At Rawlins Paints, we recognise the importance of selecting the right kind of metal paint to make sure you get the finish you need on both exterior and interior surfaces. The nature of the environment and material will dictate the type of metal topcoat, aluminium paint, chlorinated rubber or enamel paint you’re looking for, and we’re confident that our wide range of metal topcoat finishes will cover everything for your project, no matter how large or small.

Different substrates provide all sorts of challenges for metal primer paint and metal topcoats, including rust, flaking, surface bubbling and the possibility of a poor finish. Important considerations are: how flexible is the application? Is it easy to use? What kind of finish does the metal topcoat give? How decorative is the result? 

Many of our topcoats are certified by bodies such as the Highways Agency, Network Rail and various hygiene standards, giving you added confidence in the products.

Metal Topcoats for Large-Scale Exterior Use

An outdoor metal paint for a wide range of large surface environments, such as bridges, mills, offshore structures and factories, International Interthane 990 is good for both new projects and maintenance purposes. Its acrylic polyurethane finish coat guarantees longevity and there’s a wide range of colours, including metallic paint for walls, if required.

Another International product for similar environments, International Intergard 740, is an epoxy finish coating made of two components. It can be brushed on or used as a spray metal paint application. Intergard comes in a wide range of colours, from white metal paint, all the way through the colour spectrum to black paint for metal. To view the extensive range of colours, see here.

Jotun Hardtop XP is also a protective coating used for steel structures that face challenging and aggressive atmospheric conditions. Hardtop XP is a polyurethane topcoat that can be used over a range of primers. The spray metal paint makes it easy to use on site and gives the best gloss finish.

Industrial Metal Paints

Specifically formulated as a heavy-duty steel tank lining, International Interline 975 provides massive resistance to corrosion for containers that store various oils and water. It’s a tough, glossy coating and totally safe for potable water. It’s also easy to apply using standard spray equipment, making on site application simple.

For walls in an industrial or maritime environment, Rust-Oleum B95 High Build Flexible Epoxy is virtually solvent-free and also has anti-corrosive properties. Ideal for concrete, brickwork or galvanised steel, B95 is flexible and will move along with the structure. It works particularly well on buildings that are subject to coastal weathering.

Anti-Corrosive Metal Topcoats

Many marine, coastal and offshore environments, as well as manufacturing and processing plants within the industrial sector require anti-corrosive metal paints. This can be from high humidity, submerged environments, or chemical exposure. Typically, these coatings will need to withstand low temperatures and constant exposure to moisture.

Rust-Oleum 7500 Alkythane is a single pack, high-performance, anti-corrosion topcoat for metal. Ideal for low temperatures (as low as 5°C) it offers the same protection in less layers than other alkyd-systems. Available as a gloss, stain, matt or metallic finish in most colours from the RAL range, it will deliver long-lasting industrial-duty protection in very aggressive environments.

Enamel Paints

Enamel paints for commercial and industrial projects dry to a hard and durable finish. Typically, enamel paints leave a glossy finish and can be used for decorative effect, to protect surfaces which undergo heat changes or simply need a hard-wearing high sheen finish.

Enamel paints used to only be available as solvent and oil-based products, but more water-based enamel paints are now available. Modern day interpretations of ‘enamel paint’ are gloss finishes and hard-wearing surface coatings which can be applied by brush or aerosols.

High-temperature enamel paints are commonly used for automotive and vehicular projects and maintenance work – engines, brakes and exhausts.

Teamac Rapidry QD Enamel is an industrial purpose gloss paint that protects stainless steel and metal fabrications with a highly-durable finish. It is available in most colours from the RAL range. For plant machinery, agricultural and vehicular purposes, Teamac Metalcote Plant Enamel delivers a tough and flexible finish that has good resistance to lubricating, mineral oils, common industrial chemicals, and heat.

Alternately, Blackfriar Enamel Paint is ideal for smaller projects and touch-up jobs.

Aluminium Paint

Aluminium topcoats can provide long-lasting, heat-resistant protection for interior and exterior surfaces. Blackfriar Aluminium Paint can be used on metal and wood, on surfaces including car wheels, gates, railings, pipework etc.

Teamac Extra Brilliant Aluminium Paint can be used as a heat and light reflective protective finish on car wheels, hot water pipes, radiators, metal car components and anywhere where a high metallic sheen is required on wood or metal surfaces. It contains a metallic aluminium which provides a silver finish and is heat resistant up to 150°C.

High Gloss Metal Paints

High-gloss paints can provide additional protection against harsh chemicals, acids, alkalis, cleaning products and solvents, and high humidity environments. The high-gloss finish also provides a colour retention ‘wet look’ finish, which can be a highly desirable aesthetical value.

Rust-Oleum 9600 Rust-O-Thane Polyurethane is a flexible high gloss polyurethane topcoat with excellent protection against harsh chemicals, cleaning and high humidity.

For smaller internal and external projects, Blackfriar High Gloss Paint can deliver a hardwearing finish, with improved flexibility over standard gloss paints.

Gold Paint Finishes

Ardenbrite produce an excellent range of lustrous, metallic gold finish metal paints, including Ardenbrite Metallic Paint (Solvent Based), which is a popular product for the redecoration of staircases, artefacts, statues, emblems, metal surfaces, gates, railings and more. It is available in Light Gold, Deep Gold, Green Gold, Sovereign Gold, Antique, along with Silver, Bronze and Old Penny Bronze. There is also a water-based variation of this popular gold metallic finish paint, that can be used on metal, wood, ceramics, and most plastics. Both products are ideal for adding long-lasting metallic details to surfaces.

Blackfriar Metallic Paint is another popular product for surfaces requiring a gold or antique gold finish.

Wrought Iron Finishes

The most common finish for gates, railings and solid metal fencing – such as those found on country estates, theme parks and tourist attractions – are wrought iron metal finishes. Blackfriar Satin Black is an attractive, hard-wearing, black satin finish for interior and exterior metal and wood, making it ideal for wrought iron work.

The number one wrought iron paint finish is Rust-Oleum CombiColor Wrought Iron. This superior maintenance paint provides excellent rust protection, can be applied to rust, and along with wrought iron black, is available is wrought iron green.