• Shop
    • Shop All
    • Designer Pillows
    • Skin Care
    • Fragrance Collection
    • Linens
    • Couture
    • Mirrors
    • Farmhouse Decor
    • Shopping Guide
  • Business Success
  • DIY Resources and Ebook Page
  • Contact Us

Hallstrom Home

Creating a Life Well Lived

  • Home
  • Shop
    • Shop All
    • Fragrance Collection
    • Skin Care
    • Designer Pillows
    • Linens
    • Couture
    • Farmhouse Decor
    • Mirrors
    • Shopping Guide
  • Business Success
  • DIY Resources and Ebook Page
  • Contact Us

All Posts, Painting, Tips · December 14, 2018

Painting Over Metal with Chalk Paint

Can you chalk paint metal? Of course you can, you can chalk paint just about anything! You will always see me Painting Over Metal with Chalk Paint. When it comes to chalk painting there are so many amazing options to do with it. I highly recommend giving chalk paint a try.

Painting Over Metal with Chalk Paint #chalkpaint#howtochalkpaint#chalkpaintingtips#chalkpaintingmetal#howtochalkpaintmetal#chalkpaintingrustedmetal#diy#paintingtutorial#paintingtips#chalkpaintingbook#howtogetstartedchalkpainting#furnitureupdate#refinishingfurniture#hallstromhome

Painting Over Metal with Chalk Paint

I get it, chalk paint can be a bit scary. But trust me it is so easy, there is barely any prep when it comes to painting. Chalk paint applies very easily and is a very easy product to work with. If you are unsure of how you should start using chalk paint, I have a perfect chalk painting ebook that will help the beginner learn the tips and tricks they will need to know. It tells you what paint brands to use and what ones not to. I also give the best tips as well as some tutorials so you can begin your chalk painting process.

 

Painting Over Metal with Chalk Paint #chalkpaint#howtochalkpaint#chalkpaintingtips#chalkpaintingmetal#howtochalkpaintmetal#chalkpaintingrustedmetal#diy#paintingtutorial#paintingtips#chalkpaintingbook#howtogetstartedchalkpainting#furnitureupdate#refinishingfurniture#hallstromhome

To begin my process of chalk painting on metal, I will usually just do a quick wipe down of the item with a wet wipe. Now if you are chalk painting over rusty metal, I would just give the piece a quick, light sand just to get off the flaky parts. But that is all you need to do when chalk painting metal, or chalk painting any piece. I have chalk painted many metal pieces like a metal door, metal tray, and I have chalk painted on rusted metal. All of the items turned out so great.

Painting Over Metal with Chalk Paint #chalkpaint#howtochalkpaint#chalkpaintingtips#chalkpaintingmetal#howtochalkpaintmetal#chalkpaintingrustedmetal#diy#paintingtutorial#paintingtips#chalkpaintingbook#howtogetstartedchalkpainting#furnitureupdate#refinishingfurniture#hallstromhome
Chalk Paint Tips

For this specific project, I did a chippy chalk paint on these metal bells. When doing this project I did not water down the chalk paint. If I was painting a bigger piece I would have. So if you are chalk painting on a metal desk or on metal outdoor furniture I would water down the paint. The ratio will be 1 cup of chalk paint to a 1/4 cup of water. You will apply it just the same as you would if you didn’t water down the paint.

Painting Over Metal with Chalk Paint #chalkpaint#howtochalkpaint#chalkpaintingtips#chalkpaintingmetal#howtochalkpaintmetal#chalkpaintingrustedmetal#diy#paintingtutorial#paintingtips#chalkpaintingbook#howtogetstartedchalkpainting#furnitureupdate#refinishingfurniture#hallstromhome
How to Paint Metal

To begin the process of chalk painting on metal, I will water down my paint if I need to. To get this chippy look I just applied Vaseline where I didn’t want the paint to stick. I have a post so you can read more details on how to chippy paint with chalk paint. Once I applied the Vaseline where I wanted, I then got my paint brush wet and wiped the excess water on a paper towel. I do this because it helps to keep the chalk paint down on the tip of the brush and prevents it from spreading up the brush. It also helps to apply the paint a bit easier and smoother.

Painting Over Metal with Chalk Paint #chalkpaint#howtochalkpaint#chalkpaintingtips#chalkpaintingmetal#howtochalkpaintmetal#chalkpaintingrustedmetal#diy#paintingtutorial#paintingtips#chalkpaintingbook#howtogetstartedchalkpainting#furnitureupdate#refinishingfurniture#hallstromhome
Painting Metal with Chalk Paint

After my paint brush is wet, I then just paint my piece. On small pieces like this I apply the second coat if needed right after the first coat is dry. But when doing larger pieces I wait a few hours then I apply the second coat. If you want a smoother look, I recommend watering down the paint. But if you wanted to have a bit of a thicker look just paint straight out of the can. This process can be done with any color of chalk paint. So here are some of my favorite items. My favorite white is Fluff by Dixie Belle. The other brand I love is Amy Howard. She has many beautiful colors to choose from.

