Full hardness is achieved in one week, and it’s recommended to handle painted items with care during this time. Results might not be satisfactory if the product is applied in damp conditions or temperatures below 10°C. Consistency may or may not be satisfactory, depending on what you’re painting. High viscosity paint is great to work with on wrought iron or small surfaces because it doesn’t drip. Apply the primer following the manufacturer’s instructions and cure the surface for at least 24 hours before applying the paint.

Bare surfaces should be sealed with a metal primer or anti-corrosive sealer. The same treatment may be required on surfaces which are in poor condition. Some outdoor metal paints already contain a primer and undercoat in their formulation, but it’s easy to prolong their lifespan with a good pre-paint treatment. This is specific for ferrous and non-ferrous metals, insulating the surface from rain and humidity from outside and inside. Its three-in-one formula allows applying the paint onto rusty metal without using a primer or undercoat. In fact, this product acts as a primer, undercoat and topcoat on its own. This feature reduces redecoration time and costs. Our favourite thing about this paint is the low content of volatile organic compounds. The product is safe to use in enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces and it cleans easily from brushes and rollers. Preparing the surface is key to achieving satisfactory results. For a good paint grip, the surface has to be cleaned and degreased. Remove all stains, old flaking paint, grease, oil, and rust from the surface. This is important even when the product claims to do the job when painted onto rust.If the product is compatible with a sprayer system, the best way to paint outdoor metal is with a sprayer. This power tool minimises work and will deliver a smooth and even result. Particular caution should be taken when using the product indoors. Volatile organic compounds in the paint can cause irritation or allergies when handled in poorly ventilated spaces. Limit indoor application, use a protective mask and keep windows open during the application process. Hammerite’s brilliant gloss finish is smooth to touch and elegant to the eye; the product comes in 12 traditional and contemporary shades – all easy to match with the overall style of your space. Providing years of protection, Rust-Oleum Gloss covers up to 9m²/litre depending on application method and rate, and porosity of the surface. Ideal for outdoor and indoor use on a variety of materials, the product touch dries in two hours and can be recoated after 16 hours.

Apply painter’s tape to areas not to be painted and lay a drop cloth under the object to avoid staining the pavement. Stylish and equally classy is copper. Enhancing a luxurious yard or a romantic English garden, this hue mixes well with evergreen vegetation, looking at its best on wrought or cast iron and galvanised steel. Designed for the protection and decoration of outdoor metal surfaces and objects, the product is versatile and easy to apply. Thanks to its multipurpose formula, the paint can be applied onto rust without using a primer or undercoat. Green is another popular choice. Blending perfectly in any outdoor setting, this colour is ideal for all structures and accessories, from fencing to furniture. It also pairs well with neutral tones like sand or beige; light cream is another natural shade to consider if you like classic elegance.

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Covering up to 5m²/litre, the product comes in 250ml tins, although other sizes are also available. With a fast drying time, the product can be re-coated after four hours and is ideal to apply to metal doors and gates, railings, garden furniture, and more. Traditional colours include white and blue. White is a beautiful choice in both urban and rural environments; it has a unique elegance and pairs with all other colours. Blue is ideal to use in a coastal area, inspiring freshness. Compatible with a wide range of materials, including masonry, plaster, ceramic, and plastic, the product produces its best results on bare wood or ferrous metals. Outdoor metal objects and surfaces, including galvanised doors and aluminium railing and sides, have to be protected against rust and elements with a suitable outdoor metal paint. An array of latex and oil-based paints are suitable for the purpose, but oil-based products generally perform better against adverse weather and elements.

The only downside of this method is waste. A sprayer takes up a lot of paint, so make sure to account for this when choosing the quantity. Apart from this, the process is straightforward. Fill the reservoir with paint, put on protective equipment and spray paint the objects from 10-15cm of distance. Thinner paints can be applied with a roller on solid surfaces like garage doors or gutters. On wrought or cast iron, the best results are achieved with a paintbrush or sprayer.