Can I use acrylic paint on aluminum?

Shojib Hoq | Nov 6, 2023

Yes, you can use acrylic paint on aluminum. But before applying, you are required to use primer properly. Acrylic paint is water based paint. Aluminum is a plain surface and it can not absorb water, That’s why It can’t adhere well on a metal surface without a primer. Also, It can be washed off easily.

You can use any type of metal primer on your project. But I recommend Rust-Oleum. For acrylic paint I choose Golden Fluid Acrylic, This paint uses for different type of professional project.

In this article we will describe how to paint on metal, how this craft project will last longer and which paint will be best for paint aluminum crafts.

How can I use acrylic paint on aluminum?

Painting on aluminum is a very easy task and beginner-friendly. Before starting craft work make sure to sandpaper, metal primer, acrylic paint, paint brush, varnish as sealer.

Step 1. Clean your aluminum surface with sandpaper. Of course, clean all dust and rust carefully.

Step 2. Use any metal primer on your aluminum surface. Use different paint brushes applying premier. Let it dry. You also can use spray paint as a primer.

Step 3. Now apply your acrylic paint. Use craft brushes for applying acrylic paint. Wash brush with water. When you use the brush again, make sure brush wipe it with tissue paper. Otherwise, the paint will be watery.

Step 4. Now give it time to dry your painting.

Step 5. Use any paint brush and apply varnish on your painting. 2 coats will be enough. It will seal your paint and ensure long-lasting.

Is acrylic paint stick aluminum

Aluminum surfaces are plain and do not observe water. And acrylic paint is water base paint. Without primer, acrylic paint can not stick on aluminum properly. 

So the majority of acrylic paint doesn’t stick to aluminum directly. You should use a good quality metal primer on the surface before paint. 

I recommend Rust-Oleum Aluminum Primer. This is a good primer. It can be use all type of Aluminum surface

Can I seal acrylic paint aluminum?

Yes, there have many good options to seal acrylic paint on aluminum. You can use varnish seal acrylic paint. Also in the market there have different types of spray sealers.

After dry your painting properly, take any sealer on your project. It is very safe and makes your artwork long-lasting.

For varnish, I always choose Liquitex Professional Gloss Varnish. It will seal your painting and provide long-lasting life of your artwork.

Final thoughts

Acrylic paints are all rounder of any type of project. You can use it on wood, as well as glass also in metal or any type of craft work. 

These paints not only give you high flexibility on your work, it also ensures non toxicity for your health. 

 So now the question is, can I use this paint on aluminum? Answer yes, of course. Why? we already described above.