How to Properly Paint a Metal Roof

Transform your metal roof with a fresh coat of paint, restoring its beauty and extending its life. Follow these expert tips for a long-lasting, professional finish.

Can You Paint a Metal Roof?

Yes, you can paint a metal roof. Whether it’s an outbuilding or your home, painting is a great way to maintain its appearance and enhance its protection. Newer roofs with factory finishes, like the Kynar 500, should not require repainting for decades. However, older roofs may need a coat every 10 years, depending on their finish.

Key Considerations:

• Consult the manufacturer if your roof is under warranty before painting to ensure you don’t void it.
• If rust or bare spots are visible, it’s best to hire a professional to properly manage rust before painting.
• Roof pitch and safety should be considered before deciding to DIY the project.

How to Paint a Metal Roof

Step 1: Check the Weather

• Ideal Conditions: Prime and paint on days with the right temperature and humidity as recommended by your paint manufacturer.
• Timing: Avoid working on a hot surface; begin early on a sunny day to avoid the heat.

Step 2: Safety First

• Ladder Safety: Enlist a helper to steady the ladder. Ensure it extends 3 feet beyond the eave for stability.
• Wear Protective Gear: Use sturdy, rubber-soled shoes, a safety harness, and eye protection.
• Don’t Work on Wet Roofs: Ensure the roof is dry before climbing up.

Step 3: Clean the Roof

• Pressure Wash: Use a low-pressure setting to wash away dirt, chalk, or mold.
• Stubborn Mold: For organic growth, apply bleach, let it sit, and rinse it off.
• Galvanized Roofs: Clean with a 1:1 vinegar-water solution to remove the protective coating.

Step 4: Apply Primer

• Primer Selection: For rolled steel roofs, use an alkyd oil-based bonding primer like Benjamin Moore’s SuperSpec HP.
• For Galvanized Roofs: Use an acrylic metal primer such as Benjamin Moore’s UltraSpec HP.
• Application: Apply with a paint sprayer, roller, or brush. Start at the peak and work downward. Allow the primer to dry fully before proceeding.

Step 5: Apply Paint

• Choosing Paint: For rolled steel roofs, use exterior acrylic paint like Sherwin-Williams’ Superpaint or Benjamin Moore’s Regal.
• For Galvanized Roofs: Use acrylic paint designed for metal, like Valspar’s Metal Building Siding and Roof Finish.
• Application: Apply paint as you did the primer, starting at the peak. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended dry and re-coat times.

Additional Tips:

• Rust Management: If rust is visible, address it before painting. Encapsulate rust to prevent it from affecting the paint’s adhesion.
• Avoid Direct-to-Metal Paints: For roofs that weren’t pre-finished, always use an alkyd oil-based primer before applying DTM (Direct-To-Metal) paint.
• Low-Pitched Roofs: Painting on roofs with low pitches is safer and more manageable for DIY.

Conclusion

Painting your metal roof can refresh its appearance and extend its life. By following these steps and using the right materials, you can achieve professional results and maintain the longevity of your roof for years to come. Always prioritize safety, especially when working at heights.