If you’re planning to paint a metal chain, you have to take into account two important factors. First, the metal surfaces are nonporous, the paint will not adhere to them until they have been treated with a type specific primer abrasive. Furthermore, due to the interlocking chains, the surface paint is under constant pressure because the metal components rub against each other. You’ll have to select a type of resistant paint or finish will wear out quickly.
Instructions
- Put the chain on a concrete surface.
- Clean the metal chain with pressurized water. Let it dry completely.
- Place it on a high strength cloth or piece of cardboard. Apply a very thin layer of primer to the chain. It is painstaking work to ensure that all metal is covered. Move the chain to expose all surfaces.
- Let dry for 1 hour, turn the chain over and apply the primer on the other side. Let dry for 4 hours.
- Apply two coats of metal spray paint to the chain in the same way as you did before. Allow for 2 hours drying time between coats.
Tips & Warnings
- For durability, apply a light transparent metal layer to help protect the finish.
- If you want to paint a small chain like jewelry, do not use etching primer. Instead, fill a bowl with 1 cup of metal paint and dilute it with 1 oz. of water. Soak the chain in diluted paint for 20 minutes. Place the chain on paper towels to dry and repeat this process until the chain is the desired color.
