When it comes to painting brass, choosing the right spray paint is extremely important.
The best brass spray paint offers a quick and easy way to bring new life to brass fixtures or hardware without spending a lot of money on replacements. You can achieve a high-end look that mimics the appearance of real brass at a fraction of the cost.
With so many brands out there, it can be quite overwhelming to find such a product. After much research and testing, we’ve compiled a list of the top 7 best spray paint for brass in the market.
But before we get into it, let’s answer a very important question.
Can You Spray Paint Brass?
Yes, you can spray paint brass, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you must use spray paint that is specifically designed for brass or metal surfaces. Second, you have to prepare the brass surface properly; this usually involves cleaning and applying a primer.
What is the Best Paint to Use on Brass?
Technically, any hard-drying paint can be used to paint brass as long as you prep the surface and apply a primer beforehand.
You can use enamel, lacquer, acrylic-, or oil-based paint depending on the look you wish to achieve and where you intend to use the item. We don’t recommend using latex for brass as it doesn’t adhere well and doesn’t last unless you use a high-quality primer.
Whatever paint you choose, make sure it’s compatible with the primer. For the best results, opt for self-etching metal primers or epoxy.
Top 7 Best Brass Spray Paint
1. Rust-Oleum Stops Rust Metallic Spray Paint – Overall Best Brass Spray Paint
The Rust-Oleum Metallic Spray provides a durable coating on outdoor metal pieces without sacrificing color and vibrancy. It’s an oil-based formula, so it should be used outdoors where there’s plenty of ventilation.
Unlike most metallic paints, the spray actually contains metallic flakes, which adds to its brilliant shine. When used correctly, it delivers the best-in-class adhesion and provides a durable finish resistant to rust, chipping, and fading.
The paint features a wide fingertip that sprays comfortably with no finger fatigue. It expels the fluid smoothly without drips or runs. However, it’s important you use several light coats rather than one thick coat.
Ideally, you should apply a primer before the paint. Two light coats of primer are usually enough. You should allow at least two hours of drying time between each coat.
The primer might take longer to dry depending on the product, but make sure each coat dries completely before moving on to the next step.
Each spray can contain about 11 ounces of fluid and covers up to 15 square feet.
The paint is available in different colors. However, champagne bronze and antique brass offer the closest look to real brass.
The metallic finish is great; it resembles matte but has a sheen. So, it makes the metal pop whole, hiding flaws on the surface. The product is also available in a gloss finish, in case you need something for shiny.
Overall, we are satisfied with the quality of the paint and highly recommend it.
What We Like ????
- No drips or splatter.
- Provides rust protection.
- Reasonably priced.
- Not limited to only metals, it can work for other surfaces too.
- Durable outdoors.
What Could Improve ????
- Takes long to cure.
2. Rust-oleum Brilliant Spray Paint, Metallic Brass – Best Quick-drying Brass Spray Paint
The Rust-Oleum Brilliant Spray Paint is another top contender for the best metallic brass paint on the market. It offers a dazzling and attractive finish to any surface and is suitable for all kinds of DIY and craft projects.
The paint covers really well and dries in a short time. The aerosol is super easy to use and doesn’t create a huge mess.
You don’t need to prime the surface beforehand, but we highly recommend doing so to produce a stronger bond. Also, ensure the surface is clean and free of grease.
Make sure to shake well before painting and frequently while painting. This is because the paint is super pigmented; shaking will mix the content well, so it doesn’t come out too watery.
Like any other spray paint, it releases a lot of particles into the air, so make sure to wear a mask when using it.
Spray several light coats and allow to dry completely. It usually takes less than an hour for each coat to dry, depending on how favorable the weather is.
If you’re not sure, you can allow it to dry a day in between coats, but you will usually see the best results when you paint everything at once.
After the last coat, allow the object to dry for a couple of days before handling. If you are in a hurry to use your item then you can employ techniques for making spray paints dry faster.
Once dry, the paint is very reflective and has a natural brassy shade. It’s best not to use a clear coat unless you’re sure it’s compatible. Most clear coats dull the color, so it’s better to play safe.
