10 Best Epoxy Spray Paints & Primers In 2023 For Your Restoration Projects
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Remember that rusted but working fridge? How about that scratch on your bike? Finding the best epoxy spray paint to breathe new life into your old appliances and automobiles without breaking the bank can be challenging.
Although more expensive than ordinary paint, the best epoxy spray paint saves you time and money. It also provides impact and fire resistance, waterproofing, and even slip resistance.
Our Top Picks
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Best All-Weather - VHT SP652 Satin Black Epoxy Spray Paint• Properly insulated wires and connectors |
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Budget-Option - PJ1 16-GLS Gloss Black Epoxy Spray Paint• High-gloss, scratch-resistant, porcelain finish |
Best for Restoration Jobs: SprayMax 3680033 2K Gray Epoxy Rust-Cure Primer• Improves adhesion |
1. Rust-Oleum Specialty Tub and Tile Epoxy Spray Paint
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What Customers Have To Say
Some users felt poorly after using this epoxy spray paint, especially that it doesn’t react well with other paint brands. They advise sticking to a specific brand when restoring shiny surfaces.
Always follow the product’s instructions to avoid health hazards and work in a properly ventilated area. You should also open your windows and use an industrial fan to remove fumes inside the house, especially when working with built-in fixtures, like the bathtub or counter.
Why We Think It’s Great
Update your home in an instant with the Rust-Oleum Specialty Tub and Tile Epoxy Spray Paint. It covers up to 15 sq. ft. of a dilapidated counter with just one can. It also works on almost any shiny surface, including ceramic, porcelain, or fiberglass, and fully dries just after three days.
You can use it on perpetually wet surfaces like your countertops, sinks, and tubs because it is waterproof. The smooth and glossy finish also lends a new and professionally done look to your home.
Who Should Buy It
Every handyperson should have at least a can of the Rust-Oleum Specialty Tub and Tile Epoxy Spray Paint. It is an emergency fix for scrapes and chips on your sink or bathtub to contain the damage before you have more time to make a thorough fix.
2. Rust-Oleum Appliance Black Epoxy Spray Paint
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What Customers Have To Say
Customers use the Rust-Oleum Appliance Black Epoxy Spray Paint to restore their old and rusting small and large kitchen appliances. The mist is strong enough to cause the smoke alarms to go off, so it is best to open the windows or do your restoration project outdoors.
However, the valve is not very good since you need to exert more effort than necessary to get it going the first time.
Why We Think It’s Great
Even for overly rusted appliances, this epoxy spray paint gives good coverage and provides a new look after 3-4 coatings. Restoring a double-door refrigerator only takes less than two cans, giving you huge savings than having it done professionally. Just be sure to sand off the rust, clean, and prime it well before applying the finish. For small appliances, it can quickly dry overnight, ready for use on the following day.
To help ease the application, you can use an ergonomic spray can trigger to reduce finger fatigue from the hard-to-press nozzle. Be careful not to use it on burners and other open-flame appliances because the paint is highly flammable, even when dry.
Who Should Buy It
The Rust-Oleum Appliance Black Epoxy is the best epoxy spray paint for indoor metal appliances that professional home restorers and DIY enthusiasts would love to add to their supply storage. This cuts the work in half, leaving a professional finish to your restored appliances.
3. VHT SP652 Satin Black Epoxy Spray Paint - Best All-Weather
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What Customers Have To Say
Restorers love this epoxy spray paint because it gives a smooth, professional finish that one customer didn’t even hesitate to restore his Harley using this. Another used it on his bolts, nuts, and washers, some of the most vulnerable pieces to rust and corrode in carpentry projects. You just need to prepare it overnight to wash off grease and grit before painting it.
It also works on an outboard motor and other automotive projects, giving it a glossy, baked-on finish. Best of all, it dries quickly in 30 minutes, so you can apply your subsequent coats and completely dries in 24 hours.
However, some customers received a messy can, covered with paint around the nozzle, rendering it useless.
Why We Think It’s Great
The VHT SP652 Satin Black is a cost and time-efficient spray paint since you won’t need to apply a primer before using it. The baked-on finish gives every project a professional look without spending thousands of dollars.
What we love most about this epoxy spray paint is its high resistance to chemical, rust, and salt corrosion. It lends a longer life to metal projects even if you use it in the sea or brackish rivers.
Who Should Buy It
The VHT Epoxy Paint is the best epoxy spray paint for metal projects in areas near seas. The salt spray causes corrosion on metal, but this salt-resistant paint gives an additional layer of protection than ordinary epoxy paint.
4. Krylon Sherwin Williams Appliance White Epoxy Spray Paint
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What Customers Have To Say
One homemaker decided to remodel their house and gave their old appliances a new life by spray-painting them with Krylon Sherwin Williams Appliance Epoxy. It also comes in many colors, so you can choose one that suits your design palette.
