Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Tin Cans?
The tin can is one of the few things that you will find even without wondering too much. With canned food, toys, and toffees, you will get free tin cans often. But you would not like to put them in a nice place with the labels and colors on.
It would be great if you could change the outlook of the tin cans however you want. You might want to paint a tin can with acrylic to make it as you like. But can you use acrylic paint on tin cans?
While acrylic paint can be spread evenly on tin cans with the proper preparation and procedure, it can be difficult to make them last longer. You will find different types of acrylic paint that you can use on the tin surface.
Let’s find out which acrylic paint is ideal for your project and how you can make them work.

Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Tin Cans?
Yes, you can use acrylic paint on tin cans. There are various types of acrylic paint that you can use on tin cans.
Depending on the paint type, you will need to change how to paint the tin can with acrylic paint. You will find acrylic paint in a spray can or in tubes that you can apply using brushes.
Does Acrylic Paint Stay On Tin?
For making your acrylic paint stick to a tin can, you will need to prepare the can surface properly.
- If you paint directly on your tin can without cleaning or preparing it, the paint might not peel off immediately, but it will not last long, either.
- If you try to paint over the label or rust, it might come off within a few days. It might even make the condition of the can even worse.
By preparing your tin surface properly, you can make the acrylic paint last a lot longer. The paint might last as long as the tin can does not get destroyed.
If you remove all the residue from the surface and apply a suitable primer, the paint will bond with the surface and won’t peel off.
How To Paint Tin Cans With Acrylic Paint?
If you are wondering how you can paint a tin can with acrylic paint, here are the steps that you can follow:
Clean The Can
The first step of painting your tin can is cleaning it. You must remove the labels or anything attached to the surface if you are using a new can. For the old cans, you will need to remove all the rust and residue using a good cleaner.
Sand It
After removing all the particles from the tin surface, you can sand the surface thoroughly to make it more suitable for applying paint. Sanding will help the surface to roughen up and create more affinity for paint. After sanding, wipe off all the residue from the tin surface.
Apply Primer
Applying one or two coats of acrylic primer is the best way to prepare your tin surface. You can use water-based acrylic primer and apply them directly on your tin can.
Before applying them, carefully read the label of your primer and make sure that it is applicable on metal surfaces.
Paint On The Can
Now, it’s time to put the paint on your tin can. Apply the acrylic paint with a brush or sponge on the area you want to paint.
You can use water-based acrylic paint and mix it with water to make the density suitable for your project.
After applying one layer of paint, let the paint dry before going for the second layer. You might need to wait for a few hours or even a day to let the paint dry.
Finalize The Project
After drawing the paint, now it’s time to add the embellishments and sealing your paint. If you are not confident with the durability of your paint layer, you can use an acrylic sealer not to let any paint transfer to other surfaces.
You can also use glue to put on jewels, laces, and other decorative items.
Suggested Materials You May Need
Make your tin can decoration ideas more beautiful and successful with the right products in hand. Here are some of the best materials available in the market that will give you long-lasting results.
#1 DecoArt Multi Purpose Primer & Sealer : (Recommended Primer For Acrylics)
For understanding how to paint on tin, priming the surface is a must. This DecoArt Multi Purpose Primer & Sealer will help you prepare the tin surface.
It will not create any residue and protect the surface as well. You can directly use the primer on a clean tin can.
If you are trying to paint on a new can, you can wipe off the surface with clean fabric and apply the primer. For old tin, it is better to clean them first using a suitable cleaning agent and dust off all the rust.
DecoArt is already very famous for creating high-quality art supplies. This primer is no exception. It will give you full coverage and help the paint bond with the tin surface. You will find this primer at a reasonable price and can use it with ease.
#2 TMOL Acrylic Paint Set : (Recommended Acrylic Paint)
While buying acrylic paint for painting on a tin surface, you will need to understand what your project requires and if your paint can stick to the tin. This TMOL Acrylic Paint Set is a perfect solution to your problem.
This paint can create vibrant and beautiful patterns on your tin can and give your can a new life. If you are up for a DIY project or want to create a beautiful art piece using a tin can, you can easily make the design you desire with these paints.
The set has a wide variety of colors that can create almost any shade. This paint is also safe to use. It is non-toxic and will not harm your skin. You can clean up the residue paint easily if you make any mistake.
Over To You
If you are still reluctant about using acrylic paint on your tin can, you do not need to worry. There are multiple ways to put acrylic paint on tin cans that will make the can look beautiful and useful again.
If someone asks you, “Can you use acrylic paint on tin cans?”, now you can answer them confidently and show your prowess.
Make your tin can shine again without any worries and decorate them as you like. Don’t forget to share the good result with us and show us your skill.
Further Readings
How to Paint Tin Cans
How To Prepare and Paint Tin
Acrylic Paint on Metal – Can you use Acrylic Paint on Metal?
Can You Use Acrylic Paint on Metal?