The 15 Best Paint For Cast Iron 2021 (Reviews & Buying Guide)

Do you have an old metal piece you will like to give a new look? Or have you installed a new metal appliance but need to finish it with the right paint? With the right product, you won’t have much trouble bringing shine to your cast iron. Read our review of the best paint for cast iron for only the best products in the market.

How to Paint A Cast Iron

Check the Weather

Before you paint cast iron, you need to ensure the weather condition is suitable to dry fast. Painting on a rainy day will only mess up the paint, and you will have to do it all over again. Likewise, ensure that the surface of the iron is dry. It is better to start paintwork when the day is bright and shiny.

Remove Old Paint and Rust

After checking the weather condition, with the aid of water, a mild detergent, and a brush, remove old paint and rust from the iron. The removal of the old paint will enhance the adherence of the new paint. You do not need to remove every bit of the old paint but, just make the surface free of debris and dirt. There are various ways you can remove dirt and old paint from iron. They include sanding and scraping the surface for better adhesion, using a stiff wire brush, or using a cloth-backed abrasive sheet if the rust is minimal.

Prepare a Workspace

Paint work cannot be done without having spills on the ground. Hence, the need to protect the ground with a rag or paper. When the painting process is done, you can easily lift the paint spills with the cloth or the paper. The result is a clean floor with no sticky or messy paint residue.

Apply the Paint

You can either apply the paint with a sprayer, brush, or the nozzle for spray paint. It would often require that you use more than a single coat of the product as a way of reinforcing the paint. However, we recommend that you check the product instructions for more information on use. Let each coat dry for more than an hour before applying another one if you need to. After painting, leave to dry for at least 24hours before use.

Factors to consider when choosing a cast iron paint.

Type of Paint

Before venturing out to pick the best paint for cast iron, you should know that there are different paint types. Not just brands now, but different composition and types. More than the package and design, the paint must be suitable for the job at hand. The commonest paint types we have are oil-based paints and water-based paint.

• Oil-based paint: this is made with pigments, synthetic resins or plant-based oil, and solvent. It is used to cure rigid coat to repel water, dents, stains, and scuffs. Oil-based paint is suitable for outdoor surfaces such as a fence, backyard grills, patio furniture, and some heavy indoor items. This paint is usually expensive compared to the water-based paint. On the downside, though, it chips, cracks, and fades with use. So we recommend you choose a paint with built-in fade protection.
• Water-based paint: if all you need to paint are indoor metals or surfaces, the water-based paint is a good pick for painting indoor metals and surfaces. Made of pigments, acrylic resins, and water, water-based paints emit lesser fumes and dries in just an hour. It also gives a resistant coat to fading, chipping, and cracking. Its flaws are its vulnerability to dents, scuffs, and stains. It is usually cheaper than oil-based paint and also dries faster. To prevent rust, apply an oil-based primer before application.

Rust-resistance and Moisture

Rust forms on metals made with iron when exposed to air or moisture. If you want to paint a metal that gets exposed to moisture or humidity regularly, it is ideal to choose a rust-resistant paint. You will be preserving the integrity and look of metal when you use iron paint with rust-resistant ability.

Surface Heat

If you need to paint a radiator, fire pits, or any other surface with intense heat, do not choose a regular oil or water-based paint. Ordinary paint will peel-off when exposed to high temperatures. There are paints made with heat-resistance formula; they have heat-resistant resins that withstand high temperatures.

FAQs

How Can I Spray Hidden or Hard-to-reach Parts?

All paint projects are unique, and therefore, each requires a level of flexibility in approach to product application. What is needed to spray hard-to-reach part is to get a suitable top for your sprayer. The top will be such that can be easily maneuver around the project. You can also check the instruction manual on a product to see if there is unique guide to applying the paint.

How Can I Make a Spray Paint Project Even?

There are some steps to take to end with an even paint layer on your metal. These steps are:

• Shake the spray for about two minutes after the ball in the can begins to rattle.
• Make a test of the spray paint and your technique on a piece of paper or scrap material until you are satisfied with the result.
• Take the spray to the surface you want to paint, but hold at a distance of about 6 to 8 inches away from the surface.
• Begin to spray the surface with several thin coats instead of making just one thick coat.
• Press and release the tip of the spray as you take it across the surface. Don’t squeeze the tip from the beginning to the end.
• Ensure you make an even side-to-side motion while spraying
• Creates overlaps for each spray pattern you make.

