Can Metal Roofs Be Painted? What the Experts Say

Many homeowners wonder if painting metal roofs is an option. There are pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to paint a metal roof.

While metal roofs can absolutely be painted, careful prep work and using the right types of paint are critical to success. Read on to learn the fundamentals, best practices, and potential pitfalls of painting metal roofing.

Can You Paint Metal Roofs: The Fundamentals

When considering painting a metal roof, the first step is understanding the specifics of your roofing material. The type of metal used--whether galvanized steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc--plays a role in paint options.

You'll also need to assess the current state of the roof. Is there existing paint or a special protective coating already applied? Check for any worn spots, scratches, dents, or rust issues that may need repair beforehand.

It's equally important to think about environmental factors. Is the roof exposed to a great deal of sunlight? Does it withstand a lot of rain or snow? These elements affect paint durability.

Prep Work Before Painting

Proper prep work is crucial for paint to properly bond with metal roofing. First, thoroughly clean the roof to remove any dirt, debris, oil or grease that could prevent adhesion.

Next, check carefully for any rust spots--these must be sanded and primed separately before painting. Lightly scuffing the surface also promotes better paint grip.

Paint Options for Metal Roofs

On the paint front, both oil-based and latex porch/floor paints are suitable for metal roofing. Enamel paints offer durability, as do some commercial and industrial coatings.

It's often best to match new paint to the original roofing finish from the manufacturer. This ensures compatibility and ideal protectant properties.

Surface Prep Work and Painting Process

Once you've addressed repairs, thorough surface prep is next. Begin by washing the metal roof with an all-purpose cleaner or TSP substitute to remove residues. Rinse well.

Use a putty knife or paint scraper to check for and remove any loose, flaking or bubbling paint. Sand surrounding areas to feather edges.

Lightly sand the entire metal surface with 220 grit sandpaper to rough it up for painting. Remember to never sand so much that you expose the bare metal underneath any existing coatings.

Wipe the metal clean with a dry tack cloth after sanding. Allow the roof to fully dry before priming or painting. Windy, dry days are best for this.

Priming and Painting Metal Roofing

Always prime metal before painting--KILZ Premium Bonding Primer is a great choice. Allow primer to cure fully before adding your first coat of latex or oil-based paint.

When painting, using long brush strokes in the same direction as the metal panels prevents drips and streaks. Allow proper drying time between coats as specified on the paint.

Two to three thin paint layers are better than one thick coat. Thicker paint may bubble or crack. Touch up paint as needed over time to prevent rust and other damage.

Choosing the Right Metal Roof Paint

To fully protect a metal roof long-term, specialized paint made for metal is best. Seek out rust-inhibiting metal paints to maintain integrity as metal ages.

For expansion and contraction flexibility, consider elastomeric paints which stretch and bridge minor roofing panel gaps. Ensure paint specifications align with your specific metal roofing construction.

Matching original color when repainting is also key for appearance. Bring paint chip samples to the hardware store for accurate matching. This preserves your roof's original look.

Important Paint Considerations

Proper paint bonds to metal while offering protection. Make sure to choose options specifically made to adhere to galvanized steel, aluminum metal, copper, etc.

Consider longevity when selecting quality paints and primers so that your metal roof maintains its freshly painted look for as long as possible.

Carefully repainting around vents, joints between metal panels, edging, and trim prevents premature peeling or chipping paint over time. Precision takes patience.

Maintenance of Painted Metal Roofs

While paint protects metal roofing, ongoing maintenance preserves your paint job. Factor in cleaning painted roofs annually with a soft bristle brush and low pressure rinse.

Catching paint flaws early on extends roof life so inspect at least yearly for any cracking, peeling or rust. Immediately spot paint compromised areas before they spread.

Plan on roof paint needing a light sanding and re-coat every 8-10 years. Proper prep work allows new paint layers to better adhere on top of old paint.

Keep roof debris cleaned up--leaves, branches, etc. trap moisture against the metal, creating rust issues beneath paint over time. Prevention is key.

Professional Maintenance Services

While DIY maintenance saves money, professionals using softwash systems safely clean roof surfaces without risk of falls or injury.

They also spot potential problem areas early, preventing costly repairs later on. Their expertise recognizes developing paint flaws and remedies them promptly.

Hiring painters experienced working specifically with metal roofing also ensures proper protocols are meticulously followed each time the roof is repainted.

Common Problems Painting Metal Roofs

Painting metal roofing still presents challenges in some cases. Bubbling or cracking paint often results from inadequate prep work or environmental factors.

Using low quality paint that can't flex with temperature changes may also cause paint to fail prematurely. DIY mistakes are another culprit.

However, when properly sanded, primed, painted and maintained--quality metal roof paint jobs hold up very well in most climates.

Preventing Paint Problems

Prevention starts with products made specifically for metal surfaces. All-purpose paints simply don't offer the same protective properties or longevity.

Proper prep to roughen the surface for paint to grip also prevents peeling or flaking down the road. Warm, low humidity days aid paint cure times.

Ongoing inspections catch small issues before they become big problems needing full sand and repaint jobs. This saves homeowners money over time.

Professional Painters for Metal Roofs

Seeking qualified metal roof painters prevents mistakes amateurs make. Always ask for examples of past work and check reviews.

Ensure painters have proper licensing and insurance for liability and workers compensation coverage as employees will be on your roof.

Get a written scope detailing specifics like paint products used, number of coats applied, estimated job duration, and cost breakdown for labor and materials.

It's prudent to verify painting steps and products chosen meet your roof manufacturer's specs to uphold warranties.

Before final payment after the paint job is complete, conduct a walkthrough identifying any touch ups needed for satisfaction.

Choosing a Roofer You Can Trust

An experienced contractor understands the intricate steps specific to prepping and painting metal surfaces. This expertise ensures top-notch results.

They have the knowledge, tools, equipment and crew to handle the project safely. Years in business and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating provide peace of mind.

Avoid choosing a company purely based on lowest bid pricing--cheaper isn't always better when it comes to protecting your roof's integrity.

Painting metal roofs, when done properly, provides aesthetics and protects from elemental damage over decades.

Metal roof paint jobs can be done with quality specialty paints and continued maintenance.