Others were simply amazed at the result. It is quick-drying so applying a thin coat every 5 minutes worked well, and it only took an entire day to dry. It is also very versatile, as one customer used it for her stovetop and Hydroflask without any issues.
Unfortunately, a few shoppers noted that some nozzles don’t work well and seem to be clogged.
Why We Think It’s Great
Unlike ordinary spray paint, the Krylon Sherwin Williams Appliance Epoxy offers better coverage, a durable and scratch-free finish, and corrosion and rust damage protection. Don’t skimp on preparing your surfaces before applying this epoxy spray paint.
It also reacts well with acrylic paint compared with other epoxy spray paint brands that lift off the acrylic, leaving an even bigger mess. The finish is seamless and effectively gives your appliance a durable, professional finish.
Who Should Buy It
Rusting appliances need a bit of loving and touching up after years of service. Homemakers will surely love to have this epoxy spray paint in their arsenal when restoring old appliances.
5. Krylon Tub and Tile Epoxy Spray Paint
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What Customers Have To Say
According to customers, updating your kitchen sink and bath costs much, but the Krylon Tub and Tile Epoxy is the best epoxy spray paint for restoring these home essentials. The finish looks crisp and doesn’t look painted over. You can’t find chipping or flaking, although compared to porcelain, it has less gloss.
Why We Think It’s Great
The Krylon Epoxy Spray Paint works well with tubs, sinks, and other kitchen and bath fixtures. It is compatible with porcelain, glass, fiberglass, ceramic tile, and other glossy and non-porous surfaces. Just remember that epoxy spray paints emit strong odors. It will take days to air it out, so you might consider your options if you don’t have a spare bath.
Who Should Buy It
Anyone looking for a less expensive alternative to updating their sink and bath should try the Krylon tile and tub epoxy spray paint.
6. PJ1 16-GLS Gloss Black Epoxy Spray Paint - Budget-Option
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What Customers Have To Say
Many customers who tried this epoxy paint used it for restoring their old cars and bikes. It takes two or more coatings, depending on the thickness you want. Some even used it for industrial applications, claiming it works as an alternative to powder coating.
However, be sure to check the sizes before you buy from online stores because it has more than one size available.
Why We Think It’s Great
The PJ1 Fast Black Epoxy Spray Paint works well with etching epoxy but does not need a primer to work because it covers well. It is also very affordable and protects your project from rust and corrosion. It is chip and scratch-resistant, and the high-gloss finish lets you clean it with just soap and water.
Who Should Buy It
If you are looking for more affordable alternatives, the PJ1 Fast Black is the best epoxy spray paint for you.
7. RAPTOR 2K Beige Anti-Corrosive Spray Epoxy Primer
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What Customers Have To Say
The Raptor Anti-Corrosive Spray Epoxy Primer works with metal, aluminum, or galvanized panels and is compatible with other epoxy paint brands. It can even withstand the 2,000-hour salt test, making it resistant to rusting and corrosion.
It is quick-drying with 10 to 15-minute flash time between coatings. However, if you want to use polyester body filler, let it dry for 8 hours before adding it. The downside to this epoxy spray paint is the short pot life after activation, so discard it after two hours even if you have not used it up.
Why We Think It’s Great
The RAPTOR Beige Anti-Corrosive Epoxy Primer has an adjustable nozzle that you can use with a single twist on the cap to cover the area you want. This mechanism helps conserve the can’s contents. Turning it to the maximum setting sprays a larger area, while the minimum setting lets you concentrate your spraying on a small or narrow surface.
Who Should Buy It
This spray epoxy primer is an excellent tool for car restorers or painters because it helps prepare the surface you want to apply epoxy. It protects the rusted area and prevents further corrosion and damage.
8. Seymour 20-1672 PBE Professional Spray Epoxy Primer
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What Customers Have To Say
Most users said this epoxy primer gives the best weld and is also the best paint in a can. However, you still need to add 2-3 spray epoxy primer applications to finish preparing your project for painting.
Its large fan spray head is best only for large jobs and causes unnecessary paint waste when working on small surfaces. It does not do well with restoration jobs because it only works on bare metal surfaces unless you entirely strip your project of its old paint.
Overall, customers think this spray epoxy primer is very efficient, covers well, and prevents rust and corrosion on metal projects.
Why We Think It’s Great
We love that the Seymour 20-1672 PBE Epoxy Primer is sandable so you can work out imperfections and ensure better adhesions between coats. It is also VOC-compliant, resistant to heat up to 250°F, and has a professional finish.
This self-etching primer is easy to work with and lays a better foundation for your epoxy spray paint. It contains acids that let this primer etch itself into the metal to have better adhesion and bond.
