We get a lot of questions about what types of products and materials can be used on stainless steel surfaces.
The good news is that, if you're interested in customizing something besides a pair of sneakers, Angelus paints can be used on most common materials; you just might have to take a couple of extra steps.
Can You Paint Stainless Steel?
Yes! Painting on stainless steel is possible with the right preparation and materials. If you're wondering how to paint stainless steel, follow these steps for a smooth and long-lasting finish.
For this tutorial, Enzo from @ehkcustoms walks us through how to paint on stainless steel using Angelus paint and 2-Hard to customize a stainless steel Hydro Flask.
Take a look below to see what materials you need to get started, and make sure to watch the full video on our YouTube channel for a detailed walkthrough.
Materials Needed for Painting on Stainless Steel
Before getting started, you'll need to grab a few things, including:
- Angelus Paint
- Angelus 2-Hard
- Angelus High Gloss Acrylic Finisher
- Angelus Leather Preparer and Deglazer
- Angelus Paint Brush Set
You can find all of these materials on our website if you don't already have them. For this project, 2-Hard is particularly important as it's what allows the paint to successfully adhere to the stainless steel.
How to Paint on Stainless Steel Hydro Flask
Leather Preparer & Deglazer
Like any other custom project, start by prepping the surface with Angelus Leather Preparer and Deglazer. This will remove the factory finish and create a clean surface for you to paint.
Simply apply some of the Leather Preparer and Deglazer to a cotton pad and wipe down the Hydro Flask.
Masking Tape
Next, use masking tape to separate the areas that you don't want to paint. If you're painting a metal water bottle, tape off the lid and leave it on to use as a handle while painting.
This is all the prep work that's necessary, but if you want to take things a step further, pick up some adhesion promoter from a hardware store to spray the bottle before painting.
2-Hard for Painting Over Stainless Steel
When you're ready to paint, mix your paint with 2-Hard in a 50/50 ratio. This will help the paint adhere to stainless steel without chipping or cracking. Without this, the paint will come right off of the bottle after drying.
Painting
Next, it's time to start painting on stainless steel. If you're not comfortable doing freehand, start by using a pencil to outline your design before painting.
Use a heat gun to set your paint before moving on to the next layer. (Note: allow the stainless steel to cool before touching to avoid burning yourself.)
Acrylic Finisher
Once your design is finished, apply a layer of Angelus Acrylic Finisher to protect the paint on stainless steel from minor scratches and to add a glossy top coat to your custom Hydro Flask.
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for more tutorials, customs, and product updates.
FAQs
Can you paint on stainless steel?
Yes! With the right preparation, painting on stainless steel is possible using Angelus Paints and 2-Hard for long-lasting results.
Can you paint a metal water bottle?
Absolutely! If you're wondering how to paint on stainless steel like a Hydro Flask, follow the steps above to achieve a durable, custom finish.
How do you paint stainless steel?
To paint stainless steel, clean the surface, use Angelus 2-Hard, apply thin layers of paint, and seal with Acrylic Finisher.
Can you paint over stainless steel?
Yes, but preparation is key. Use Angelus Leather Preparer and Deglazer to remove the factory finish before applying paint on stainless steel.
Can I paint stainless steel?
Yes! By following the correct preparation and painting stainless steel techniques, you can achieve a professional, long-lasting finish on your custom projects.