Overall, the paint is very pigmented and easy to work with. It is affordable and works great for beginners. We highly recommend it for indoor pieces or items that don’t get a lot of abuse.
Make sure to shake the bottle to avoid any blotting.
What We Like ????
- Nice, bright brass color.
- Easy to use.
- Keeps rust away.
- Reliable quality.
- Provides good coverage and color.
- Beautiful brass color.
What Could Improve ????
- The nozzle can get clogged.
3. Rust-oleum Universal Metallic Antique Brass – Best Antique Brass Spray Paint
The Universal All-Surface Spray Paint by Rust-Oleum offers the best combination of price and quality. It’s “All-Surface,” which means you can use it on nearly all materials, including difficult ones like plastic and vinyl. So, it’s a great option for brass and other metals.
One of the reasons why it works so well for brass is that it comes with a built-in primer. So you don’t need to apply a separate coat of primer. It also offers rust protection and is resistant to chipping and fading.
The paint comes in a variety of colors and finishes. This particular option is matte sunlit brass and has a specialty metallic finish. You can also choose the antique brass if you prefer an aged look.
The metallic finish has a sheen and reflects light. You can also choose from satin, gloss, flat, and even hammered finish.
We found the spray very easy to use, especially for beginners. It has a wide spray tip that allows for comfortable spraying and minimizes finger fatigue. It can spray at any angle, even upside down, making it easy to reach tight corners.
The paint goes in smoothly, and with proper technique, you can avoid drips, bubbles, and streaks in your project.
For the best results, spray lightly and keep the can 8-12 inches from the surface. For good coverage, you will need at least 2-3 light coats.
Each coating dries to touch in 30 minutes. We don’t recommend applying the next coat immediately; instead, give it a few hours to completely dry. After painting, wait for at least 24 hours before handling the item.
For enhanced durability, you can apply a clear coat of lacquer.
The aerosol is 11 oz and covers up to 15 square feet.
The paint is oil-based, so the smell is very strong. So, make sure you use it outdoors and wear a breathing mask.
What We Like ????
- Provides a rich, shimmering metallic finish.
- Works on virtually any surface.
- Provides good coverage.
- Protects against rust.
- Resistant to fading and chipping.
- Comes in different colors and finishes.
What Could Improve ????
- Has a strong smell.
4. Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint – Best Versatile Spray Paint for Brass
Krylon Fusion comes with primer included, which means you can use it without a separate coat of primer. This saves you time and money, which is great if you’re in a hurry.
It’s a general-purpose spray paint, so it’s not only useful for brass or metals. You can also use it on wood, vinyl, plastic, and other materials. It adheres really well without the need to prime or sand the surface.
The spray comes with a wide spray tip, which is comfortable to use and reduces finger fatigue from continuous spraying. It sprays in all directions, even upside down, allowing you to reach tight spaces.
The paint is very forgiving and dries to touch in 20 minutes with no runs or drips. However, you should wait at least 2 hours or 48 hours before applying the next coat. Each spray contains 12 ounces of fluid and covers up to 25 square, which is quite impressive.
For the best results, ensure the brass item is clean and dry. Use at least 2 or 3 light coats and spray in a sweeping motion, overlapping.
After the last coat, allow the surface to dry fully before handling.
The spray is available in many different colors and finishes. We’ve chosen the metallic silver color and gloss finish, which is perfect when you want to replicate a metallic look on any material.
The glossy finish is quite reflective and provides a modern, sleek finish.
The paint also provides rust protection, making it ideal for outdoor metals, but it can also be used indoors. It’s best to work outside, where there’s adequate ventilation, to reduce the impact of the fumes.
Overall, we are satisfied with the quality of the paint. It adheres well and doesn’t require a lot of prep work. Some people might consider it a little expensive, but it’s worth every penny.
What We Like ????
- Comes with a big button spray.
- It can be used for interior or exterior surfaces.
- Dries fast.
- Available in multiple colors.
- Bonds well to most surfaces.
- Offers rust protection.
What Could Improve ????
- A bit pricey.
