The 13 Best Paint For Cast Aluminum 2023 (Reviews & Buying Guide)

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One of the best ways to add shine and restore life to your cast aluminum is to use the best paint for cast aluminum. Besides offering protection from corrosion and rust, these paints are cheap investments that promise value on every purchase. Plus, the paints are excellent ways to undertake a project yourself rest-assured that the result won’t be a disaster. This review will help you to choose the best paint for your cast aluminum and will provide some insights on what to do and what not to do when you paint cast aluminum.

How to Paint Cast Aluminum

Preparation

The key to painting cast aluminum is in the preparation. While the job itself is pretty much similar to painting other surfaces, the difference lies in how you prepare the surface for the project.

• The first step is to clean the aluminum with degreasing agents and warm water.
• Use a paint stripper to remove old paints and rinse the surface. Let it dry and clean the surface with a clean cloth.
• Scrape the rust away as it prevents the paint from adhering properly.
• Sand the metal with fine and coarse grit sandpaper and wipe clean with a cloth
• Rinse with water to remove any dust and imperfections

Safety

Paints sometimes contain harmful chemicals and solvents. Although this is not supposed to be, it happens nonetheless. To prevent harmful exposure, we recommend that you work with dust gloves, masks, and safety goggles. More than painting, sanding sends dusty particles into the air, and breathing in such particles can be harmful to your health. Hence, to protect yourself from these effects, we recommend that you purchase a mask that is well-rated and certified to protect against dust and fumes.

Ventilation

The formulation of paints is such that it sometimes allows indoor usage, outdoor usage, or the two. The first step is to check the type of environment where the product can be used. Only use a paint indoor if the manufacturer suggests it. Even at this, we recommend that the area should be well ventilated. Since paints come with fumes, painting in a well-ventilated area reduces lightheadedness and headaches. Also, humid or rainy conditions are not the best time to paint as it affects the curing process. Hence, check the product label for instruction on where to use the paint. As a rule, when you are not using it outdoors, make sure that you leave the windows open in a large room for adequate ventilation.

Spray Paints

Spray paints are one of the easiest-to-use paint types as they allow an easy application with less stress on the fingers. The cans also allow you to spray from any position and allows more even application for DIY. However, there are different instructions for each can. An example of this is the variation in drying time. We recommend that you check the instruction labels for how to use the paints for effective results.

Coat and Dry Time

The dry time between coats depends on the type of paint that you are using. No one can tell you how much time you need to wait between coats besides the instruction guide on how to use them. You can judge the number of coats you want to apply, however, never assume the dry to touch time as it can spoil your project.

Product Review

The result of extended research is a list of the best paints for cast aluminum. We have not ranked the products in any specific manner, however, all the products listed below promise durable performance.

Rust-Oleum Available 245220 Universal All Surface Spray Paint

The Rust-Oleum Available 245220 Universal All Surface Spray Paint with metallic titanium silver color works on all surfaces including metal, fiberglass, vinyl, and more. Designed to prevent corrosion and rust for enhanced durability, the product has a fast-drying formula with 30 minutes drying time. What this means is that the paint is dry to touch in just about 30 minutes. An oil-based formulation ensures excellent adhesion. It also prevents chipping and resists fading for a long-lasting finish. The result is an attractive and shimmering metallic look your cast aluminum.

Rust-Oleum 248928 Automotive High-Performance Wheel Spray Paint

The matte black Rust-Oleum 248928 Automotive High-Performance Wheel Spray Paint prevents rust on metal wheels. Designed to cover up to 8 sq ft with 10 minutes drying time, the paint restores the original shine to your cast aluminum. Besides stopping rust and corrosion, a non-reflective finish provides a sleek look. As a plus, the 11 oz paint comes in a spray can that allows flexible usage without messing the environment. This also allows you to use the product rest-assured of exacting less stress on your body.

Rust-Oleum 7277830 Stops Rust Metallic Spray Paint

Another excellent product from Rust-Oleum, the Rust-Oleum 7277830 Stops Rust Metallic Spray Paint with matte nickel color is available in a can for easy application. The product contains actual metallic flakes and provides a shiny finish. Rich abrasion-resistance also reduces chipping and fading. Designed to dry under 20 mins, the oil-based formula has a protective coating. The coating prevents your cast aluminum from rust and also protects your surface from the weather. It can also be used on interior and exterior surfaces of your project.

