Exterior Metal Paint
Protect exposed metal with trade-quality exterior metal paint from The Paint Shed. Metal paints are specifically formulated to bond to smooth, non-porous metal surfaces while helping prevent rust, cracking and peeling.Â
At The Paint Shed, we stock specialist paints from trusted trade brands like Tikkurila Paint, Johnstone's Trade and Rust-Oleum. We also offer metal paints from designer paint brands like Farrow and Ball and Little Greene.Â
Stop corrosion before it starts. Protect your exterior metal surfaces with our high-performance range of metal paints. Shop online today and enjoy free standard UK mainland delivery on orders over £50*.Â
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Exterior metal paint is formulated to protect, preserve and enhance diverse metal surfaces like radiators, pipes, gates and garage doors. These formulas are tailored to the unique challenges that come with exterior metalwork, offering:
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Strong adhesion: Bonds effectively to smooth, non-porous metal surfaces to prevent peeling and flaking.
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Rust protection: Helps inhibit corrosion by creating a barrier against moisture and air.
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Weather resistance: Built to withstand rain, UV exposure and temperature changes.
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Durable finishes: Resists chipping, scratching and everyday wear.
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Extended lifespan: Reduces maintenance and repainting needs when compared to general-purpose paints.
Our range of exterior paint for metal surfaces is designed to suit different surface types, finishes and application needs.
Diverse Finishes & Colours
Our metal paint range is available in various finishes. Your chosen finish will depend on the desired final appearance.
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Matt: Options like Tikkurila Everal Aqua Matt 10 deliver a subtle finish useful for gates, radiators and railings. Matt colours build a durable barrier without the glare of gloss paint.
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Eggshell: Eggshell finishes like Little Greene Tom’s Oil Eggshell are ideal for painting aluminium and uneven metal surfaces, offering a soft sheen that helps hide surface imperfections.
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Satin: Perfect for sun-exposed garden furniture, satin products like Zinsser Allcoat Exterior Water-Based Satin deliver a subtle sheen while withstanding exposure to the elements.
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Semi-gloss and gloss: Hard-wearing, reflective gloss finishes like Farrow and Ball Full Gloss highlight features well and dry to a hard, protective film perfect for feature details and garage doors.Â
No-Prep & Self-Priming Formulations
Save time with our range of self-priming and multi-surface paints that can be applied directly to prepared or previously painted metal surfaces. Popular options include:Â
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Bradite One-Can Eggshell White: Recoatable in just an hour, this primer is an all-in-one stain blocker, primer and topcoat. It covers rust, tannins and water stains while protecting against harsh weather conditions.
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Paint and Paper Library Architects Gloss: Suitable for multiple interior and exterior surfaces, this water-based designer paint is self-priming, low-odour and quick-drying.
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Hammerite Direct to Rust Metal Paint: Suitable for both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, this erosion-resistant satin finish can be applied directly to rusted substrates.
Specialist Primers & Undercoats
Our selection of high-opacity metal primers enhances adhesion. Certain formulations also include rust-inhibiting additives for long-term protection. Explore popular options like:
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Farrow and Ball Metal Primer and Undercoat: Requiring just one coat, this water-based, rust-preventing primer is suitable for all bare ferrous metal surfaces.
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Coo-Var All Metal Primer: Designed for interior and exterior metal, this product features anti-corrosion properties and is water-thinnable. Finish with an oil-based or water-based topcoat of your choice.
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Armstead Trade Red Oxide Metal Primer: Formulated to prevent the spread of corrosion on ferrous metals, this solvent-based primer is touch-dry within 2–6 hours. It has rust-inhibiting properties that help maintain the structural integrity of both interior and exterior metals. If painting new galvanised metal, allow it to weather first before priming.
Shop premium metal paint for outdoor surfaces from trusted, trade-quality brands. Contact our team of experts for product-specific advice to get the job done right.
FAQs
Red oxide metal primer works by creating a protective, rust-inhibiting base layer on metal surfaces. It contains anti-corrosive pigments (often zinc-based) that help block moisture and oxygen, two key causes of rust. Red oxide primer also helps improve adhesion, allowing the topcoat to bond properly and last longer.
Yes, in most cases, you can paint directly onto metal. However, it is not recommended for bare metal. Without a primer, paint struggles to adhere to smooth, non-porous surfaces and may peel or chip quickly.
For best results, use a metal primer or a direct-to-metal (DTM) paint, such as Johnstone’s Trade Smooth Metal Paint, which combines primer and top coat in one.
To prepare metal before painting, follow these key steps:
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Clean: Remove any grease, dirt and contaminantsÂ
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Remove rust: Sand or wire-brush any rusted surfaces
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Smooth the surface: Lightly sand to improve adhesion
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Dust off: Wipe down to remove debris
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Prime: Apply a suitable metal primer before your topcoat
Proper preparation with quality cleaning and prep tools ensures better adhesion, improved durability and longer-lasting protection.
Oil-based paint offers excellent durability and is ideal for heavy-duty protection. However, it has a longer drying time and high VOC levels (volatile organic compounds). This may make the application more challenging under changing weather conditions.
Water-based paint dries much faster and contains fewer VOCs, making it a more convenient option for time-sensitive and indoor projects. Typically made with acrylic binders, these paints are easier to apply and clean up, while still providing a durable finish suitable for most exterior applications.Â
Still have some questions? Get in touch with our friendly team or have a look at our tips and advice section.
Shop Exterior Metal Paint at The Paint Shed
The Paint Shed is the UK’s most recommended independent paint retailer. We’re committed to supplying high-quality, durable trade paints at competitive prices, helping trade professionals and serious DIYers alike get the job done right.Â
In addition to our range of outdoor paint for exterior metal, we also offer:
Shield metal surfaces from rust and the elements with our high-performance collection of exterior metal paint. Sign up for our newsletter and enjoy 5% off your first order.