5. Rust-Oleum Bright Coat Metallic Spray Paint
The Rust-Oleum Bright Coat creates a shiny metallic finish that protects from rust and other harsh conditions. So, if you have any old metal piece that needs to be updated, whether it’s your furniture or frame, this paint will not disappoint.
It’s not only suitable for metals. You can use it on virtually any material that you want to give a metallic look. This includes but is not limited to wood, concrete, masonry, and most types of plastics.
The paint offers excellent chip resistance and retains its color over a long period of time when used indoors.
This particular color is metallic gold. However, there are other color options to choose from. While it’s not real brass, it comes close to the real thing. Other variants are copper and rose gold spray paints.
Altogether, there are six metallic colors – chrome, aluminum, gold, dark bronze, copper, and rose gold.
Make sure to follow the instructions and don’t rush. It’s best to use several light coats rather than a heavy coat. Allow each coat to dry completely before you apply the next one.
After application, the paint is usually ready to touch or handle in 60 minutes. However, after the last coat, wait at least two days for it to fully cure.
For the best results, ensure the surface is free of dirt and grease. For rusted spots, you can remove with steel wool.
The can features an easy applicator to ensure smooth and comfortable spraying. It’s meant to minimize finger fatigue, which is often caused by continuous spraying.
To avoid runs or overspray, don’t spray too close or too far from the surface.
Overall, this is a nice spray for painting accent pieces like vintage light fixtures and murals. It works for most interior surfaces, including wood, metal, and concrete. As long as you use it indoors, it won’t fade or dull easily.
What We Like ????
- Tough, attractive finish.
- It can be used for different materials.
- Covers really well.
- Great for accent pieces and indoor projects.
- Reliable quality.
What Could Improve ????
- Not compatible with most clear coats.
6. Rust-Oleum Specialty Metallic Leafing Spray Paint
The Rust-Oleum Specialty Leafing Spray Paint is perfect for overused brass items that need a makeover.
It is particularly designed for interior surfaces such as metal, wood, and plaster. As the name suggests, it is used to create a rich metallic look on these items.
It comes in different colors and finishes, including brass, copper, silver, and gold spray paint.
The final result is quite reflective, which makes it stand out on any object. It’s best used for indoor applications such as your home decor or accent pieces.
It can be used on various materials, including metal, plastic, wood, rubber, and unglazed ceramic. All the colors adhere well and add a shimmering look to the item.
Unlike many similar products, the paint contains actual metal leaving flakes, which makes it super reflective.
Also, it dries really fast; it takes only 15 minutes to dry to touch, and recoat can be done within an hour. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and the thickness of the coating will affect the drying time. This is why it’s best to use multiple thin coats instead of a heavy one.
You should only paint when humidity is low, ideally, 40 percent or less. If you paint when it’s high, the drying time will be longer.
Remember to shake the can well for a minute or two before you start spraying. Since the paint is for indoor projects, there’s no need to use a clear coat after spraying. If you use one, it may dull the finish.
Ensure to use a compatible primer before applying the paint. Allow complete drying time in-between coats, and make sure you work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside the house.
What We Like ????
- Provides good coverage.
- Bright reflective finish.
- Quick-drying time.
- Goes on smoothly (very easy to use)
- Several metallic colors to choose from.
What Could Improve ????
- Not the best for outdoor pieces.
7. Rust-Oleum American Accents Designer Spray Paint
The Rust-Oleum American Accents Designer Spray provides a durable coating that creates a beautiful luster on metal objects. It is versatile, easy to use, and dries very quickly; perfect for DIY projects as well as crafts and household decorations.
The paint comes in three colors, which are all meant to achieve a sophisticated look. This includes aged brass, aged bronze, and classic bronze. The aged brass is perfect for giving objects an antique brass look with a soft, elegant sheen.
The spray goes on smoothly and evenly; even a novice can achieve professional-looking results.
The can doesn’t clog easily, and there are no runs or sags as long as you use it correctly. Just make sure you don’t spray one spot for too long.