Painting Over Metal with Chalk Paint #chalkpaint#howtochalkpaint#chalkpaintingtips#chalkpaintingmetal#howtochalkpaintmetal#chalkpaintingrustedmetal#diy#paintingtutorial#paintingtips#chalkpaintingbook#howtogetstartedchalkpainting#furnitureupdate#refinishingfurniture#hallstromhome
Painting Over Metal with Chalk Paint #chalkpaint#howtochalkpaint#chalkpaintingtips#chalkpaintingmetal#howtochalkpaintmetal#chalkpaintingrustedmetal#diy#paintingtutorial#paintingtips#chalkpaintingbook#howtogetstartedchalkpainting#furnitureupdate#refinishingfurniture#hallstromhome

Once your desired amount of coats are dry, it’s time to get the chippy look. I grab a wet wipe and start rubbing the metal. The areas that had Vaseline on it, will just wipe away. Then you have got the chippy chalk paint look. So if you are chalk painting metal outdoor furniture or anything that will be outdoors and you live in a rainy climate like me you will want to protect it. I use a non-yellowing poly spray. It helps protect the metal and makes them last longer. Another option is to use a clear wax.

Painting Over Metal with Chalk Paint #chalkpaint#howtochalkpaint#chalkpaintingtips#chalkpaintingmetal#howtochalkpaintmetal#chalkpaintingrustedmetal#diy#paintingtutorial#paintingtips#chalkpaintingbook#howtogetstartedchalkpainting#furnitureupdate#refinishingfurniture#hallstromhome
Painting Over Metal with Chalk Paint #chalkpaint#howtochalkpaint#chalkpaintingtips#chalkpaintingmetal#howtochalkpaintmetal#chalkpaintingrustedmetal#diy#paintingtutorial#paintingtips#chalkpaintingbook#howtogetstartedchalkpainting#furnitureupdate#refinishingfurniture#hallstromhome

If you want to know more about the products I use and to see what my favorite chalk painting paint brush is, take a look at my paint products page. I will leave a couple commonly asked questions about chalk paint below. Thanks for stopping by and if you have any questions leave it in the comments below.

Do you have to prime your piece before chalk painting?

No you don’t. Most of the time chalk paint will adhere great to any piece. Rarely you will have to sand down a piece.

Can you chalk paint wood floors?

Yes you can. I have a great tutorial on how I chalk painted hard woods floors in my daughters room.

Painting Over Metal with Chalk Paint #chalkpaint#howtochalkpaint#chalkpaintingtips#chalkpaintingmetal#howtochalkpaintmetal#chalkpaintingrustedmetal#diy#paintingtutorial#paintingtips#chalkpaintingbook#howtogetstartedchalkpainting#furnitureupdate#refinishingfurniture#hallstromhome
How to Chalk Paint Candle Holders
Painting Over Metal with Chalk Paint #chalkpaint#howtochalkpaint#chalkpaintingtips#chalkpaintingmetal#howtochalkpaintmetal#chalkpaintingrustedmetal#diy#paintingtutorial#paintingtips#chalkpaintingbook#howtogetstartedchalkpainting#furnitureupdate#refinishingfurniture#hallstromhome

Be sure to Share or Save!

  • Facebook
  • Email

In: All Posts, Painting, Tips

You’ll Also Love

Ideas on How to Stage Pillows |accent pillows|farmhouse decor|interior design|styling pillows|pillow tips|home style tips|farmhouse style|HallstromHomeIdeas on How to Stage Pillows
13 Beautiful Farmhouse BathroomsUpdating a Small Farmhouse Bathroom
DIY Cabbage Flower Arrangement|cabbage arrangement|floral arrangement|mothers day arrangement|diy floral arrangements|how to make a flower arrangement|floral arrangement for Spring|tablescape for Spring|how to make Spring floral arrangements|Spring bouquet|farmhouse tablescape|spring decor|spring tutorial|spring diy|Hallstrom HomeDIY Cabbage Flower Arrangement

Comments

  1. Tamura says

    November 29, 2022 at 8:24 am

    I have a Merry Christmas sign in metal and want to paint it Red so it will stand out on the wall. Should I just brush it on and then seal it with a sealer from Hobby Lobby?

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      January 10, 2023 at 1:19 pm

      Yes!!

