Krylon Vs. Rust-Oleum: A Spray Paint Showdown From My Workshop

I’ve spent countless hours in my garage, transforming old furniture, car parts, and craft projects with spray paint. Two brands always seem to dominate my toolbox: Krylon and Rust-Oleum.

They’re the giants of the spray paint world, but which one truly delivers for your projects? In this article, I’ll share my firsthand experiences, breaking down the pros and cons of each brand to help you choose the right paint for your next masterpiece.

From durability to drying times, I’ve got you covered with insights straight from my workbench.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Journey With Spray Paint

I remember my first spray paint project vividly—a rusty old patio chair I found at a yard sale. Armed with a can of Krylon, I was amazed at how quickly it transformed into a glossy, vibrant seat.

Since then, I’ve painted everything from car bumpers to wooden picture frames, and both Krylon and Rust-Oleum have been my go-to brands. But each project taught me something new about their strengths and weaknesses.

Let’s break it down so you can make an informed choice for your own creations.

Krylon: The Quick And Colorful Contender

Krylon has been a staple in my workshop since I started dabbling in DIY.

Founded in 1947, it’s earned its reputation as a leader in color innovation.

I love how Krylon offers a dizzying array of shades—think vibrant corals, deep emeralds, and even glittery finishes that make craft projects pop.

Their ColorMaxx line, for instance, has been my go-to for painting wooden signs because the colors stay true even after drying.

Pros of Krylon

• Lightning-Fast Drying: Krylon’s drying time is a game-changer. Most of their paints, like the Fusion line, are touch-dry in 10-15 minutes. I painted a set of metal planters last summer, and they were ready to use before I finished cleaning my brushes. This speed is perfect for quick fixes or when you’re juggling multiple projects.
• Vibrant Color Selection: Krylon’s color palette feels like walking into a candy store. From their Glitter Blast for sparkly crafts to the NeverWet line for water-repellent coatings, there’s a shade for every vision. I once used their Bright White Tub & Tile spray to refresh a bathroom sink, and the finish was flawless.
• Versatility Across Surfaces: Krylon sticks to almost anything—wood, metal, plastic, even fabric (with specific lines). I’ve used their Fusion for Plastic to revive faded patio furniture, and it bonded without a primer, saving me time.
• Smooth Application: The spray cans produce a fine, consistent mist, making it easy to avoid drips. I’ve found their big-button spray tips intuitive, especially when painting intricate pieces like wicker baskets.
• Budget-Friendly: At $4-$8 per can, Krylon won’t break the bank. It’s ideal for small projects or when you need multiple colors without spending a fortune.

Cons of Krylon

• Coverage Can Be Spotty: Krylon’s Fusion line, while great for plastic, sometimes requires multiple coats for full coverage. I learned this the hard way when painting a metal toolbox—three coats later, I was still seeing patches.
• Durability Needs a Boost: Without a primer, Krylon’s longevity can falter, especially outdoors. My painted planters looked great for a season, but some chips appeared after a harsh winter. Pairing with a BIN shellac primer helps, but it’s an extra step.
• Not the Best for Heavy Rust: Krylon offers rust-resistant options, but they don’t match Rust-Oleum’s prowess. I tried Krylon on a rusty bike frame, and while it looked good initially, rust crept back faster than I’d hoped.
• Environmental Sensitivity: Krylon’s quick-drying formula is sensitive to dust and humidity. I once painted a shelf in my garage during a humid day, and dust particles stuck to the finish, ruining the smoothness.

Rust-Oleum: The Durable Workhorse

Rust-Oleum, born in 1921 from a sea captain’s quest to stop rust, is the brand I turn to when durability is non-negotiable.

Its Stops Rust line has saved countless metal surfaces in my projects, from car hoods to garden gates.

Rust-Oleum’s oil-based formulas are built to withstand the elements, making it a favorite for outdoor and automotive work.

Pros of Rust-Oleum

• Unmatched Rust Protection: Rust-Oleum’s Stops Rust Protective Enamel is a beast. I used it on a steel trailer hitch exposed to rain and road salt, and it’s still rust-free two years later. The oil-based formula penetrates and seals, keeping corrosion at bay.
• Superior Durability: This paint laughs at harsh conditions. I painted a metal bench with Rust-Oleum’s hammered finish, and it’s endured UV rays, rain, and my kids’ roughhousing without a scratch.
• Excellent Coverage: A single can covers 20-25 square feet, often with fewer coats than Krylon. When I sprayed a wooden Adirondack chair, one coat of Rust-Oleum’s Painter’s Touch 2X Ultra Cover was enough for a solid, even finish.
• Versatile Finishes: Rust-Oleum offers everything from glossy to textured hammered looks. Their Universal All Surface Spray Paint is a lifesaver for mixed-material projects—I used it on a metal-and-wood table with zero issues.
• User-Friendly Design: The comfort grip triggers and specialized nozzles (like wide fan patterns) make spraying a breeze. I’ve painted large surfaces like garage doors with Rust-Oleum and never felt hand fatigue.

Cons of Rust-Oleum

• Slower Drying Time: Rust-Oleum’s thicker formula takes 20-60 minutes to dry to the touch and up to 48 hours to fully cure. I once painted a mailbox and had to wait a full day before reattaching it, which was a hassle.
• Limited Specialty Colors: While Rust-Oleum has a solid color range, it doesn’t match Krylon’s creative flair. I struggled to find a vibrant teal for a craft project and had to settle for a muted shade.
• Potential for Streaks: On glass or smooth surfaces, Rust-Oleum can leave streaks if not applied carefully. My attempt at a mirror-effect finish on a vase resulted in a rippled look that wasn’t ideal.
• Slightly Pricier: At $4-$10 per can, Rust-Oleum can sting for budget-conscious DIYers, especially for large projects requiring multiple cans.