Dupli-Color EMC100007 Ground Coat Metal Cast

Another exciting way to add life to your aluminum cast is to use the Dupli-Color EMC100007. Designed to achieve an anodized metal look on your non-metal and painted surfaces, the first primer is heat-resistant. A fast-drying ground coat also turns your chrome pieces to a transparent-colored metallic finish. Since the product is designed to work over metal and chrome-like surfaces, the enamel finish is heat, oil, and gas resistant.

Rutland Products Rutland 1200^O F Brush-On Flat Stove Paint

The Rutland Products Rutland 1200^O F Brush-On Flat Stove Paint will restore shine to your grill and old stove. Designed to work on chimney caps, grills, and stove, the paint adheres to steel, aluminum, cast iron, and other metals. Although the product does not require the use of a primer, do note that it is extremely flammable and vapors may cause flash fire.

Rust-Oleum, Flat Black 248903 Automotive Spray Paint

Designed for locomotive parts, the Rust-Oleum, Flat Black 248903 Automotive Spray Paint is oil and gas resistant. The product can withstand an intermittent temperature of up to 2000^O F. Since it is spray paint, an any-angle spray comfort tip makes it easy to apply over any surface. The paint can also cover up to 10sq ft and has a dry time of 30 minutes. For optimal results, we recommend that you let the paint cure as directed by the instruction on the product label.

Rust-Oleum V2176838 V2100 System High Heat Spray Paint

A direct-to-metal formula of the Rust-Oleum V2176838 V2100 System High Heat Spray Paint provides the best protection against heat and corrosion for lasting durability. Designed to withstand temperatures up to 1000^O F, the paint has an attractive heat-resistant finish. Extra-wide comfort nozzle reduces finger fatigue and allows you to spray from any angle. The high-output tip allows 50% faster coverage, and the enamel dries 20% faster than most brands.

Rust-Oleum 7777502 Protective Enamel Paint

Designed for indoor and outdoor applications, the Rust-Oleum 7777502 Protective Enamel Paint prevents rust for lasting protection. Coming from a brand that is available in varieties of colors and finishes, the product has a low-sheen satin finish. Oil-based material also allows you to coat the interior and exterior of surfaces like metal, masonry, etc. What’s more, the product covers up to 100sq ft and dries to touch within 4 hours.

Duplicolor DE1650 Cast Coat Aluminum

For gloss retention and maximum heat dissipation, the Duplicolor DE1650 Cast Coat Aluminum contains ceramic resins. These resins protect from automotive fluids and excessive heats from overexposure. The formula produces a finish that will not flake or crack. It can also resist temperatures of up to 500^O F. Designed for use on engine blocks and engine accessories, the product is dry to touch in 30 minutes with 1 hour handle time.

Seymour CA16-48 Cast Blast Spray Paint

Professional-grade coatings of the Seymour CA16-48 Cast Blast Spray Paint will restore shine to your cast aluminum engine parts and cast iron. Designed to resist the heat of up to 250^O F, the product is durable and has a fast drying time. The paint is also environment-friendly as it does not contain mercury, lead, cadmium, and other harmful solvents. By implication, it is safe to use and allows a clean, safe, and healthy workplace.

POR-15 45904 Top Coat Chassis Black Paint

The POR-15 45904 Top Coat Chassis Black Paint is a direct-to-metal paint that works well to protect your cast aluminum from corrosion. The product produces a long-term sheen and has excellent color retention properties. The topcoat also has excellent adhesion results when it is used over POR-15 rust preventive coatings. The paint is also available in OSHA safety colors that meet the OSHA safety requirement. Since it has a cure to a touch time of 30-60 minutes, the second coat can be applied in 1-24 hours.

Eastwood Acrylic Aluma Blast Low Gloss Spray-On Durable Paint

The Eastwood Acrylic Aluma Blast Low Gloss Spray-On Durable Paint comes in handy for painting trim pieces, braockets, and bumpers. Since the product is designed to replicate aluminum-look finish, it protects your surface from corrosion, and has a maximum temperature of up to 300^O F. Plus, it provides a super-durable and protective finish. Acrylic lacquer provides 4-15% gloss and Aerosol can cover up to 6sq ft.

Rust-Oleum 7778502 Heat Protective Enamel

Designed for use on metal items, the Rust-Oleum 7778502 Heat Protective Enamel has a satin finish that resists a heat of up to 1200^O F. The premium-fast dry formula of the product ensures color retention and superior durability for outdoor and indoor applications. Certified as safe for indoor use, the premium formula is safe to use for protecting surfaces against corrosion and rust.

Conclusion

All things considered, the best paints for cast aluminum are an ever-growing alternative to keep your cast aluminum in good condition. Use the information above and cut down on the stress of painting for a more excellent result.