Colouring In: Can You Paint a Metal Roof?

Zammit Metal Roofing
|
October 18, 2024

Despite being popular in Australia for their durability and modern look, the elements can take their toll on your metal roofing over time.

This has many homeowners and property managers asking: Can I paint metal roofing?

In most cases, you can paint a metal roof. But before you jump straight into a metal roofing painting project, consider the type of metal and its condition, as well as some environmental factors.

Get it wrong and you could be up against peeling or chipping paint that impacts both your roof’s appearance and its protective barrier.

How to maintain a metal roof

Maintaining your metal roof is a relatively simple job, but it’s something you shouldn’t skip.

A lick of paint on tired metal roofing is a way to update the appearance of your roof while extending its lifespan. Fresh paint provides protection against the elements – from UV rays to moisture and debris – while increasing curb appeal and the value of your property.

As an extra benefit, painting a metal roof has energy-saving smarts. Light or reflective paint prevents excessive heat from being absorbed by the roof, helping to regulate the temperature and keeping things cool and comfortable indoors.

This reduces the need for air conditioning, cutting down energy consumption and the costs involved.

Preparation: What to know and do before you grab a brush

Here’s a quick guide to prepare you before you get started.

Find a good quality paint

Your choice of paint affects how long a coat will last – and how good it will look.

Don’t just settle on the cheapest paint you can find. You’ll get value by opting for a product that’s designed for the longevity and performance of metal roofing.

Choose paint that’s compatible with metal, protective against the elements and ideally low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which is better for the planet.

There are three types of paint most commonly used for metal roofing projects.

They are:

Acrylic paint: An affordable, easy-to-apply option. Acrylic is a quick-drying, water-based paint.

Polyester paint: A solvent-based paint that’s suitable for harsh weather conditions.

Silicone paint: The most expensive option on this list, silicone paint is durable enough to last for decades. It can stand up well against cracking, corrosion and fading.

If you live in a climate where your roof is exposed to harsh conditions, good-quality paint is essential.

Prepare the roof

You’ll need a couple of dry days to ensure the roof’s surface is in the optimal condition for painting.

Start preparing the metal roof by cleaning away dirt, dust, mould and old paint. A pressure washer is a great tool here, but a scrubbing brush with detergent works well, too. Make sure the roof is free of moss and other debris.

Use a wire brush to remove rust spots.

While you’re up there, keep an eye out for damage and fix any significant dents to achieve a smooth surface.

Finally, apply a layer of primer to your clean roof. Look for primers made specifically for metal roofs – Dulux Acratex MX primer is a good option.

Apply an even coat and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Priming the roof surface before painting

Apply a layer of primer to your clean roof. Look for primers made specifically for metal roofs – Dulux Acratex MX primer is a good option.

Apply an even coat and let it dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Consider the roof pitch and size

Remember you’ll need more paint if your roof is on the larger side or has a high pitch. Steep roof pitches are also harder (and more dangerous) to paint.

If you don’t feel comfortable tackling it yourself, call an expert to help.

How can a metal roof be painted?

Save yourself some dollars and paint your own metal roof, starting with this simple step-by-step guide.

Protect Surfaces

Use painter’s tape and drop cloths to protect your windows and other surfaces from paint splashes.

Choose your method of application

The best options to paint a metal roof are paintbrushes, rollers or spray painting. Or a combination of all three.

Brush painting is mostly suitable for cutting in flashings and roof edges, for a neat finish. Rollers tackle larger areas and are good for the even application of paint.

For commercial roofs or larger surfaces, a spray gun is best. Look for one with at least a 30-litre capacity, to reduce stopping and starting while you get to work.

Start at the top

Paint from the highest point of the roof and work your way down. This stops paint from dripping onto already-painted surfaces, for a more professional finish.

Wait 3 hours between coats

If you need to apply more than one coat, read the instructions on the paint tin.

You’ll usually need to wait at least three hours for each layer to dry, but this could be longer depending on the type of paint used.

Safety tips

Make safety a priority with any DIY work. Follow these guidelines to paint a metal roof safely:

Wear gloves, safety glasses and a face mask to protect against fumes and dust.
Make sure your ladder or scaffolding system is sturdy.
Don’t paint in wet or windy conditions; wait for a calm, dry day.
Look out for electrical hazards like power lines or exposed wires.
Drink plenty of water and take breaks, especially if you’re working in hot conditions.
Make sure the safety rails are installed correctly and a platform beneath the roof where possible.
Wearing a harness that is attached to an anchor point by way of a lanyard
Wear non-slip shoes

Can you paint corrugated metal roofing?

Corrugated metal roofing is extremely popular for both contemporary and classic homes in Australia. But is it a candidate for DIY painting?

If you have access to a spray painter, you’ll be able to achieve an even finish – spray painters get into the gaps, nooks and crannies that ordinary brushes can’t.

Can you paint galvanised metal roofing?

Galvanised metal roofing has a metallic look that fits with some industrial buildings, but many people prefer to change up the aesthetics by painting their galvanised roof. Luckily, you can do exactly that.

The steel surface makes it more challenging to paint galvanised steel compared with most other metal roofs, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible.

Use paint that protects against corrosion, such as vinyl, acrylic or epoxy paints. You can use spray painting, rollers or brushes, and add an extra coat or two to boost the paint’s protective properties and aesthetic finish.

Can I paint over a rusted metal roof?

Metal roofing, while generally rust-proof, can show the effects of the elements over time.

In most cases, you can give your rusted metal roof a new lease of life with a couple of coats of paint. Before painting, clean as much of the rust and dirt away as possible. If the rust has eaten away at the metal, you’ll probably need to repair holes and cracks with a patch or filler.

Once your roof is clean and repaired, use a primer designed for rusty metal roofs and follow up with the painting process.

However, if there’s a lot of rust, a roof replacement may be the best option.

Refresh your property with Zammit Metal Roofing Products

When your metal roof is beyond repair, updating it might be a better option than painting it.

Zammit Metal Roofing Products is a leading manufacturer and supplier of metal roofing supplies, making us a trusted partner to roofers, builders and architects across NSW.

Browse our product range online and contact sales@zammitroofing.com.au with any product enquiries.