Key Features of Krylon And Rust-Oleum

To really understand how Krylon and Rust-Oleum stack up, I’ve put them through their paces across various projects. Here’s how they compare in critical areas.

• Drying Time and Project Speed

Krylon is the sprinter of the two. Its 10-15 minute touch-dry time is a godsend for impatient folks like me.

I painted a set of wooden coasters with Krylon ColorMaxx, and they were ready for a second coat in under 20 minutes.

Rust-Oleum, on the other hand, is more of a marathon runner.

Its 20-60 minute touch-dry time means you’re waiting longer between coats.

When I painted a metal gate with Rust-Oleum’s Stops Rust, I had to plan my day around the drying schedule.

If speed is your priority, Krylon wins; if you can afford to wait, Rust-Oleum’s durability makes the wait worthwhile.

• Rust Protection and Durability

Rust-Oleum is the undisputed champ for rust protection. Its oil-based formulas, like the Stops Rust line, create a fortress against corrosion. I sprayed a rusty car hood with Rust-Oleum’s Protective Enamel, and it’s held up through two Michigan winters without a hint of rust.

Krylon’s rust-resistant options, like the 5X All-in-One, are decent but don’t match Rust-Oleum’s staying power. I used Krylon on a metal fence, and while it looked great for a year, some rust spots reappeared after heavy rain.

For outdoor or heavy-use items, Rust-Oleum is my pick.

• Color and Finish Options

Krylon’s color range is a dream for creative projects. Their specialty finishes—glitter, stone, camouflage—let you get wild with crafts. I used Krylon’s Glitter Blast on a picture frame, and it sparkled like a disco ball.

Rust-Oleum offers a solid selection, but its focus is more on functional finishes like hammered or metallic. I painted a toolbox with Rust-Oleum’s metallic finish, and while it looked sleek, I missed Krylon’s vibrant pop. If aesthetics are your focus, Krylon steals the show; for understated durability, Rust-Oleum delivers.

• Application and Ease of Use

Both brands shine here, but in different ways. Krylon’s fine mist and big-button spray tips make it easy to tackle detailed work. I painted a wicker chair with Krylon Fusion, and the even spray reached every crevice without drips.

Rust-Oleum’s comfort grip triggers and versatile nozzles are better for large surfaces. When I sprayed a garage door with Rust-Oleum Universal, the wide fan pattern covered it quickly and evenly. It’s a tie, depending on your project’s scale.

• Coverage and Cost-Effectiveness

Rust-Oleum edges out Krylon in coverage, offering 20-25 square feet per can compared to Krylon’s 15-20. I painted a wooden bench with Rust-Oleum’s 2X Ultra Cover and used just one can, while a similar project with Krylon took nearly two.

Price-wise, both are comparable ($4-$10), but Rust-Oleum’s better coverage makes it more cost-effective for large projects. For small, colorful crafts, Krylon’s lower price per can is a win.

Real-World Applications: Stories From My Projects

Let’s get practical with a few examples from my workshop.

• Automotive Touch-Up: I had a scratched car bumper that needed a quick fix. Krylon’s quick-drying ColorMaxx matched the car’s color perfectly and was dry in 15 minutes, letting me get back on the road fast. But for a rusty hood, Rust-Oleum’s Stops Rust was the better choice—it covered better and has kept rust at bay for over a year.
• Furniture Refresh: I found an old wooden dresser at a thrift store and used Krylon’s chalky finish to give it a vintage look. The soft, matte finish was exactly what I wanted, and the quick dry time let me finish in a weekend. For an outdoor metal table, though, Rust-Oleum’s Protective Enamel was tougher, surviving rain and sun without fading.
• Craft Projects: For a holiday wreath, Krylon’s Glitter Blast added a festive sparkle that Rust-Oleum couldn’t match. But when I painted a metal sculpture for my garden, Rust-Oleum’s hammered finish gave it a rugged, professional look that’s lasted through storms.

Tips For Choosing The Right Paint

Based on my trials and errors, here’s how to pick between Krylon and Rust-Oleum:

• For Quick Projects: Go with Krylon if you need to finish fast or want vibrant colors for crafts. It’s perfect for indoor projects or small touch-ups.
• For Outdoor Durability: Choose Rust-Oleum for anything exposed to weather or heavy use, like car parts or patio furniture. Its rust protection is unmatched.
• Surface Matters: Krylon’s Fusion is great for plastic without priming, while Rust-Oleum’s Universal works on mixed materials. Always check the can for surface compatibility.
• Prep is Key: Both brands perform better with proper prep. Sand rusty surfaces, clean with rubbing alcohol, and use a primer for longevity. I’ve skipped primer before and regretted it when chips appeared.
• Test First: If you’re mixing brands or layering, test on a small area. I once layered Krylon over Rust-Oleum, and the finish wrinkled because of their different chemistries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Your Project, Your Choice

After years of spraying everything from car parts to craft projects, I’ve learned that both Krylon and Rust-Oleum have their place in your toolbox. Krylon’s quick-drying, colorful sprays are perfect when you need a fast, vibrant finish for indoor or crafty work.

Rust-Oleum, with its unbeatable rust protection and durability, is your go-to for outdoor or heavy-duty projects that need to stand the test of time. Think about your project’s needs—speed, durability, or aesthetics—and choose the brand that aligns with your vision.

Grab a can, get spraying, and transform your world like I’ve done in my workshop.