Apply 2/3 coats and allow enough time for drying in between. It’s best to apply a base primer before painting. In this case, you should wait at least 4 hours before painting over the primer unless you bake the object.
The final product is absolutely stunning, and the color is just as expected. It doesn’t look shiny like regular paint; rather, it’s a nice matte/satin finish with a soft, rubbed look. No drip marks or smudges, just a nice smooth finish.
If you want, you can add a clear coat for increased durability.
The paint is a bit more expensive than we would normally expect. However, it does deliver on its promise. The coverage is good, and the color works beautifully on household decor, furniture, and craft.
It comes highly recommended.
Note: Make sure to use it in a well-ventilated area.
What We Like ????
- Covers great and goes on smoothly.
- Doesn’t crack or wrinkle like most paints.
- Nice, smooth finish with no smudges or drip marks.
- Applies evenly and covers well.
- The finish is strong and scratch resistant.
What Could Improve ????
- The price can be lower.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Brass Spray Paint
So, what are the things to look at when choosing the right brass spray paint? Let’s look at them:
Compatibility
The first step is to ensure the paint is compatible with the brass material. You can check the product label. Most manufacturers usually include information on the type of surface you can use the paint for.
The majority of the products reviewed here can also be used for other surfaces, including wood, plastic, and other metals.
Drying Time
Spray paints are generally quick-drying. They typically dry to the touch in 10-30 minutes. However, some may take a few hours to dry.
If you’re using a product that doesn’t dry first, the project can easily run into days, especially if you’re applying several coats.
If you’re in a hurry, consider a brass paint that dries in under 30 minutes.
Primer or No Primer
Another thing you should consider when choosing the best spray paint for brass is whether or not it has a primer built-in.
Some spray paint cans have a primer mixed into the base paint. This means you can use the paint without applying a separate coat of primer.
On the other hand, most spray paints require a separate coat of primer. Besides the extra cost, this increases the time you spend on the project.
Rust Resistance
Since brass is a metal, it is susceptible to corrosion and rust, especially when exposed to moisture.
If the item you’re painting will be used outdoors, it’s usually a good idea to choose a paint that offers rust protection. This way, it can add color and beauty to the item while enhancing durability.
FAQ – Best Brass Spray Paints
Can you spray paint lacquered brass?
Yes, you can, but you need to remove the lacquer before painting. This can be done with a lacquer thinner. Once you’ve successfully gotten rid of the lacquer, you can prime the surface, then apply the spray paint.
Do you need to seal the painted brass?
No, you don’t need to seal painted brass, but we highly recommend you do so. Sealing the brass material helps to protect the paint job from chipping and peeling and gives it more shine. Use a clear coat, enamel sealant, or varnish that is safe for metal.
Can brass spray paint be used on plastic surfaces?
Some brass spray paint is general-purpose, which means you can use them on other surfaces, including plastic. A good example is the Universal Sunlit Spray Paint by Rust-Oleum. Having said that, before you use any brass paint on plastic, make sure to check the label and ensure it’s compatible. It’s also a good idea to test spray a small inconspicuous area.
Do you have to sand before painting brass?
Brass is ordinarily shiny and smooth, so there’s no need to sand the surface. However, for old lacquered brass, sanding may be necessary to remove the lacquer. Generally, sanding brass, though not a requirement, can help your paint adhere well. Use fine-grit sandpaper and sand gently. Remove all traces of the sanding dust on the surface before proceeding.
How long does brass spray paint last?
This depends on the particular brand of spray paint you’re using, how well you prepped the surface, and where it’s located. In general, brass spray paint can last anywhere from a few months to a couple of years. You can always reapply the color once it begins to fade.
Summary – Spray Painting Brass
We will draw the curtains here. We hope we answered all your questions about choosing the best brass spray paint.
All the products reviewed here offer different styles and effects, whether it’s a vintage patina, matte finish, or a metallic sheen.
Before making your final decision, consider factors such as color, durability, coverage, and drying time. Choose a product that is functional and best suits your needs.
Nevertheless, it’s hard to go wrong with any of the options as long as it’s brass you’re painting or want to create.