Hammerite Metal Paint review

Hammerite is what you’d call an old-school metal paint, and it’s a brand that almost every decorator in the UK has used at one point or another. They manufacture a range of metal paints, but I want to review their signature product, Hammerite Direct to Rust Metal Paint.

You can buy this paint online by clicking here in various sizes and colours. The finishes include Smooth, Hammered and Satin. It is touch dry in around one hour, recoatable after four hours, and offers up to eight years of protection. You might use this paint for exterior metalwork such as railings, cast-iron gutters and shutters.

Hammerite Direct to Rust and Metal Paint Review

There are loads of products available nowadays that you can use on exterior metalwork, but I still have an affection for Hammerite. It’s thick and gloopy to apply, which can be a real pain, especially in warm conditions. However, there is a trick to applying it that will make the application process easier (I’ll come back to that later in the review).

Hammerite Direct to Rust Metal Paint does contain rust inhibitors, which is why you can use it on rusted metalwork, but I’ve found you still need an oxide primer  for heavily rusted areas if you want your painted surface to have any real longevity.

The more modern products, like Bradite One Can, are a lot easier to apply and will last just as long as Hammerite in my experience.

It may sound like I’m being too critical of Hammerite Direct to Rust Metal Paint, but I honestly do like it. I find the paint reliable, and I honestly think it looks fantastic once it’s on. I have even used it on my own garden railings.

The Easiest way to Apply Hammerite Direct to Rust and Metal

As promised, I’m going to talk a little bit about the application. There is a knack to using Hammerite. If you were to just grab a paintbrush and try to paint in the usual way, then you’d probably struggle. Hammerite is simply too thick and gloopy. Instead, what you need to do is get yourself the correct type of brush and a mini roller.

Your chosen paintbrush needs to be relatively stiff when using Hammerite, but also cheap. There’s no point in using an expensive paintbrush because it is going to get wrecked by the paint! I’d recommend the Hamilton For the Trade, available online by clicking here.

Next, you’ll need a medium-pile mini roller. I like the Hamilton For the Trade mini rollers too. They’re cheap, hold plenty of material, but are thin enough to manoeuvre around railings and mouldings. Available online by clicking here.

You should roll the larger areas with your mini roller, then touch up the edges with your paintbrush, ensuring you keep awet edge. I know this is a strange way to do it, but trust me, it’s the easiest way. You can get your mini roller right into railings, and the painting is much faster.

Hammerite Direct to Rust and Metal Aerosol

Review Summary

FAQs

What is the difference between Hammered and Smooth Hammerite paint?

The Hammered finish looks textured, whereas the Smooth finish has a more even appearance, like you’d expect from most other paints. Hammered looks great on metal railings, but I don’t like it on large, flat areas.

What is special about Hammerite paint?

It was one of the first paints to contain rust inhibitors, meaning it generally lasted longer on metal than many other products. However, there are now lots of paints that contain rust inhibitors.

Does Hammerite stop rust on metal?

Hammerite does contain rust inhibitors, but it isn’t as effective on heavily rusted surfaces as specialist primers. My advice is to prime heavily rusted areas before using Hammerite.

Is a brush or roller better for Hammerite paint?

Hammerite is quite a sticky paint, so it can be hard to apply with a brush alone. Using a mini roller alongside a brush will help with application.

How to get a smooth finish with Hammerite?

You might struggle to get a perfectly smooth finish with Hammerite simply because it’s so thick and sticky. However, using a mini roller to apply the paint before laying it off with a brush will help.

Final Thoughts

So, Hammerite Direct to Rust Metal Paint is thick and gloopy but is easy enough to apply with the correct method. I don’t like applying it over heavy rust, but the fact that this paint contains rust inhibitors gives me confidence in its longevity.

There are new water-based alternatives popping up all the time, but I still like Hammerite. It’s a brand I’ve always found reliable. Click here for more information or to see the current prices.