You can give steel frames, fittings, railings, tanks and metal counters a stainless-steel look with a spray, without replacing them. For metalwork, the product to start with is Pintyplus INOX / Stainless Primer: a gloss, anti-corrosive primer with a stainless-steel appearance, heat resistant to 600°C and suitable indoors and outdoors. On its own it covers weld marks and gives a stainless finish. Where you want the same look as a refinished appliance, it can be followed by Pintyplus Household Appliance INOX. Either way the metal must be de-rusted and degreased, and you spray two thin coats.
The short version
- Base product: Pintyplus INOX / Stainless Primer Spray, gloss, anti-corrosive, 600°C
- For: stainless welds, railings, tanks, steel frames, fences, fittings and metal counters
- Optional finish: Pintyplus Household Appliance INOX, where you want an appliance-style finish
- Method: wire-brush rust, degrease, two thin coats 30 minutes apart
- Not for: wood, laminate or plaster counters
Which spray gives a stainless look on metalwork?
We stock two stainless-look sprays, and our product pages warn not to confuse them.
| INOX / Stainless Primer | Household Appliance INOX | |
|---|---|---|
| Made for | Stainless welds, tanks, steel structures, fences and metal fabrication | Fridges, freezers, washing machines and appliance panels |
| What it is | Gloss anti-corrosive primer with a stainless appearance | Quick-dry decorative stainless finish |
| Heat resistance | 600°C | Not stated |
| Drying and recoat | 30 minutes and 30 minutes | 30 minutes and 30 minutes |
| Coverage | 2 m² per 400 ml can | 2 m² per 400 ml can |
| Price | ₨ 3,930 | ₨ 3,475 |
For frames, fittings, railings and counters made of metal, start with the INOX Primer. For fridge and washing machine panels, see our guide to INOX spray for appliances.
Where does INOX primer work?
Pintyplus lists stainless steel welds, storage tanks, structural steel and fences, and describes it as anti-corrosive, heat resistant to 600°C and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Around Pakistani homes, shops and workshops, that covers:
- Stainless steel railings where the welds have gone dark or brown from welding heat
- Steel water tanks, tank stands and pipe fittings that you want to look stainless
- Steel frames for tables, shelving, counters and display racks
- Metal kitchen counters and work tables in restaurants and dhabas, on the outside and underside, away from food
- Gate fittings, brackets and small metal fixtures
Primer alone, or primer plus a finish coat?
For most metalwork, INOX Primer on its own is enough. It is a gloss finish with a stainless appearance, it protects against corrosion, and Pintyplus says it can be repainted after 30 minutes if you want another coat.
Where you want a steel frame or panel to match refinished appliances in the same room, you can use INOX Primer as the anti-corrosive base, then finish with Pintyplus Household Appliance INOX after the 30-minute recoat time. Pintyplus does not publish this as a combined system, so test the two together on a small piece first and check that the finish sits well before doing the whole job.
How do you apply it, step by step?
1. Remove rust and scale
Wire-brush any rust and loose scale until you reach sound metal. On stainless welds, clean off weld spatter and discoloration.
2. Degrease
Wipe the metal with a degreaser or solvent on a clean cloth, especially on kitchen counters and frames, and let it dry.
3. Mask around the work
Tape off glass, wood, walls and anything else nearby.
4. Shake the can
Shake vigorously for one minute after you hear the mixing balls.
5. Spray two thin coats
Hold the can 25 to 30 cm from the metal and spray thin, quick passes, first horizontally and then vertically. Two thin coats are better than one thick coat. Pintyplus describes it as a no-drip formula, but heavy coats still look uneven. It dries in about 30 minutes, and you can recoat after 30 minutes.
6. Clear the nozzle
Turn the can upside down and spray until only gas comes out. Work in a well-ventilated place and don’t spray anything connected to the electricity supply.
What can’t a stainless-look spray do?
- It is not stainless steel. It gives the appearance and protects the metal, but it won’t have the hardness of real stainless.
- It is made for metal. Wood, MDF, laminate and plaster counters are not on the Pintyplus list, so ask us before trying.
- Keep it off food-contact surfaces, such as the top of a prep counter.
- It won’t hide dents. A shiny finish makes dents more visible.
Will it last outdoors in Pakistani heat and coastal air?
Stainless railings and steel tanks sit outdoors through summer heat and the monsoon. Pintyplus rates INOX Primer for indoor and outdoor use and heat resistant to 600°C, so sun-baked railings and tanks are within its range. Paint on a dry day, on metal that is dry and not too hot to touch. In Karachi and other coastal areas, clean and touch up railings and fittings more often, because salty air works on any scratch.
Common questions
Can I use it on stainless steel that has gone dull?
Yes. Pintyplus lists stainless steel welds among its main uses, and it gives a gloss stainless appearance over prepared metal.
How much will I need for a railing?
One can covers about 2 m² per coat. Railings have a lot of edges and thin bars, so measure and plan a little extra.
Can I use it on galvanized steel?
Ask us with a photo first. Galvanized surfaces can need specific preparation.
Is it safe near a stove?
It is heat resistant to 600°C, but keep it to the outside of frames and away from surfaces that touch food.
Where to buy in Lahore and across Pakistan
Pintyplus INOX / Stainless Primer Spray is ₨ 3,930 for a 400 ml can. You can pick it up from our shop at Sohail Centre, LG 8, Dil Muhammad Road, Garhi Shahu, Lahore, Monday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM, or order online for delivery anywhere in Pakistan.
Not sure which one you need? Send a photo on WhatsApp to 0321 999 3919 and we’ll tell you.
More on protecting metal: Metal & Corrosion Protection