What’s the best automotive spray paint in a can? Well, this is one of the pressing questions every car owner is likely to ask whenever they want to renew the color of their car’s paint job. You see, during a car repair, painting the exterior is mostly considered the last step after everything else is done.
Painting the car’s chassis comes with a myriad of benefits such as improving the car’s aesthetics and protecting the metal parts from premature wear caused by rust, corrosion, and the elements. But, despite being a necessity, painting your car doesn’t have to be so restrictive that you can’t choose what appeals to your eyes.
For that reason, most brands have released high-quality spray paints that meet the required recommendations while offering additional goodies such as fast drying time, resistance to high temperatures, extra shine, and a wide color selection. So, if you’re searching for a quality spray paint that’s durable, easy to use, and cost-effective, all at the same time, then this guide has ten picks you can consider.
Contents
Best Automotive Spray Paint in a Can: Editor’s Top Picks
Top 10 Best Automotive Spray Paint in a Can Reviews:
1. USC Spray Max Clearcoat Aerosol
Product Specifications
- Quantity: 2 x 11.8 ounces
- Package: Bottle
Claiming the pole position in today’s discussion is the USC Spray Max 2K Clearcoat Aerosol. Now, unlike most other automobile spray painting, this comes as a pack of two giving you the advantage of getting two cans at an affordable price range. So, if your painting or repainting project is quite large, then you won’t have to worry about getting another can just to accomplish the job.
In addition to that, each can hold a maximum of 11.8 oz. making the total quantity of paint to be 23.6 oz. But, away from the quantity, the USC Spray Max 2K Clearcoat Aerosol has not failed to deliver. The paint comes as a clear coat that gives your car a glossy mirror-like look that’s quite inspiring. It can be used for touch-up purposes during car repairs and can be applied as a base coat if you’re painting your car for the first time.
Now, most spray paints offer excellent all-weather resistance. The USC Spray Max 2K Clearcoat Aerosol is no exception. However, this spray paint doesn’t just stop there. It goes ahead to offer superb chemical, scratch, and abrasion resistance to the rest of the weaker undercoats. When it comes to usage, this spray paint requires you to activate, shake then spray.
Highlighted Features
- Has a lifespan of 48 hours at temperatures of 68°F
- Has a faster drying time
- Doesn’t require to be mixed with an activator
- Excellent abrasion, scratch, and chemical resistance
- Unique nozzles make it easy to use this spray paint
2. Custom Spray Paint for Toyota and Lexus Cars
Product Specifications
- Quantity: 7.5 Ounces
- Color: Silver Sky Metallic
The Custom Spray Paint for Toyota and Lexus is another excellent pick if you’re looking for a paint that meets your car’s OEM specifications. Manufactured by Finish-Rite, this spray paint is quite similar to our previous USC Spray Max 2K Clearcoat Aerosol only that it comes in a single pack. Also, this spray paint is packed in a smaller 7.5-ounce bottle that’s quite small as compared to our previous paint’s 11.8 once can.
But, other than the quantity, most of the features you’ll find with this spray paint are quite similar to our previous paint. For instance, this paint gives your car a glossy silver sky metallic look that’s similar to most classic vintage cars.
Manufactured in the United States, this spray paint is computer formulated to match the needs and demands of your Toyota or Lexus car. About the usage, this spray paint is very easy to use thanks to its well-designed nozzle. Although it offers excellent all-weather protection, Finish-Rite recommends that this paint be clear-coated with either SprayMax 3680058 or 3680061 for added strength.
Highlighted Features
- Made in the United States
- Designed to meet strict Toyota and Lexus OEM specifications
- Offers excellent chemical and weather resistance
- Designed to resist scratching and scrapping
- The nozzle is ergonomic enough for efficient spraying
3. Plasti Dip Luxury Metal Spray
Product Specifications
- Quantity: 2 x 11 Ounces
- Waterproof: Yes
Another excellent spray paint you can consider for your car painting projects is the Plasti Dip Luxury Metal Spray. Packed in an 11-ounce bottle, this spray paint has a high mark of elegance that makes it a top performer. Just like our first spray paint, the Plasti Dip Luxury Metal Spray comes as a park of 2 to help you accomplish your painting endeavors with enthusiasm.
