There is proofs that metal paints don’t give a durable finish on wood when the surface is not prepared as required. Poor preparation on the wooden surface can’t give you the expected result.
Use medium grit sandpaper for smoothing and cleaning the wooden surface first. Later, use a wet cloth to wipe away the wood, and then use a dry cloth. Finally, let the wood surface be dry and clean. The process needs to be followed on painted or bare wood.
Step 2: Cover the Area You Don’t Want to Paint
Take painter’s tape to cover the areas on the wood surface that you don’t want to paint. If the tape is not around, you can use an old newspaper or a plastic drop cloth as an alternative to cover.
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Step 3: Apply Primer
Use the best primer to work on wood for metal painting. First, add the primer to a painting pot and mix it perfectly. Once the mixture is done, apply the primer with a paintbrush. After that, leave it to dry for at least three hours.
Step 4: Stir the Metal Paint
Once the coat is dried, you can apply the first coat of metal paint on the wood. Stir the metal paint correctly with a stick. All the ingredients of the metal paint must be mixed properly.
Step 5: Apply Metal Paint
Now, you are ready to apply the paint to the wood. Take a paintbrush and dip it into the paint. Apply very gently to the wooden surface.
Step 6: Apply the Coats Consecutively to Get the Best Result
After applying the first coat, you should wait for it to dry overnight and set it on the wood nicely. However, you may need to apply multiple coats when only one is not enough to give the desired result. After each coat application, sand the wood surface using fine-grit sandpaper.
Additional Tips to Remember
- It would help if you used the primer before applying the first coat of paint.
- Ensure the wood surface is sufficiently dry. The moisture on the wood will make the project more time-consuming and difficult.
- Try to avoid applying a thick layer of a coat. When one coat is not enough, you should use multiple layers of coat but make sure the layers are thin.
- All the metal paint might not be as durable and stable as you want. So, if the metal paint doesn’t suit your wood surface, choose another paint or try to use something that can help the wood to adjust to the paint.
- Don’t apply the next coat if the previous one is not dried completely.
- A good quality painting gives a better finish on any surface while painting. Use the paintbrush from top to bottom. It is not a good idea to overload the brush to avoid splashes. Instead, try to take sufficient paint on the brush in each stroke.
- Check out the instructions mentioned in the labeling and packaging to avoid a mess or know the correct procedures to paint.
- Don’t rush while sanding the wooden surface before painting. Instead, use fine-grit sandpaper to prepare the surface well.
- If you need technical information about the procedures, get help from an expert or a paint merchant who can guide you well.
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FAQs
How sticky is metal paint to wood?
Metal paint can be soaked into the wood very finely. Before using metal paint on wood, you should use a primer or thinned mist coat.
Is there any specific color option I should pick from metal paint for wood?
Any metal paint color, like gold, bronze, silver, copper, chrome, etc., is suitable for your woodworking projects. You can use any color with a brush or spray to get fantastic results.
What are suitable metal paints for wood?
Rustoleum and Hammerite are two famous metal paint brands widely used for metal. These metal paints are suitable for metallics and wood surfaces to create a fabulous metallic effect.
What paint to avoid for wood?
Metal paint creates a metallic effect on any wood surface, but you should use non-toxic paint on products like wooden toys for kids, birdhouses, or any particular purpose that doesn’t require any paint.
Final Thoughts
You can use metal paint not only on metal surfaces but also as paint for wood frames. Hopefully, this content answers your confusion regarding ‘whether can you use metal paint on wood and the steps you need to follow for metal painting on wood surfaces. You will quickly get impressive results if you follow the above instructions correctly.
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