Hammer paint (also referred to as Hammertone coating and Hammered paint) is a specialized lacquer or spray paint that gives the appearance much like hammered metal when dried on the surface.
This type of paint gets its properties from the tiny metal particles (in the form of mica, aluminum, or bronze powder) in the hammered spray paint mixture, which, when sprayed on the surface and allowed to dry, create a textured metallic look.
The name “hammered” actually originates from tools traditionally used by goldsmiths and silversmiths. These tools were used to hammer, crush or shape the metals. However, the type of hammered texturing seen in this type of paint finish is not possible with tools like a hammer.
Hammered Spray Paint Uses
Hammered spray paints are presently used on everything from clothing to household décor and jewelry to crafts. It’s a popular finish for restorers as it can be used to replicate the look of an old antique object.
This type of paint also gives textiles a raw metal look without the weight, making it popular for various other accessories including the ones that use clothes and different fabrics.
Hammered paints are typically an excellent choice for smooth surfaces that you need to look like raw, rustic metal with a Hammertone appearance. So, let’s say you want to create distressed, antique, or faux finishes on your old worn-out furniture; you could use this type of paint to achieve the textured appearance you desire.
The rustic appearance you get from your work would be very durable because of the presence of metal particles in the paint. Don’t worry; since the sprayed furniture piece doesn’t have the weight of the real metal, you can easily move it around your home.
Hammered Spray Paint Top Brands
If you are looking for a hammered paint finish like raw metal, there are many brands, colors, and varieties available on the market to choose from.
Some of the most popular brands include Rust-Oleum, Krylon, BEHR, and Hammerite (by Dulux). You can get metallic paints at their flagship stores, online, or at your nearest hardware store like Home Depot and Walmart in visually appealing colors like green, red, blue, bronze, gold, gray, and silver black.
Among all, if you ask me, Rust-Oleum® Universal® Hammered Spray Paint is my top favorite as I have used it more than once for different projects, and it has never failed to amaze me with its results.
This paint is specially designed to provide a rich, hammered metal look to any surface without the need for a primer. It sticks and works well on almost all surfaces, including porous wood, metal, wicker, plastic, glass, ceramic, masonry, drywall, plaster, and unglazed tile.
It’s also very easy to apply and dries quickly to a durable, low-gloss finish that resists nicks, chips, and scratches. I would definitely recommend this paint to anyone who wants a hammered metal look without any hassle.
How to Apply Hammertone Coating?
Unlike regular spray paints that need a smooth surface for application, hammer paints can be applied without sanding or grinding. This is simply because the paints come with an excellent hiding power of surface imperfections such as welding seams etc.
Applying hammered paint is therefore not difficult, as you can use it the same way as any other spray paint. To get the best finishing results, here are a few easy tips that will help you:
- Use a drop cloth or old newspaper to protect the surface where you will be working.
- Shake the can of hammered paint well before use, or the metallic particles may not dry properly on the surface.
- Apply the paint in light, even coats on a well-prepared cleaned surface.
- Do not apply too many coats at once, as it can create a mess.
- Allow the paint to dry completely between coats. Then apply a top coat of clear sealer to protect the finish.
The thing you need to keep in mind while working with hammered spray paints is that a can will only suffice for smaller projects such as a dresser or picture frame. For bigger painting projects, you will most likely need to purchase multiple cans.
Also, get yourself prepared with some spare time, as this type of paint might take a few extra hours to dry and cure entirely. And if you need to store the used or unused paint, you may keep them correctly in an upright position at a cool, dry location.
The bottom line
Hammered paint is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to achieve a raw metallic look on their decorative projects without investing in any real metal. It’s easy to apply and durable. Plus the well-finished protective coating looks great on almost any surface.
So, go ahead and experiment with it to create some amazing finishes on your projects. Just remember to follow the tips shared in this article, and you will be good to go with a beautiful hammered metal look.
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Jack Luis is a semi-retired painter who loved painting his clients’ ideas on their walls.
He had worked as a painter for over a decade serving customers in areas such as Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Beaufort, and Georgetown, SC (South Carolina). Today in his free time, he likes to read and write about the newer techniques implemented in his profession. You may read more about him here or get in touch with him here.