The Seymour Spray Epoxy Primer is solvent-based, free from lead, cadmium, mercury, chromates, or chlorinated solvents. It is also quick-drying, and you can sand it after 5 minutes, cutting your waiting time more than other brands.
Who Should Buy It
This epoxy primer spray is perfect for new metal projects before applying your best epoxy spray paint on it. Every metal crafter should have this in his supply storage.
9. SprayMax 3680033 2K Gray Epoxy Rust-Cure Primer - Best for Restoration Jobs
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What Customers Have To Say
After thorough research on the best epoxy spray paint for his restoration project, one customer decided to get the SprayMax Rust-Cure Epoxy Primer to go with his paint and found it very satisfying. It effectively removed the rust stains and covered them well too.
The spray angle and amount are adjustable, making it better than its competitors. It also helps that the customer service is very responsive and accommodating to those having issues with their purchases.
Unfortunately, it drips after some use, so wipe those off with a towel to prevent drops on your project.
Why We Think It’s Great
We love how this spray epoxy primer works on various surfaces, including zinc-coated steel, anodized aluminum, hot-rolled or cold-rolled steel, fiberglass, and many other surfaces. SprayMax Rust-Cure Primer yields better, works faster, and has a broader spray pattern than most epoxy primer sprays.
It gives you 4 days to use it after activation. To activate it, remove the red button on the cap and gently push it firmly to the pin at the bottom of the can. Don’t slam the can on the table or your palm to push in the activator button. It may cause accidents because of the can’s pressure.
Who Should Buy It
The SprayMax Rust-Cure Epoxy Primer is an excellent way to cover up minor imperfections and is perfect for someone who loves restoration projects without spending on an air compressor.
10. Eastwood Catalyzed Technology 2K AeroSpray Gray Epoxy Primer
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What Customers Have To Say
Amazon customers agree that the Eastwood Epoxy Primer is a great money-saving spray paint for various projects, including steel, aluminum, fiberglass, body fillers, and existing finishes. However, do not try using it on surfaces applied with etching epoxy or lacquer.
It is always advised to wear a chemical dust mask or respirator when using this spray epoxy primer if you don’t want to burn your lungs. Overall, this brand worked perfectly well in restoring trusty old projects. It is very durable, has a glossy finish, and covers well too.
Why We Think It’s Great
The adjustable nozzle and valve of this spray epoxy primer got us hooked. This feature allowed us to work in tight spots without wasting too much paint on large areas. The price is higher than other brands, but its performance and durability make up for it.
You may consider the shorter pot life of 48 hours compared to other brand’s 96 hours, but if you are working on a big project, we’re sure you can work within the 48-hour time frame.
Who Should Buy It
If you’re restoring a vintage car or working on a specially important project, do not skimp on your epoxy primer spray because it lays an excellent foundation for your painting job.
Best Epoxy Spray Paint Buying Guide
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Project
Your project is the most important thing to consider before deciding to buy an epoxy spray paint. If the project is small, such as redoing your kitchen sink, covering a chipped or scratched bathtub, and repainting small motor parts, an epoxy spray paint would be good enough. But if you’re planning to repaint a whole car, this is not the best option.
The type of epoxy spray paint you buy should match your project. Indoor-type epoxy spray paint like those used on appliances and bath fixtures do not have UV protection, so if you use this for outdoor projects, it won’t last for long.
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Strength
Your epoxy spray paint should also be decent enough to resist chipping and scratches. Read through customer reviews and do more extensive research to learn more about the epoxy spray paint that you’ve been eyeing.
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Chemical Resistance
Corrosion is every metal craftsman’s dilemma, and applying a corrosion-resistant epoxy primer, and epoxy spray paint is one way to stop this.
Most epoxy spray primers have a salt spray test rating, usually denoted by 2K. It means it passed a 2,000-hour salt spray test, making it resistant to most corrosion-causing elements, including exposure to air, water, dirt, and even bacteria.
The epoxy spray paint you choose should be resistant to most corrosive substances that come in contact with it. Remember that water and rain are slightly corrosive because of the oxygen and hydrogen ions in them.
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Temperature Tolerance
Your epoxy spray paint should tolerate temperatures up to 250oF. You don’t want your epoxy spray paint to warp when you’re ready to apply the final paint coat. Bath and kitchen fixtures, automotive parts, and appliances are most vulnerable to temperature changes, so your epoxy spray paint should withstand those changes.
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Fumes and Other Volatile Compounds
Fumes and volatile compounds are inevitable with epoxy spray paints, so wear protective gear designed for working with fumes and VOCs. A painter’s mask and goggles, long-sleeved shirt, and rubber gloves are helpful.
Always work in well-ventilated areas, possibly outdoors, if the weather or the project permits. You can also use an industrial fan to air out the fumes and odors.
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Color
Aesthetics is probably the most compelling reason why you’re doing a repainting job for old appliances or fixtures. So, choose the right color that won’t clash with your existing design if doing indoor projects.
