How to paint on metal?

Hi Judy. My name is Cindy. Rustoleum makes paint designed for metal. It comes in a lot of different colors. You can purchase it from your local Home Improvement store or Wal Mart. Wishing you well.

Since it’s already painted, you want to put new paint on top of that or strip it first?

If it was painted w/ enamel before, then it will have to be painted w/ enamel now. The same for acrylic latex paints.

In any case, the old paint surface must be free of oils/dirt, etc, lightly sanded and then cleaned w/ rubbing alcohol at a minimum.

Sounds like a fun project, Judy. there are actually quite a few articles on it. But this one seems to be the easiest and you will get the rustic look you are looking for:

https://www.hunker.com/13411588/how-to-paint-metal-to-look-old

What I want to do is apply a darker shade of paint and quickly wipe it off to "age' the look of the aqua metal somewhat. The aqua paint on the lantern does not have a shiny enamel look, I'm not really sure what it is. What do you think?

Just use acrylic latex paint or craft paint in the color you want. Apply it with a cloth and wipe off with a cloth until you get the desired affect.

Rustoleum makes a great textured spray paint , I would try hammered bronze ...

If you try the water-based method, then yes start with it diluted & be ready to remove it if you don’t like the “test” area.

By that I mean, have damp soapy rags ready to wipe off the test area if you don’t like the effect.

Keep in mind that most water-based paints dry darker than they go on wet.

I would dilute it just a bit to thin it out a little. Probably 25 % water and 75% paint. Not 50/50 like a white wash.

You can do it. Good Luck.