Rust-Oleum Universal is the brand's all-surface enamel spray. Rust-Oleum rates it for metal, wood, plastic, wicker and aluminum, and says it resists rust, abrasion, fading, chipping and dulling. The can has a comfort-grip trigger to cut hand fatigue and an any-angle tip that Rust-Oleum says lets you spray at any angle. We carry five Universal colors: Gloss Black, Satin Black, Satin White, Pure Gold metallic and Oil Rubbed Bronze metallic. Everything on this page comes from Rust-Oleum's technical data sheets (UNI-02, UNI-04, UNI-05) and safety data sheets.
Universal colors we carry
| Color |
Finish |
Can |
Rust-Oleum part # |
Data sheet |
| Black |
Gloss |
12 oz |
245196 |
UNI-04 (Gloss, Flat and Matte Enamel Sprays) |
| Black |
Satin |
12 oz |
245197 |
UNI-05 (Satin Enamel Sprays) |
| White |
Satin |
12 oz |
245210 |
UNI-05 (Satin Enamel Sprays) |
| Pure Gold |
Metallic |
11 oz |
245221 |
UNI-02 (Metallic Sprays) |
| Oil Rubbed Bronze |
Metallic |
11 oz |
249131 |
UNI-02 (Metallic Sprays) |
Specs from Rust-Oleum
| Surfaces |
Metal, wood, plastic, wicker and aluminum. Not for galvanized steel. Some polyethylene plastics, such as storage containers, may not let the paint bond fully; test a hidden spot first. |
| Coverage |
10 to 15 sq ft per can at 1.0 to 2.0 mils dry film per coat |
| Dry time (70°F, 50% humidity) |
Touch 30 minutes, handle 1 hour, fully dry 24 hours |
| Recoat |
Within 1 hour or after 48 hours |
| When to spray |
50 to 90°F and humidity below 65%, outdoors or in a well-ventilated space such as an open garage |
| Heat |
Dry heat resistance 200°F; do not use on objects that may go above 200°F |
| Resin and cleanup |
Modified alkyd; clean up wet paint with xylene or mineral spirits |
How to spray it
Clean off dirt, grease and oil, rinse and let the surface dry. Remove loose paint and rust with a wire brush or sandpaper, and sand smooth, glossy finishes to give the paint something to grip. Shake the can for one minute after the mixing ball starts to rattle, slide off the red safety clip, then hold the can 8 to 12 inches away and spray in steady, slightly overlapping passes. Rust-Oleum recommends two or more light coats a few minutes apart rather than one heavy coat.
Painting galvanized steel, PVC or glazed surfaces? Prime first with Stops Rust Universal Bonding Primer, which Rust-Oleum rates for galvanized steel, PVC, porcelain and glazed brick. For a hot grill or stove, see the 1200°F High Heat sprays in Rust-Oleum Specialty.
Shop related: all Rust-Oleum, Painter's Touch 2X, Stops Rust, and every brand in spray paint.
FAQ
Does Universal need a primer?
Rust-Oleum's labels for the satin and metallic Universal cans call them paint and primer in one, so clean, sound metal, wood and plastic can be sprayed directly. Galvanized steel is the exception: Rust-Oleum says not to apply Universal to it, so prime it with Stops Rust Universal Bonding Primer first.
How many cans do I need?
Rust-Oleum lists 10 to 15 sq ft per can per coat, and recommends two or more light coats. Measure the area, divide by 10 to 15, then multiply by the number of coats to get your can count.
Why recoat within 1 hour or after 48 hours?
That is the recoat window Rust-Oleum lists for every Universal finish we carry, so plan to finish all your coats within the first hour, or wait two full days before adding more.
Can I return it?
Aerosol spray paints like these are flammable and can't be returned under our refund policy, so check the color and finish before you order. If it arrives damaged, defective or wrong, email Store@projectweekenddiy.com with photos and we will make it right.
Orders of $35 or more ship free within the lower 48 states and DC; aerosols ship ground only per our shipping policy.
Sources: Rust-Oleum Universal technical data sheets UNI-02 Metallic Sprays (rev. 01/29/25), UNI-04 Gloss, Flat and Matte Enamel Sprays (rev. 03/23/23) and UNI-05 Satin Enamel Sprays (rev. 06/21/18); Rust-Oleum SDS for 245196, 245197, 245210, 245221 and 249131.