Before buying an epoxy spray paint, try it on the surface you want to use, whether it’s wood or metal. Remember that wet paint looks different than when it’s dry, so let it dry before deciding.
Epoxy Spray Paint FAQ
1. Is epoxy paint waterproof?
Epoxy paint provides a waterproof and corrosion-resistant layer over your materials, be it wood, metal, fiberglass, or other surfaces. It provides an airtight seal to most materials after it hardens, making it the perfect waterproofing and sealing choice.
It can also waterproof your swimming pool, shower floor bathtub as long as you prepare these surfaces well. Be prepared to redo your pool in 10 years or so because constant exposure to sunlight and chlorine results in faded colors, chalking, and peeling of the paint.
However, epoxy paint’s waterproofing ability has limitations, and you cannot waterproof exterior walls with it.
2. Can you use epoxy paint on walls?
Yes, you can use epoxy paint on your walls to seal it and give it a glossy finish that’s scratch and chip-resistant.
Make sure to prepare your areas well by wiping them off with soap and water. Let it dry well before applying epoxy since moisture will affect the quality of the finished wall.
Working with epoxy needs patience, so don’t flash dry or add unnecessary additives to your epoxy paint. Let it dry on its own for at least 24 hours. Sand and wipe off the dust before applying a second layer.
3. Can I use epoxy paint on wood?
Yes, epoxy paint works on wood, although you need an extra layer of catalyst or primer for proper adhesion.
Prepare your wood surface by sanding off all imperfections. You may need 2-3 passes of sandpaper before you get the desired result. Start with a rougher grit to a finer one as you progress in your sanding process.
Apply 2-3 coatings of water-based primer for maximum adhesion. Let it dry well between applications and before applying epoxy paint. Make sure that the wood is thoroughly dried (preferably kiln-dried) before applying primer and epoxy. Moisture has negative results on your finished work.
For outdoor projects or those exposed to weather elements, insist on UV-resistant epoxy paint to resist yellowing due to UV exposure. However, even UV-resistant epoxy paint will succumb to UV reaction after prolonged exposure.
4. Is epoxy better than paint?
Epoxy and paint serve different purposes. Epoxy seals and waterproofs a surface to give it a slip-resistant and lovely finish. It gives the paint better adhesion, especially on concrete. It also protects your surfaces from scratches, scuffs, hot objects, and oil spills, making high-traffic and industrial floors more durable.
On the other hand, paint gives different surfaces a good finish, including those previously applied with epoxy.
Epoxy paint is a mixture of latex acrylic and a small amount of epoxy. Unlike an epoxy coating, which takes days to cure, epoxy paint dries much like conventional paint. However, the small amount of epoxy in the mix lets the paint bond with the surfaces better, protecting it from cracking and peeling.
Each has its advantages and one that serves you well. If you want to protect a high-traffic area, use an epoxy coating. Meanwhile, paint is best on surfaces that don’t get a lot of activity, like ceilings.
5. Does epoxy paint need a primer?
Priming is essential. Depending on the primer, it seals, waterproofs, improves adhesion, blocks stains, and increases the paints’ bonding properties. You can get an epoxy for a particular purpose, like a bonding primer for your ceramic tiles, a multi-purpose primer, or a paint and primer in one.
Epoxy paint contains only a small amount of epoxy. It is a quick fix and may not always need a primer, mainly if you use the self-priming type. If you want to use it on porous and highly corrosive materials, priming is a must.
Wood, drywall, and concrete are highly porous, so priming is necessary to seal those pores and make them less vulnerable to moisture and eventual damage. On concrete, it lowers pH level and prevents crystalline deposits called efflorescence from salts from the ground, water, and construction materials.
On metal, priming prevents rusting and protects it from all causes of corrosion. You can even use it on bolts, nuts, and washers since these tiny things are also very vulnerable to decay.
Conclusion
We had fun putting this extensive and information-packed review on the best epoxy spray paints for your restoration projects. We also included spray epoxy primers since some jobs need priming before applying your epoxy paint of choice. Here are our top three picks for this review:
We give our winning vote to VHT SP652 Satin Black Epoxy Paint as the best all-weather epoxy spray paint for its tough performance and better rustproofing for outboard motors and other automotive projects. It is self-priming, quick-drying, and has a professional-looking baked-on finish.
Close behind is the PJ1 16-GLS Gloss Black Epoxy Spray Paint, which is best for professional budget finishes. The high-gloss porcelain finish is scratch-resistant and needs no primer. It is also compatible with various surfaces.
We also recommend the SprayMax 3680033 2K Epoxy Rust-Cure Primer for budget-friendly restoration jobs as it provides insulation, sealing, and protects and prevents corrosion on metal surfaces. The 4-day pot life is also excellent if you compare it with the 2-hour alternative.