On top of the two cans, this spray paint comes with a dedicated trigger spray tool that helps to deliver a perfect mist of paint when painting your car. To those that are fans of black paints, the Plasti Dip Luxury Metal Spray gives an inspiring matte black finish that’s worth some praise.
The topcoat is solid and highly resistant to wear caused by scratching and scraping. It’s also highly resistant to premature wear caused by harsh chemicals, acid rain, and UV rays. Now, just like most Plasti-Dip spray paints, the Plasti Dip Luxury Metal Spray is multi-purpose meaning it can be used on a wide range of metal surfaces. So, whether it’s your rims, grilles, emblems, window trims, or racing stripes, the Plasti Dip Luxury Metal Spray is the best spray paint for cars that will never disappoint you.
Highlighted Features
- Its waterproof meaning it doesn’t peel easily
- The package comes with 2 cans each carrying 11-ounce paint
- Gives an inspiring matte black finish
- A dedicated trigger spray tool makes the spraying job easy
- Applicable on a wide range of metal surfaces
4. USC Spray Max High Gloss Aerosol
Product Specifications
- Quantity: 4 x 11.8 Ounces
- Special Feature: UV Resistant
Also made by Spray Max, the USC Spray 2K Clearcoat Aerosol is available in a pack of 4 cans to help you accomplish huge car painting assignments. Each of the cans contains 11.8-ounce worth of paint that’s enough to serve you for several rounds.
Unlike most spray paints, this spray aerosol contains a special formulation that gives your car a glossy mirror-like look that’s enough to make heads turn. In addition to that, the resulting paint job forms a long-lasting gloss finish that doesn’t peel off when it gets to contact with water. As a two-component aerosol paint, the USC Spray 2K Clearcoat Aerosol can be sprayed on various metal surfaces to improve their looks and protect them from wear.
Speaking of wear, this spray paint uses its unique formulation to offer excellent chemical and all-weather protection to your car’s undercoat paints. It can also be used as a basecoat thanks to its excellent multi-purpose capabilities. According to Spray Max, this paint can become inactive after 48 hours of being open. Therefore, you have to use it immediately to enjoy its benefits.
Highlighted Features
- Can be used as a clear coat or basecoat
- Doesn’t require to be mixed with an activator
- Gives a high glossy mirror-like look
- Fast drying time
- All-weather resistant
5. Kleanstrip BD ADH Promoter
Product Specifications
- Quantity: 15 Ounces
- Surface Recommendation: Glass, Plastic, & Metal
The Kleanstrip BD ADH Promoter is very different from what we’ve discussed earlier. While most of the products we’ve discussed are spray paints, this one is an adhesion promoter that’s applied on surfaces to make the paint stick perfectly. So, in other words, the Kleanstrip BD ADH Promoter is more like an undercoat.
You see, when it comes to spray paints, there are lots of factors that affect their performance. Although your spray paint might come from a respected brand, various external factors can affect how strong and how long it can last. The Kleanstrip BD ADH Promoter is one of the add-ons that can promote the performance of your spray paint.
Its purpose is to add adhesion to your paint to make it stick on any surface. So, whether you’re dealing with metal, rubber, glass, leather/vinyl, or plastic, this adhesion promoter will allow your spray paint to stick easily without any problems. Other than that, this adhesion promoter can help you tie plastic on metal making repair jobs easier. It’s also clear in color meaning it won’t interfere with your preferred topcoat paint.
Highlighted Features
- Comes in a large 15-Ounce bottle
- Its clear color doesn’t interfere with your spray paint
- Makes your paint stick on a wide range of surfaces
- The adhesive is strong enough to tie metal to plastic
- Helps your paint to give out that gloss shiny look
6. Rust-Oleum 340558-6PK Automotive Spray Paint
Product Specifications
- Quantity: 6 x 10 Ounce Cans
- Color Options: Metallic Silver, Chrome Blue, Black, & Red
If you’re looking for the best automotive spray paint in a can that will not cost you an arm and a leg, then the Rust-Oleum 340558 Spray Paint is the right match for you. First and foremost, this spray paint comes as a package consisting of 6 paint bottles each holding 10 oz. of high-quality paint. So, if your painting or repainting project is quite large, then this package will be enough to handle everything.
