Valspar is a major manufacturer of paints and coatings that produces a wide variety of products for both consumer and industrial uses. When it comes to painting metal surfaces, Valspar offers several specialized formulations to get the job done right.
Valspar Metal Paint Options
Valspar produces metal paints designed for use on interior and exterior metal surfaces like iron, steel, aluminum, galvanized metal, and more. Here are some of the main metal paint options from Valspar:
- Valspar Industrial Enamels – Oil-based enamels that provide durable, glossy finishes on metal. Available in many colors.
- Valspar Industrial Primers – Specialty metal primers that offer maximum corrosion resistance and adhesion to metal surfaces.
- Valspar MetalMax – Interior/exterior acrylic latex formula that resists chipping, fading, and stains on metal.
- Valspar Professional High Performance Coating – Two-component polyurethane that provides a smooth, protective finish on metal.
- Valspar Tractor & Implement Enamel – Durable gloss enamels made specifically for painting agricultural equipment.
Benefits of Using Valspar Metal Paint
There are several benefits that make Valspar a top choice for painting metal:
- Adhesion – Valspar metal paints are designed to bond tightly to iron, steel, galvanized metal, aluminum, and other metal surfaces.
- Durability – Formulas like the polyurethane coatings and enamel paints provide long-lasting protection against corrosion, weathering, and wear and tear.
- Weather resistance – Valspar exterior metal paints maintain their color and gloss through all types of weather conditions.
- Versatile options – Valspar offers metal paints for industrial, agricultural, consumer, and professional applications.
- Professional quality – Metal paints from Valspar provide professional-grade results, even for DIYers.
Preparing Metal Surfaces for Painting
Proper surface preparation is key to achieving great results with any metal paint. Here are some tips for getting metal ready for painting with Valspar:
- Remove any existing paint, rust, mill scale, or coatings using sanders, wire brushes, scrapers, or commercial paint removers.
- Wash surfaces thoroughly with a degreaser to remove oils, dirt, and other contaminants.
- Sand metal to achieve a uniform surface profile. Start with coarser grit sandpaper and work up to finer grits.
- Apply Valspar specialty metal primer to cleaned metal before painting. The primer will improve adhesion and corrosion resistance.
- For heavily rusted metal, a rust converter may be needed before priming.
- Fill any holes or cracks with metal-grade putty designed for exterior use.
Tips for Applying Valspar Metal Paint
Follow these tips to get beautiful, long-lasting results when painting metal with Valspar:
- Always read and follow the product instructions for best results.
- Use high-quality application tools – china bristle brushes, microfiber rollers, and airless sprayers designed for painting metal.
- Apply in thin, even coats allowing proper drying time between coats. Most formulas require 2-3 coats for complete coverage and protection.
- Maintain a wet edge and avoid lap marks by brushing/rolling from one end to the other in a smooth, continuous motion.
- Use floetrol or paint conditioner additive for easier brushing and rolling with latex metal paints.
- Apply in dry conditions when surface and air temps are between 50-90° F.
- Allow new paint to cure fully before exposing to heavy use, abrasion, or moisture.
Popular Uses of Valspar Metal Paint
Valspar metal paints deliver great results on many interior and exterior surfaces, including:
| Surface | Valspar Products |
|---|---|
| Wrought iron fences, railings, furniture | Industrial Enamels, MetalMax |
| Steel doors, equipment, machinery | Industrial Primers, Enamels |
| Galvanized gutters, garage doors, roofs | MetalMax, Industrial Primers |
| Aluminum siding, patio furniture, trailers | Industrial Enamels, High Performance Coating |
| Agricultural equipment, tractors, implements | Tractor & Implement Enamel |
Application Tips for Specific Metals
Painting different types of metal surfaces requires slightly different approaches. Here are some metal-specific tips for great results with Valspar paint:
Galvanized Metal
- Clean and degloss surfaces thoroughly to improve adhesion
- Use Valspar Galvanized Metal Primer before topcoat
- Sweep spray paint on evenly to avoid lap marks on large expanses
Wrought Iron
- Remove loose rust and scale with wire brushing and sanding
- Apply Valspar Rust Converter to transform and neutralize rust
- Use an oil-based Valspar enamel for durability and rust prevention
Aluminum
- Clean and sand aluminum to improve paint adhesion
- Apply 2-3 thin coats of Valspar Industrial Enamel or High Performance Coating
- Avoid applying paint too thickly to prevent cracking or chipping
Steel
- For new steel, remove any mill scale and rust
- Prime immediately after cleaning to prevent new rust
- Use Valspar Industrial Enamel for color and protection
Conclusion
Valspar offers a wide range of specialized metal paints perfect for both DIY and professional use. Their industrial-grade primers, enamels, and urethane coatings provide maximum adhesion, durability, and protection against rust on iron, steel, aluminum, galvanized, and agricultural metal surfaces. With proper metal preparation and application, Valspar metal paints will deliver long-lasting, professional-quality results. So for your next metal painting project, choose Valspar for finishes you can trust.
