The whole premise of great art is that it is limitless in its potential. There is no one "right way" to create art and some of the most interesting works often feature non-traditional media. Painting on metal surfaces, while not entirely uncommon, is a somewhat unique practice.
Understanding the artist's process for creating art on metal can be a useful exercise as it relates to caring for this type of art. It is similar and yet varies in many ways as compared to art on paper or canvas. An artist's typical process for creating art on metal involves first cleaning the surface of rust, dirt, and corrosives, sanding it down, and finally, applying a primer. The primer is usually a self-etching primer to combat the potential for rust, similar to what is used on automobiles. The primer allows for the easier application of oil and acrylic paints which are commonly the chosen mediums for painting on metal. After the painting is complete, a clear coat is applied to seal the paint on metal.
Vulnerabilities of Metal Artwork
Mitigating Measures
When it comes to your fine art on metal, there are important steps you can take to protect these treasured works.
Hang With Care
While we appreciate the sturdiness of metal, some metal art may be heavier than your typical canvas and more vulnerable to a tumble if not hung with care. If your metal-based painting is in a weight range of 20 pounds or more, it may be less stable. In this case, protect your art by utilizing reinforced hanging methods such as wall fasteners for which you balance the weight across each hanging point.