Best Paint for Cast Iron Review

Krylon K09203007 ‘Rust Tough’ Semi-Flat Black Rust Preventive Enamel

The Krylon k09203007 preventive enamel is an excellent pick to stop the spread of rust on your iron. You can say that this is a ‘no rust’ product. It is made to protect your iron from rust and can also work on plastic, woods, and masonry surfaces. When applied, it chemically converts rust formation into a black waterproof primer. A big win to have paint that requires no priming. This product stops rust from forming and dries out in a few minutes. It is easy to use and also provides a long-lasting finish after use.

Pros

• Easy to use
• No primer needed
• Low odor
• Superior fade resistance

Con

• Only suitable for materials that rust

VHT SP998 FlameProof Coating Cast Iron Paint Can – 11 oz

The VHT SP998 FlameProof Coating Cast Iron Paint works well on metals exposed to heat or fire. By giving a flameproof coating to the metal, it helps to extend the life of the heating surface. It features a matte finish ceramic silicone base, a compound that is widely used on an automotive exhaust. This product, however, requires that you apply primer color paint before using it on the metal. It can withstand up to 2000 degrees in temperature if appropriately cured.

Pros

• It’s ideal for exhaust systems, headers, or surfaces with extreme temperature coating.
• It works best on heat surfaces
• It cures easily

Con

• Not for sale in Catalina Island

VHT SP997 Engine Enamel Nu-Cast Cast Iron Can – 11 oz.

This paint is durable and gives an excellent finish to the metal. It has a high resistance ability to heat and chemical. It is formulated to withstand salt spray, corrosion, degreasers, chemicals, and additive from gasoline blend. If you have a metal exposed to heat, I will recommend you choose any of the VHT engine enamel. For better performance, use a primer color paint and clear coat process while applying this paint. This paint only attains its unique qualities when appropriately cured. It dries to the touch in 30 minutes and entirely if it is left overnight.

Pros

• Suitable for vehicle and exhaust systems
• Complete application and curing process instruction on the product can
• Multiple color options

Con

• Not suitable for plastic

Rust-Oleum 223525 Multi-Color Textured Spray Paint, 12 oz, Aged Iron

This product gives weather and corrosion-resistant coating that protects interior and exterior surfaces of masonry, metal, wood, and concrete. This oil-based paint provides excellent coverage and rust prevention to surfaces. When applied, it dries in about 15 minutes, and a single product can cover up to 6 sq. Ft. The Rust-Oleum spray paint offers long-lasting protection with premium chip resistance and color retention. It also gives a metal a high-end appearance with its unique textured finish. For best result, apply two or more coats.

Pros

• Excellent chip resistance and color resistance
• It is ideal for most outdoor patio furniture and metal.
• Gives a high-end look to surfaces

Con

• Not ideal for plastic

Rust-Oleum 239075 Hammered Metal Finish, Dark Bronze, 1-Quart

This is an oil-based paint that provides a durable coating that protects metal from rust. It also includes weather and corrosion-resistant coating that protects exterior and interior surfaces such as concrete, metal, wood, and masonry. The paint dries to the touch in about 2-4 hours, and a single product can cover up to 100 sq. Ft. The Rust-Oleum 239075 has excellent resistance to fading, abrasion, and chipping.

Pros

• Hides surface imperfections
• No primer needed
• Dries fast

Con

• Fumes odor may be offensive

Krylon K09203007 ‘Rust Tough’ Semi-Flat Black Rust Preventive Enamel

The Krylon K09203007 ‘Rust Tough’ Semi-Flat Black Rust Preventive Enamel comes in handy to prevent the spread of rust on cast iron. It chemically converts rust into a black waterproof primer. The Krylon rust tough preventive paint protects metal and also works on plastic, wood, and masonry surfaces. This brand continues to develop the best automotive accessories with the help of creativity, productivity, and innovation. You do not need a primer before applying the paint, just use a brush to make an appropriate coat in the surface.

Pros

• No primer needed
• Superior fade resistance
• Easy to clean

Con

• It has a fragile cover

Seymour 16-2668 Automotive Specialties Spray Paint, Cast Iron Gray

The Seymour automotive spray paint is a unique paint that produces a chrome-like, brilliant high gloss, aluminum finish. It hides rust excellently without having much overspray. This paint does not contain mercury, cadmium, lead, chlorinated solvents, or chromates.

Pros

• VOC compliant
• Heat resistant up to 2500F
• Works well on plastic

Con

• Does not cure easily

Rutland Products 80 Hi-Temp Paint, 12 floz, Black

The Rutland temp paint will restore the beauty of your old metal, stove, or grill, or give your new project a new look. This paint adheres to aluminum, cast iron, steel, brick, and other metal surfaces. You do not need to use a primer, simply apply the paint with a brush. It is great for smokers, stoves, grills, or chimney caps.