Away from the quantity, the Rust-Oleum 340558 Spray Paint is quite versatile. Other than painting the car’s chassis, this spray paint can be used on other automotive surfaces such as the rims and the plastic bumper. About its performance, the Rust-Oleum 340558 Spray Paint uses a unique one-step lacquer formula to accentuate your car and give it an exceptional shine and luster.
As if it’s not enough, this spray paint dries in less than 20 minutes making it easier and faster for you to recoat the surface according to your demands. When painting your auto, this spray paint doesn’t need you to add a base coat or a primer hence saving you some bucks. To those keen on aesthetics, this paint comes in several color options that include rugged, chrome, metallic, gloss, matte and clear coat.
Highlighted Features
- Available in a variety of color options
- Has a fast drying time of fewer than 20 minutes
- Can be sprayed directly without the need for a primer or an undercoat
- Gives an ultra-high gloss accent
- Perfect for both interior and exterior use
7. POR-15 Chassis Black Top Coat Spray Paint
Product Specifications
- Quantity: 15-Ounces
- Color: Chassis Black
The POR-15 Black Top Coat has been an editor’s choice in most reviews due to its high-quality specialized features. Although it appeared in the mid-table, this topcoat aerosol is an excellent pick if you’re looking to preserve your car’s chassis from possible rust attack. One of the features you’ll truly love about this paint is the DTM (Direct-On-Metal) capability that allows direct application on your car’s chassis.
What this means is that you won’t have to apply an undercoat or a primer to prevent this spray paint from peeling. As a result, this saves you both time and money. When applied, the POR-15 Black Top Coat provides an excellent adhesion that coats your car’s chassis to protect it against rust and corrosion.
With its 100% UV resistance, this spray paint protects your car’s base coat from harmful rays that cause premature scratching, peeling, and discolor. Having complied with OSHA demands, the POR-15 Black Top Coat gives your car a rust-free shiny finish that blends with your car’s base coat. The paint is packed in a 15-ounce bottle and it’s available in twelve different colors to match your car’s basecoat.
Highlighted Features
- It’s a direct-to-metal type of paint
- 100% UV-resistant
- Available in different color options
- Good adhesion makes it long-lasting
- Protects the chassis against rust and corrosion
8. Performix 11604-6 Blue Plasti Dip
Product Specifications
- Quantity: 14.5-Ounces
- Color: Blue
When choosing spray paint, one factor you have to keep in mind is safety. The Performix 11604-6Blue Plasti Dip is one such spray paint that promises to offer a high level of safety besides coating metal surfaces. Now, what do we mean by safety? You see, when applied, the Performix 11604-6Blue Plasti Dip doesn’t dry up entirely.
It stays supple and bendable with a less slippery rubber effect. So, when applied on metal surfaces, this spray paint coats and insulates naked metal protecting you from electric shock. It also prevents heat build-up, reduces sounds and vibrations, and makes it easier for you to grip metal surfaces without slipping.
When it comes to the application, the Performix 11604-6Blue Plasti Dip is applied in different ways such as dipping, spraying, and brushing. Once it’s applied, this spray paint remains flexible and stretchy and it doesn’t chip or peel when exposed to extreme weather conditions. Packed in a 14.5 oz. bottle, this best spray paint for cars is usable on a wide range of projects both in and around the garage or garden.
Highlighted Features
- Doesn’t damage metal surfaces when removed
- Usable in a wide range of projects
- Protects metal surfaces from sounds and vibrations
- Rubber grip prevents slipping
- Doesn’t become brittle when exposed to extreme weather
9. Rust-Oleum Automotive 260771 High Heat Spray
Product Specifications
- Quantity: 11-Ounces
- Paint Type: Oil Based
- Color: Gloss Clear
Rust-Oleum is one of the most respected brands when it comes to manufacturing quality spray paints for automotive use. With a vast knowledge of automotive parts, this brand has managed to manufacture a wide range of spray paints that meet the working conditions of various parts. The Rust-Oleum Automotive High Heat Spray is just one of the many different spray paints that are manufactured by this brand.
For this particular paint, Rust-Oleum has designed it with excellent heat resistance that goes to as high as 2000°F. So, if you’re planning to spray automotive parts that get really hot such as the exhaust manifolds and headers, then this spray paint is exactly what you need.