      Reply
  2. rachel says

    June 11, 2021 at 9:31 am

    Thank you for this article! I was wondering if you think spray or brush on chalk paint would be better for painting the slim black metal frame of a glass-top end table white? I’m picking up the table tomorrow so I’m not 100% sure how it comes yet, but since it’s from walmart I’m assuming it comes disassembled/in pieces.

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      June 11, 2021 at 9:55 am

      I woould go with the spray so you don’t get brush marks. Just be careful that it doesn’t drip. If it does just wipe it with you finger and lightly spray that spot over.

      Reply
  3. Angela says

    May 8, 2021 at 11:48 pm

    I am hoping to chalk paint gold metal shower door frames. I plan on deglossing the metal first before I apply the paint. My concern is whether this will be water resistant when completed? Should I apply a sealer after to waterproof it & if yes, can you suggest one to use? TIA!!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      May 10, 2021 at 12:36 pm

      I would use Rustoleum oil based paint, because I haven’t used chalk paint around so much water before.

      Reply
    • Ethalfrida says

      August 5, 2022 at 11:13 am

      Did you finish your shower doors? How did it turn out? And what did you use for a finish… wax or urethane? Thanks in advance.

      Reply
      • Rhonda Hallstrom says

        August 18, 2022 at 4:07 pm

        For the finish i would use a polyacrylic by Crylon or the clear by rustoleum.

        Reply
  4. Susan Smith says

    May 5, 2021 at 3:56 am

    I have a vintage metal pitcher about 3 1/2 ft. High, I had over my cabinets. My color scheme has changed to blue so I would like to chalk paint it blue, to keep that vintage look. Right now it has tints of green. Should I water down the paint?

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      May 5, 2021 at 11:26 am

      I wouldn’t water the paint down. As painting vases it’ll need a thicker coverage.

      Reply
  5. Mary Mitchell says

    February 8, 2021 at 12:59 pm

    I have a large round black metal frame mirror and the metal has some scratches and paint imperfections on it. Should I use a black wax directly on the metal to cover the blemishes, or chalk paint with black then seal with clear wax? I appreciate your help really enjoy your blog!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      February 9, 2021 at 12:54 pm

      If it has deep scratches I would use fine sandpaper to even it out. If they are light surface scratches I would just paint the frame with black chalk paint then add your clear wax once the paint is dry.

      Reply
  6. Heather McGill says

    October 4, 2020 at 7:43 am

    I have a metal decor piece with raised parts in my livingroom. I need to change the colour of it . Should I paint it first with zinsser primer as I don’t know what they used to cover it after it was painted. I then want to paint linen rustoleum chalked paint on it . I have bought some silver rub and buff to put on parts of it but wondering if I could use some of the latex wall paint on it as well or if it has to be metal paint over the chalk paint. If not wall paint what about acrylic craft paint?

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      October 5, 2020 at 11:05 am

      Priming the piece wouldn’t hurt. Then you could go over the primer once it’s dry with the linen color. You could use your latex paint as an overlay for the piece.

      Reply
  7. Martina Podgorski says

    September 26, 2020 at 8:13 am

    I am planning to reuse my metal furniture and instead of using spray paint that I am afraid will streak, I want to chalk paint them black. They have many different curves too. What chalk paint should I use and what method of application should I use. I need to be able to cover all the intricate curves too. Thank you for any advise you can give. Martina

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      September 28, 2020 at 10:23 am

      I would use spray chalk paint because it doesn’t streak. But spray it softly, but if it does drip wipe the drip mark right away and then wait till it dries and do a light spray overtop. Using spray chalk paint will allow to get into all of the curves

      Reply
  8. Melissa says

    September 1, 2020 at 12:47 pm

    I recently tried to chalk paint my metal shower surround. The first coat went on fine but 24 hours later, I tried to put a second coat on and as I brushed the paint on, the first coat peeled right off along with the brush. I have chalk painted many items but have never seen this before. Any advice?

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      September 2, 2020 at 8:16 am

      The only thing I can think of is to prime it first. I hope that works

      Reply
      • Melissa Gunning says

        September 9, 2020 at 9:14 am

        What would you suggest is the best way to prime it? TIA

        Reply
        • Rhonda Hallstrom says

          September 10, 2020 at 8:07 am

          I would give it a very light sanding just so the chalk paint can stick better to the surface. If you are planning on painting it solid then you could prime after sanding. Then apply the chalk paint

          Reply
  9. Beth says

    August 3, 2020 at 4:37 pm

    For a metal door back door, what would I seal it with and would it chip like crazy?

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      August 4, 2020 at 10:43 am

      I prefer to use Fusion mineral on our doors because it has the sealer in it, here is our ebook to learn more on that. It may depend if your door is in direct rain but it still should be fine. Make sure it is completely clean with tsp to get rid of fingerprints and marks.

      https://www.hallstromhome.com/e-books/

      Reply
  10. Renee says

    June 22, 2020 at 11:07 am

    I’m chalking painting interior/exterior metal patio doors, what would you recommend as a sealer?

