To help you find the right paint for your rusty metal furniture, we’ve rounded up the best paint for rusty metal, according to DIY enthusiasts who have stained and painted their own furniture.
Read on for the full list of best paint for rusty metal.
Our Editor’s Best Paint For Rusty Metal Reviews
Rust-Oleum, Black, 248658 Rust Reformer Spray, 10.25 oz, 10.25 Ounce (Pack of 1), 11 Fl Oz

Key Features:
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This paint is designed to be used on any rusty metal surface in order to convert the rust to a flat black, paintable surface. This surface will be protected from future rusting.
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This paint is designed to adhere to rust, creating a surface that can then be painted over. The oil-based formula creates a bond with the rusted surface, making it easy to paint.
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This is a paint that will help to protect metal from rust. It will take 20-40 minutes to dry, and it is recommended that you wait 24 hours before applying a topcoat.
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This paint is designed to cover rust and provide a protective layer against further rusting. It can be used on metal surfaces that are already rusted, saving the time and effort of sanding down to bare metal.
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This paint for rusty metal can be sprayed in any direction, even upside down. It has any-angle spray technology.
Rust-Oleum 7769830 Stops Rust Spray Paint, 12-Ounce, Flat Rusty Metal Primer

Key Features:
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This paint is meant to be used on heavily rusted metal surfaces only, in order to prime them for further painting. It can be used on both exterior and interior surfaces.
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This paint is for rusty metal and it is oil-based. It provides a durable protective coating with excellent rust prevention.
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This paint is designed to cover rusty metal and will dry to the touch in 15-30 minutes. Each can will cover between 10-12 square feet.
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If you are looking for a paint to use on rusty metal that will provide a base for excellent adhesion and withstand demanding, heavy-use environments, then this is the paint for you!
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This paint is designed to create a smooth surface on rusty metal, so that topcoats can more easily adhere to it.
Rust-Oleum 249331 Automotive Rusty Metal Primer Spray Paint, 12 oz, Light Gray

Key Features:
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This primer spray paint is designed to protect heavily rusted surfaces from further rusting and deterioration. It can be used on metal surfaces such as fences, gates, and railings.
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This paint is designed to provide a rust-resistant base coat for cars, trucks, and other vehicles. The paint is oil-based and has a Stops Rust formula.
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The paint is a rust-resistant paint that can cover up to 12 square feet. It dries to the touch in 15 minutes and can be recoated.
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This paint is designed to protect metal from rust. It is a corrosion-resistant spray paint that provides more than twice the rust protection of enamels alone.
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This paint has a flat finish and can be covered with any topcoat. It has superior adhesion, making it ideal for painting rusty metal.
POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating- Gloss Black -1 pt – Stop Rust & Corrosion Permanently, Anti-Rust Non-Porous Protective Barrier

Key Features:
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If you’re looking for a paint to prevent rust on metal surfaces, POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating is a great option. It forms an impenetrable barrier to protect surfaces from water, chemicals, salt, and other corrosive contaminants. Plus, it can withstand everyday wear and tear.
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This paint is for rusty metal and it is a rust preventive coating. It dries faster when moisture is present and it forms an indestructible, hammer tough finish.
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This paint is for rusty metal and it is a two-step process. First, you remove grease, oil, and other foreign substances using POR-15 water-based Cleaner Degreaser followed with POR-15 Metal Prep to etch the surface and neutralize rust. Second, you stir POR-15 Rust Preventive Coating thoroughly, DO NOT SHAKE, and apply thin coats, minimum of two. The surface may be recoated or top coated when dry to the touch, typically 2 to 5 hours. If the surface will have exposure to UV light, then it should be topcoated.
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This paint is for rusty metal and it is a rust preventive coating. It is for automotive, farm, industrial, commercial marine, and construction industries. It has excellent surface tolerance on porous surfaces, such as wood, fiberglass, concrete, bricks, and more.
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POR-15 paint is a rust-preventative paint that is known for its 3-step stop rust system. The company is committed to innovation, quality control, and excellent customer service.
Rustoleum Stops Rust 7769 730 Hp Stoprust Rstyprim

Key Features:
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This paint is designed to provide a durable, protective coating that resists rust and corrosion on metal surfaces. It is ideal for use on items such as fences, railings, and outdoor furniture.
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This paint is for rusty metal and it is a dark brown color.
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This paint is designed to provide a base coat for rusty metal surfaces. It helps to prevent rust and corrosion while providing a smooth surface for paint or other finishes.
- paint is a paint that is designed to look like rusty metal. It is a dark brown color with a bit of orange in it. The paint is meant to be used on metal surfaces, and it will give the metal a rusty appearance.
Krylon Automotive Rusty Metal Primer, Flat, Red, 12 oz, KA8647007, Red Rusty Metal Primer

Key Features:
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This paint is designed to cover rust and provide a protective coating. It comes in a can and is applied with a brush or roller.
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This paint is for rusty metal and it weighs 6.17 pounds.
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This paint is specifically designed for painting over rusty metal, and it is made in the United States.
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This paint is designed to cover rusty metal and protect it from further rusting. It is a dark color that will cover the metal completely.
Rust-Oleum 7798502 Stops Rust Brush On Paint, 1 Quarts (Pack of 1), Semi-Gloss Black, 32 Fl Oz

