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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Can I stencil with water down chalk paint on top of Rustoleum gloss spray painted metal? Also it would be outside all the time. Of so, what sealer would I use?
I would use a spray poly acrylic for sealing. If it is very watered down and liquidy it might seep through the edges. But if it still pretty thick I think you would be fine!
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?
Yes!!
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.
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.
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!!
I would use Rustoleum oil based paint, because I haven’t used chalk paint around so much water before.
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.
For the finish i would use a polyacrylic by Crylon or the clear by rustoleum.
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?
I wouldn’t water the paint down. As painting vases it’ll need a thicker coverage.
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!
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.
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?
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.
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
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
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?
The only thing I can think of is to prime it first. I hope that works
What would you suggest is the best way to prime it? TIA
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
I have used chalk paint on a pizza pan but it’s scratches off the paint and you see the metal. Is there something I can use to seal it so it won’t scratch thank you
whats the brand and did you wipe the metal down with tsp before applying. I just need more details before I can help
For a metal door back door, what would I seal it with and would it chip like crazy?
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/
I’m chalking painting interior/exterior metal patio doors, what would you recommend as a sealer?
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.
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 ?
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.
I am looking to do the same thing? Any pics of the finished product and anything you would do differently?
The finished product is the bells on the wreath. There is nothing that I would change in creating this!
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…
I am so glad I could help you Sandy! That sounds so pretty and it sounds like you did an amazing job!!
I chalk painted a tray that I may put dishes on. What product do you recommend I use to seal that is durable?
For food grade I use hemp oil, which is a great sealer for food and dishes!
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?
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.
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!!
That sounds amazing!! I’m sure they will turn out gorgeous!
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
Thx! Oh and yes it could!!
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
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!