How to paint metal?

Judy Jarvos
by Judy Jarvos

what do I need to do to prep an old metal school teacher desk to paint it for a durable finish ? I am repurposing my old marble counter from my bathroom Reno for the top. Hopefully it will end up being my potting bench .

  7 answers
  • Carol Sybrowsky Carol Sybrowsky on Aug 03, 2018

    When painting metal, be sure to sand it down to remove rust. Then use a Self-etching Primer (the gray spray paint that is used for automobiles). I do two coats of primer, two coats of paint followed by a sealer. You can use Matte, Satin or Gloss depending how shiney you want the finised product to be. Have fun!

  • As with any paint job, clean, dry, prime and paint! TSP is great to wash down your piece with. Then prime and paint. Be sure to use paint formulated for metal.

  • Thelma Thelma on Aug 03, 2018

    Hi jho8527582, Simply clean the desk real good, use sandpaper to roughen the finish a little, then use Rust-Oleum spray paint with primer (for metal) and spray it the color desired. After the paint is completely dry, seal it with a clear sealer.

  • Lori Lori on Aug 03, 2018

    All you need to do is sand any rust wash it with tsp and use a primer if it's going outside if you want to, then spray with a paint for metal. Easy peasy....And sounds like a great project. :)

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Aug 03, 2018

    Sounds like a great project! Clean up the metal. Peeling paint, rust, etc. can ruin a new finish. You can strip it, sand it and/or wire brush it. There is spray primer made by Rustoleum as well as gorgeous colors. I would paint it outside on a dry day, being thorough with the prep and primer.

  • Dwp7470b Dwp7470b on Aug 03, 2018

    Sandpaper and rust-o-leum paint.

    Or you can substitute for Sandpaper: newspaper and any Green Environmentally safe Paint Remover [Citristrip].

    As always, give metals a really good cleansing with dawn or other dishwashing liquid, and let it settle for a day, before applying Paint.

  • Judy Jarvos Judy Jarvos on Aug 03, 2018

    Thank you for your input and info. Looks like I could be busy this weekend :)