Key Features:
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This paint is for rusty metal and it is weather and corrosion resistant. It protects exterior and interior surfaces like wood, metal, concrete, and masonry.
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This paint is for rusty metal and it is oil-based. It provides a durable protective coating with excellent rust prevention.
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This paint is for rusty metal and it dries to the touch in 2-4 hours. It can cover up to 100 sq. ft.
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This paint is designed to resist wear and tear, fading, and chipping, making it an ideal choice for painting rusty metal surfaces.
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This paint is for rusty metal and has a semi-gloss finish that will provide a subtle shine on surfaces.
- Paint for Rusty Metal
This paint is perfect for achieving superior coverage on rusty metal surfaces. It is a high-quality paint that will provide long-lasting protection against rust and corrosion.
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This paint is for rusty metal and is superior in durability.
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This paint is excellent for chip resistance and is perfect for rusty metal.
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This paint is for rusty metal and it resists fading.
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This paint is not for sale in Catalina Island.
Rust-Oleum 7780502 Stops Rust Protective Enamel Paint, 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 1), Flat Whtie Clean Metal Primer, 12

Key Features:
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This paint is for rusty metal and it is weather and corrosion resistant. It bonds tightly to exterior and interior surfaces and provides excellent adhesion for top coat.
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This paint is for rusty metal and it is oil-based. It provides a durable protective coating with excellent rust prevention.
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This paint is meant for rusty metal and will dry to the touch in 2-4 hours. It can cover up to 90 sq. ft.
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If you are looking for a paint to use on rusty metal that will provide a base for excellent adhesion and withstand demanding, heavy-use environments, this is the paint for you!
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This paint is designed to create a flat white finish on rusty metal that can be covered with any topcoat.
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This paint is for rusty metal and it provides lasting protection and beauty.
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This paint is perfect for rusty metal, both indoors and out! It’s a great way to protect your metal surfaces from rust and corrosion, and it looks great, too!
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This paint is ideal for protecting metal surfaces from corrosion. It is durable and resistant to rust, making it a great choice for outdoor applications.
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This paint is for rusty metal and it is superior coverage.
Rust-Oleum 353346 Stops Rust Turbo Rusty Metal Primer Spray, 24 oz, Flat Red

Key Features:
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This is a professional-grade paint for rusty metal that will allow for a faster project completion.
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This paint is for rusty metal surfaces and provides excellent rust prevention.
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This paint is designed to cover up to 20 square feet of rusty metal, and dries to the touch in just two hours. You can apply a second coat within one hour, or wait up to 48 hours for the first coat to fully dry.
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If you are looking for a paint to use on rusty metal that will provide a base for excellent adhesion and withstand demanding, heavy-use environments, then this is the paint for you!
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This paint is designed to create a surface that is easy for topcoats to adhere to. This is a great option for painting rusty metal, as it will help to create a smooth and even surface.
TotalBoat Rust Primer Converter (QUART) | Metal Treatment Stops Rust For Professional Repairs

Key Features:
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This paint is designed to stop rust in its tracks by converting it into an inert substance. This will leave the surface ready for primer or paint.
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This paint is for rusty metal and it is ideal for rusted metal on cars, campers, trucks, trailers, bikes, boat trailers, outdoor metal railings, steel doors, rebar, tools & more.
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This paint is perfect for restoring rusty metal and protecting it from further rust and corrosion. It seals out air and moisture to keep your metal looking new.
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This paint is for rusty metal and is easy to apply. You can brush or spray it on iron, steel, or stainless steel. Just use a wire brush first to remove any flaky rust or loose paint, apply Rust Primer & let it dry overnight.
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This paint is designed to provide a high level of coverage for rusty metal surfaces. It is available in both quart and gallon sizes, and can be used for both DIY and professional repairs.
Paint For Rusty Metal FAQs
1. What kind of paint should I use for rusty metal?
A paint specifically designed for rusty metal should be used for the best results.
2. How do I remove rust from metal before painting?
There are a few ways to remove rust from metal before painting. You can use a wire brush to scrape off the rust, sandpaper to sand it off, or a chemical rust remover.
3. How do I prepare metal for painting?
The best way to prepare metal for painting is to sand it down with a high-grit sandpaper. This will create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. You can also use a primer specifically designed for metal surfaces.
4. What are the best techniques for painting rusty metal?
There are a few different ways to go about painting rusty metal, depending on the severity of the rust and the desired results. For light rust, sanding and priming the metal before painting is usually sufficient. For more severe rust, it may be necessary to use a rust converter or rust removal product before painting.
5. How do I achieve a smooth finish when painting rusty metal?
The best way to achieve a smooth finish when painting rusty metal is to use a primer designed for rusty metal, followed by a paint designed for metal surfaces.
Conclusion
There are many great paint for rusty metal on the market. Our list of the best paint for rusty metal will help you save time researching and choosing the best one for you.