How to Remove Paint from Metal

Removing paint from metal may seem like a difficult project to tackle, but depending on your goals, it can be done. We’ve got the advice you need to succeed.

A bright red painted metal chair with a hat on it in an entryway beside an open door painted in charcoal gray. A bright red painted metal chair with a hat on it in an entryway beside an open door painted in charcoal gray.


Ready to Learn How to Remove Paint from Metal?

The best way to remove paint from metal depends on the condition of the metal you’re working with, and your project goals. If you want to remove paint completely, we recommend hiring a professional.

There are a few different ways you might want to approach how to strip paint from metal, depending on which of the following goals best fits your needs:

  • Goal #1: You got a little paint on metal and want to remove it.
  • Goal #2: You want to repaint a previously painted piece of metal that is in decent condition.
  • Goal #3: You want to strip the paint completely from the metal.

Read on for advice on how to remove paint from metal to achieve each of these goals, plus more tips and tricks to make your project a success.

Goal #1: You got a little paint on metal and want to remove it

If you got a few specs of errant paint on a piece of either ferrous or non-ferrous metal, not to worry. You can remove it.

  • If the paint is oil-based or alkyd paint, scrub with a wire brush to remove the coating.
  • If the paint is acrylic, use denatured alcohol and a wire brush.
  • If you’re trying to remove paint from aluminum, brush gently and be very careful not to scratch the surface.
  • Rinse the metal with water, then seal the entire piece with a coat of the appropriate metal primer.

Helpful Tip

Not sure what kind of metal you have? You can do a magnet test. If the magnet sticks to the metal, it’s ferrous. If the magnet does not stick to the metal, it’s non-ferrous.

Non-ferrous metal, like aluminum, is light and very soft. It can be damaged easily and should be treated carefully. Ferrous metal, like wrought iron or steel, is heavier and can withstand stronger scrubbing to remove paint.

Goal #2: You want to repaint an already painted piece of metal that is in decent condition

Good news! If the metal is not rusted, you can simply paint over the existing coating.

  • Make sure the metal is clean, dull and dry before you start painting. You might need to sand the paint down a bit for a smooth finish.
  • If sanding is necessary to smooth the metal surface, use 180- to 220-grit sandpaper and a sanding sponge for non-ferrous metal, like aluminum, and 80-grit sandpaper to sand paint off ferrous metal like steel or iron.
  • Be sure to sand aluminum gently, as you can easily scratch or damage it.
  • When the metal is clean, dull and dry, it’s time to paint the metal. Apply an even coat of Ultra Spec® HP D.T.M. Acrylic paint, which applies easily and can be tinted with any one of Benjamin Moore’s 3,500 colours, to the metal and allow it to dry completely.

Helpful Tip

Always make sure the paint that you’re using (acrylic vs. oil-based) is compatible with the paint that is currently on the metal to get a smooth finish, good adhesion, and the best overall look.

A quick and easy way to test this is to wipe the surface with either denatured or isopropyl alcohol on a rag. If the alcohol removes the paint and you see the paint colour on the rag, the coating is acrylic. If the alcohol just cleans the surface and has no effect on the paint, it is likely an alkyd or oil-based coating.

Goal #3: You want to strip the paint completely from the metal

Completely removing paint from metal is a time-consuming and potentially dangerous job. We recommend you hire a professional.

If you’re determined to do it yourself, consult your Benjamin Moore retailer for advice on the best chemical paint stripper and other tips to get it done properly and safely.


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Helpful Tip

If you’re using a chemical paint stripper, always make sure you wear gloves and safety goggles, and be sure to work in a controlled environment.


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As always, visit your local Benjamin Moore retailer for help with all your painting needs.