
How to paint on rusted metal
Discover how to give rusty, old metal a smooth new finish with Dulux Metalshield® Rust Primer™ and Dulux Metalshield® Rust Defence™.
Follow 5 easy steps to get you started.
How To Guides
Protecting against rust and corrosion

Less work, great outcome
Know your surface
Metalshield® Rust Defence™ is suitable for all common metal surfaces, taking the guesswork out of knowing what surface you’re treating. Metal surfaces can be found all over your home and garden. Common surfaces include:
How to get the perfect look
Step-by-step

Preparation
Use a wire brush to remove any loose, flaked rust and paint.
Sand the surface to a smooth finish and wipe down with a cloth and mineral turpentine to remove any oil, grease or dirt.

Apply Metalshield® Rust Primer™
It’s best to apply Metalshield® Rust Primer™ straight after surface preparation. Shake the bottle before opening. Apply a coat by brush, roller or air spray, allowing at least an hour before painting (but no longer than a week).
Tip!
Ensure you use different application equipment for the primer and topcoat. Never mix the two when applying.

Apply Dulux Metalshield® Rust Defence®
After at least an hour, no more than a week. Apply Metalshield® Rust Defence™ in short strokes, smoothing over as you go. It is fast drying, so you can recoat after an hour. Repeat the short strokes and smoothing over as you go, in your second coat. And maybe your third, depending on the colour and surface.
Here's what you'll need to get started:
Paint
Tools & Accessories
Wire brush
P320 Sandpaper
Roller tray
Flat paddle stirrer
Rags
Safety equipment: mask, gloves and safety glasses
How to paint on metal
Frequently asked questions
These products simplify metal protection with a two-step rusted metal system.
Dulux Metalshield® Rust Primer™ is designed to neutralise rust and adhere to rusted surfaces, so a topcoat lasts longer.
Not totally. Small bits of rust left on metal will be converted to an inert form by the primer. This means it prevents further rust from occurring.
No. Dulux Metalshield® Rust Defence™ can be used on all common metal surfaces listed above.
It’s tintable in more than 1000 Dulux colours, and Colorbond® colours, so you can match it to your project perfectly.
Dulux Metalshield® Rust Defence™ is only available in gloss and satin.
With Dulux Metalshield® you can refurbish, protect and decorate rusted metal surfaces and make them look brand new in just a few steps.
Whether you're painting a wrought iron fence, letterbox, or detailed metal trim, Dulux Metalshield® comes in a range of easy-to-apply products and colours for a glossy, polished finish that lasts.
Paint tools & tips
Painting tools and accessory guides to give you the tips and techniques you need to achieve that quality finish.
Clean up & disposal
Our friendly Help and Advice team can help you order exactly what you need. Call 13 25 25 and speak to one of our team members or submit an enquiry via our online form.
Available 7 days a week, start a chat with our team to discuss everything you need to gain colour confidence.
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