Other than that, the Rust-Oleum Automotive High Heat Spray is gas, grease, rust, oil, salt, and humidity-resistant meaning it doesn’t fall victim to the harsh effects caused by these factors. When it comes to metal protection, this spray paint is applied directly on naked metals without the need to apply undercoats or primers. Available in an 11-ounce can, this spray paint is an authentic purchase if you’re looking for a paint that gives a smooth and professional-looking gloss.
Highlighted Features
- Designed to resist heat for up to 2000°F
- Highly resistant to gas, grease, oil, rust, and other solvents
- Designed to stop the formation of rust
- The nozzle is very easy to spray with
- Has great color retention
10. 4 PACK PLASTI DIP Multi-Purpose Rubber Coating Spray
Product Specifications
- Quantity: 4 x 11-Ounce Cans
- Color: Matte Black
Finally, yet importantly, we have the PLASTI DIP Multi-Purpose Rubber Coating Spray. Although it came last, this multi-purpose car spray paint is an excellent pick if you’re looking to protect your car’s metal parts from rust and corrosion. The package contains 4 bottles each containing 11 oz. of paint. This is an excellent deal for customers on a tight budget, as you won’t have to spend a lot just to procure these paints.
About the performance, this multi-purpose aerosol gives a shiny black matte finish that gives your auto a glamorous look. When applied, this paint forms a rubber coating that has excellent protective instincts. So, if you’re worried about acid rain, UV-rays, or damages caused by unfavorable weather, then this spray paint will take care of everything.
But, other than corrosion and inclement weather, the PLASTI DIP Multi-Purpose Rubber Coating Spray offers other protective benefits. One of those is insulating the metal parts against possible electrocution. Secondly, the rubber polish provides a perfect grip on metal parts to protect you from slipping. Other than that, the PLASTI DIP Multi-Purpose Rubber Coating Spray is designed to stay supple and bendable when exposed to extreme weather.
Highlighted Features
- The paint is multi-purpose
- Applicable by dipping, brushing, or spraying
- Protects metal parts against moisture and rust invasion
- Insulates metal parts to prevent electric shock
- Doesn’t peel or crack when exposed to extreme weather
Things to Consider When Choosing an Automotive Spray Paint
Whether you’re an armature or a professional car painter, there’s one thing you must consider: getting quality spray that will keep the job done. In our previous discussion, we’ve listed ten of the best spray paints that are available in the market.
But, although the list is well-detailed, it’s not enough to help you choose the right paint keeping in mind there are thousands of options available. For that reason, we’ve added a well-detailed buyer’s guide section that contains key parameters that are likely to affect your last decision.
- Type of Paint:
The first thing you have to consider when choosing an automotive spray paint is the exact type of paint you’ll need. What you decide to choose here will hugely depend on the material and the environment you’re working on.
When it comes to the environment, you’ll have the option to choose between water-based acrylic and oil-based enamel paint. You can also decide to consider other parameters such as the paint’s resistance to high temperatures, moisture, scratches, and scrapping. Here, you’ll have a variety of options that range from turbo clear coat, glamour, higher solid, and topcoat clear coat.
- Color Choice:
The second parameter you have to consider when choosing the best automotive spray paint in a can is the type of color you’ll be painting your car. Here, you’ll have to choose between dark and light colors. You’ll also choose from a wide range of finishes such as metallic, satin, hammered, gloss, textured, and matte.
Lighter colors such as White and light Grey don’t absorb heat easily and they improve your visibility when driving at night. Dark colors, on the other hand, are great if you want to customize your car with decals such as flakes and stripes.
- Durability:
Another parameter that’s quite essential when choosing an automotive spray paint is the level of durability. Here, you need to take a closer look at the paint’s label to ensure that it matches your specific environment and your color specifications.
The paint should also be compatible with your specific painting project. About the environment, you need to consider certain parameters such as changing temperature, exposure to moisture, and intensity to high heat.
The paint should also offer advanced resistance to chipping, peeling, and scratching if you’re driving in high-traffic regions. It should also be fade resistant meaning it won’t fade or degrade quickly when exposed to extreme UV rays.