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      June 22, 2020 at 1:05 pm

      Hi Renee If you want a matte finish you can do a clear wax which I prefer, Or you can use a matte polyacrylic. Which also comes in other sheens like semi gloss. Hope that helps.

      Reply
  11. Nikki says

    January 8, 2020 at 10:11 pm

    I just chalk painted my kitchen tin tiles I use for back splash with line white chalk paint tomorrow I want to distress it a little and put a protective coat over it for moisture . What do u recommend I use for distressing and sealing . Could I just use a hand sander ?

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      January 9, 2020 at 8:27 am

      Hello Nikki! Yes I would say hand sand it. The best finish would be a clear matte polycrylic that you could brush on, it would make for easy cleaning. Otherwise I would use a clear wax, however it would be a little tougher to clean.

      Reply
    • Jessica says

      April 16, 2020 at 4:40 pm

      I am looking to do the same thing? Any pics of the finished product and anything you would do differently?

      Reply
      • Rhonda Hallstrom says

        April 20, 2020 at 8:33 am

        The finished product is the bells on the wreath. There is nothing that I would change in creating this!

        Reply
  12. Sandy says

    November 23, 2019 at 4:03 pm

    Thanks! Followed your suggestions on a vintage file cabinet that was in my fathers business and is, I think, from the 1940s. It was dark gunmetal gray and had a lot of sticky goo on it. Turned it white and kept the original silver label holders and handles using the sand then foam roller 2-coat technique. Fantastic! And so much more fits with my “happy colors” Decor. Thanks for giving me the courage… used Rustoleum Linen white…

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      November 25, 2019 at 8:18 am

      I am so glad I could help you Sandy! That sounds so pretty and it sounds like you did an amazing job!!

      Reply
  13. Judy says

    November 17, 2019 at 5:18 am

    I chalk painted a tray that I may put dishes on. What product do you recommend I use to seal that is durable?

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      November 18, 2019 at 8:31 am

      For food grade I use hemp oil, which is a great sealer for food and dishes!

      Reply
  14. Kevin Edwards says

    August 30, 2019 at 9:08 am

    I am trying to make a board for my son to use in his classroom. I am mounting a 2’x4′ piece of sheet metal, zinc played, to a plywood backing. I would like to paint the sheet metal with black chalkboard paint. This way my son can write on it as well as using the special magnets that will be used on it. Will the chalkboard paint work well on this type of metal?

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      September 2, 2019 at 12:19 pm

      Hello Kevin,
      I honestly have never painted chalkboard paint on sheet metal, I would use chalkboard vinyl that you can get on Amazon for cheap. I personally am not excited about painting chalkboard paint on anything, I haven’t had it look the best.

      Reply
  15. Kellene says

    March 29, 2019 at 5:03 am

    Can’t wait to tackle a cute little metal outdoor bistro set I scored at the thrift store a few weeks ago!!! Thanks for the tips!!

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      March 29, 2019 at 8:24 am

      That sounds amazing!! I’m sure they will turn out gorgeous!

      Reply
  16. Kim says

    December 14, 2018 at 9:40 am

    I just adore this creation Doesn’t it look like it could hang year round on the door a coastal, New England home? 🙌❤️ Just perfection

    Reply
    • Rhonda Hallstrom says

      December 17, 2018 at 1:52 pm

      Thx! Oh and yes it could!!

      Reply
    • Eve says

      July 30, 2020 at 12:55 pm

      Hi, I have a 50s metal ladder chair. Is painted in a horrible dark brown when I bought it. The color has chip in some areas. So you can tell is original color was blue. Is there is save way to bring it back to its original color? If not what do you recommend?
      Thank you

      Reply
      • Rhonda Hallstrom says

        August 3, 2020 at 9:47 am

        The only thing that comes to mind any paint remover could remove original. I would personally repaint with a spray paint because it goes on so easy and you can get the color you want. Hope that helps!

        Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Next Post >

13 Crafts for Christmas Break

hallstrom home

Hey there! I am Rhonda Hallstrom, creator and designer of Hallstrom Home. Making beautiful home decor is my way to inspire you to follow your dreams and amibitions. So come check out my shop and blog, I hope to get to know you. Thanks for stopping by at Hallstrom Home, Rhonda.

Subscribe By Email

Categories

Work With Me

My Story
Contact us

Policies
Our Guarantee

subscribe

Shop

  • Farmhouse Decor
  • Mirrors
  • Linens
  • eBooks

Copyright © 2023 Hallstrom Home · Site design by Your Marketing BFF