# painting metal **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 13, 2009, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/painting-metal/499627 "2009-06-13T01:28:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![dragonlady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f8ce5/32.png) [@dragonlady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dragonlady)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2009, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/painting-metal/499627/1 "2009-06-13T01:28:59Z")
I’ve seen it done on TV, but don’t remember the instructions. I want to paint a light fixture, presently brushed silver toned metal, to match the antique bronze that is in the rest of the kitchen. Any ideas? ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Awesome](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a698b9/32.png) [@Captain\_Awesome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Awesome)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2009, 10:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/painting-metal/499627/2 "2009-06-13T10:01:21Z")
Preparation is key to painting metal. Assuming there’s no rust and depending on how rough the brushed finish is already, you’ll need to texture the surface with a fine sandpaper. Then clean thoroughly with soap and water and leave it to dry. Next, it’s best to apply a base-coat of metal primer, nothing special and any hardware store should have something appropriate. Again lightly sand this when dry, and then finish by applying several coats of a bronze effect metallic paint. Multiple light coats are better than trying to apply one thick one. There are a range of bronze shades available online and elsewhere (try hobby/modelling shop), so you should be able to get an approximate match. The choice of brush finish or spray can is up to you, though if it’s a complicated light fitting spraying is probably easier and would give you a more even finish. Obviously follow any additional instructions on the side of the tin/can. ---
**Author:** ![dragonlady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f8ce5/32.png) [@dragonlady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dragonlady)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2009, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/painting-metal/499627/3 "2009-06-14T03:33:55Z")
Perfect! Just the info I needed. Thanks Capt! ---
**Author:** ![Rental\_Lease](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rental_lease/32/7288_2.png) [@Rental\_Lease](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rental_Lease)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2009, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/painting-metal/499627/4 "2009-07-08T18:35:55Z")
There are mix-ins you can buy and mix in yourself with the paint, that can help the paint hold and last longer on metal surfaces. I have a residential lease unit with a tin roof that we painted red a few years back, and it worked out pretty well, although I have to admit I didn’t do the work myself, a contractor did it. Unfortunately I can’t remember a specific brand that makes them, but it’s worth asking the people at paint dept. at home depot or wherever about. Best of luck, * * * Brian