- Drying Time:
If you’re painting the car’s exterior, then drying time will be a huge concern for you. This is because your paint will need to dry much faster before it’s exposed to certain elements such as rain, snow, or UV rays. Also, if you’re dealing with a huge painting project, the paint you pick must dry faster to save you time if you want to apply several other coats.
Now, during your search for the best spray paint, you’ll notice that most brands promise a quick drying time that goes to as low as 15 minutes. So, to ascertain that the information provided isn’t biased, you should read through real people’s opinions to verify the information.
Also, you need to note that water-based spray paints dry quicker than their oil-based counterparts. So, when making your decision, you have to consider this fact.
- Thickness:
Other than what we’ve discussed, the thickness of your paint is another key concern you can’t afford to neglect. Now, have you ever painted and repainted your car severally only to realize the results are still the same? Well, there’s a high chance you picked a thin paint.
So, depending on your demands, you must choose the thickness of your preferred paint carefully to ensure that you get the preferred thickness. Remember, thick automobile spray painting has myriad benefits such as insulating metal parts and coating the chassis against rust attack.
- Ease of Application:
Before you draw your money to pay for your favorite can of automotive spray paint, make sure that it’s optimized for easy application. Thankfully, Spray Max is one of the brands that have seriously considered this parameter thanks to their ergonomic nozzles. With such nozzles, you don’t have to hire a professional just to accomplish the painting project for you.
The best nozzle should resemble the performance of a spray gun such as offering you a smooth, even, and professional finish without straining your fingers.
- Transparency:
Finally, yet importantly, you have to consider the level of transparency of your specific spray paint. Are you looking for pigmented paint or a clear coat? If the former is your concern, then you can pick any of the paints we’ve discussed in this review.
If it’s the latter, then you need to find a paint that’s 100% transparent to ensure that it doesn’t darken or interfere with your car’s base coat.
Frequently Asked Questions about Automotive Spray Paint
Q1. Do I Need a Spray Gun to Spray the Paint?
When it comes to spray paints, it’s important that you get a spray gun to make the project neat and excellent. Remember, spray paint is not like ordinary paint where you can use a brush or a roller. Therefore, you need to have the right spraying tool to ensure that your paint gets to those hard-to-reach areas.
Alternatively, you can opt to get a car spray paint with a ready-to-use can. Thankfully, most of the paints we’ve discussed here don’t need the assistance of a spray gun as they have ergonomic nozzles that bear similar results as spray guns.
Q2. Should I Scrap off the Previous Paint Before Applying the New Paint?
In most cases, the best spray paints, such as the ones we’ve listed here, are designed to adhere to other paints. So, if your vehicle had another topcoat, you don’t have to remove the former paint just to spray it with a new one. However, different brands have different demands. Therefore, you must read the label carefully to understand the mode of application.
Q3. How Long Does it Take The Spray Paint to Dry?
The length of time a paint takes to dry depends on various factors. These factors include the type of paint you’re applying, the thickness of the coat, and the level of humidity in the air. However, most brands suggest that you wait for at least 24 hours for the paint to dry up entirely.
Q4. How Do You Paint a Car to Give it a Smooth Finish?
Well, first, you should clean your car to remove any surface dirt and dust. If there are corroded parts, make sure that you sand them properly to remove the rust. Next, apply separate layers of primer to allow the paint to adhere to the metal surfaces.
When you’re done, apply several coats of your preferred spray paint in a well-ventilated area. The purpose of applying several coats is to ensure that each topcoat solves the problems of the previous coat. Finally, pick 120-grit sandpaper and smoothen the uneven areas after the paint has dried up.
Final Verdict
As you can see, there’s a lot to talk about when it comes to the best automotive spray paint in a can. If you’re a new car owner, finding the right paint that will meet your demands and expectations can be quite hard. Thankfully, with an insightful guide such as this, things can get a little easier.
In our discussion, we’ve managed to list some of the best automotive spray paints that have earned multiple positive reviews from verified customers. Most of these paints are cool, affordable, and very easy to apply.
But other than the paints, we’ve also added a detailed buyer’s guide section where we’ve detailed some of the key parameters that are likely to affect your buying decision. So, in case you’ve been struggling to find the right automotive spray paint that will guarantee perfect results, then this guide has given you everything you need to know.