Pros

• No primer needed
• Ideal for interior metal surfaces
• Restores the beauty of old iron

Con

• Cancer and reproductive harm

KBS Coatings 65205 Cast Iron Grey Xtreme Temperature Coating

The KBS cast iron grey paint can withstand temperature up to 15000F. It is suitable for metals exposed to heat. The product is resistant to scratching and marring, and it does not peel, discolor, or blister. You can apply the paint with a brush or spraying can for flexible application. If you follow the necessary instructions, you will surely have a great experience with this paint.

Pros

• Does not peel, blister, or discolor
• Withstands temps to 15000F (8150C)
• Available in convenient aerosol cans

Con

• Not for handrail or bicycle

Rust-Oleum 206999 Marine Topside Paint, Gloss White, 1-Quart

The Rust-Oleum 206999 marine topside paint is suitable for use on wood, fiberglass, or metal surfaces above the waterline. The oil-based paint is flexible and applies easily with excellent leveling. It requires just above two hours, to dry out. The paint provides a durable coating that resists extreme weather conditions and abrasion. It also protects against UV rays.

Pros

• Excellent gloss retention
• UV resistant
• Maintains the beauty of surfaces

Con

• A single coat won’t give the desired result.

Rust-Oleum, Forged Hammered Antique Pewter 271481 Universal All Surface Spray Paint

Rust-Oleum continues to top the industry of iron paint. This paint from Rust-Oleum works on surfaces like fiberglass, plastic, wood, concrete, metal, wicker, or vinyl. It has a fast-drying formula, which makes the paint dry to the touch in just 30 minutes. The Rust-Oleum 271481 universal all surface spray paint is an oil-based paint that gives excellent adhesion to prevent rust, chipping, and fading. Ensure you shake before use.

Pros

• Hides surface imperfections
• Prevent rust for enhanced durability
• UV resistant

Con

• The coat will be uneven without the help of a brush

Krylon K02728007 Fusion All-In-One spray-paints, Black

The Krylon K02728007 paint is suitable for indoor and outdoor metal. It has superior adhesion and durability; it does not require sanding or priming. It’s also one of the fast-drying paint as it dries within 25 minutes or even less. Be careful not to waste the paint while spraying via the big button spray tip, which sprays in all directions. This paint has more coverage than other average paints, and it also gets the job done faster.

Pros

• Exceptional bonding
• Maximum rust prevention
• Easy to use

Con

• Inconsistent color description

Rust-Oleum 249061 Painter’s Touch Multi-Purpose Spray Paint, 12-Ounce, Black

The multi-purpose spray paint is ideal for most interior and exterior surfaces like unglazed ceramic, plastic, wood, masonry, and metal. This paint has low odor, provides long-lasting protection, and resist chips. You only need to wait for about 20 minutes for the paint to dry completely to give your surface a soft shine. Before use, shake for about one minute after the mixing ball starts to rattle. While in use, shake continuously for better performance.

Pros

• Dries fast
• Any angle spray
• Shiny appearance

Con

• A single coat won’t do

DecoArt, Wrought Iron Black Patio Paint, 2-Ounce, 2 Fl Oz

This kind of paint is ideal for old iron. It is used to restore the appearance of your old appliance. Application is easy as you can proceed to paint without the need to shake the can before use. You can easily use it without varnishing or sealing the surface. This is a water-based paint; hence, it dries quickly and is non-toxic.

Pros

• Easy to clean while wet
• Weather-resistant
• It does not fade

Con

• Requires a clear coat to make the color vibrant
• Not suitable for high-temperature surfaces

Rust-Oleum 285141 Ultra Matte Interior Chalked Paint 30 oz, Country Gray

The Rust-Oleum 285141 Ultra Matte Interior Chalked Paint 30 oz, Country Gray is easy to apply and requires a single coat for coverage. It can also be applied to various surfaces, and it dries to a chalky smooth finish. The paint works on varieties of interior surfaces. Latex formula properties allow for easy cleaning with water and soap. A single product can cover up to 150 sq ft.

Pros

• Low odor
• Excellent adhesion
• Velvety smooth finish
• Superior application

Con

• It’s chalk finish may not be suitable to all user

Conclusion

The best paint for cast iron is easy to use and promises reliable performance. More than the review, we have added a section for the buyer’s guide and have answered some popular questions. Combine all of these pieces of information, and you will end up with only the best paint that the market has to offer.