The best kind of paint that should be used on a metal roof is usually going to be latex paint or an oil-based paint. You should try to buy a paint that has specifically been designed to be used to paint a metal roof.
However, you cannot just use paint to paint your roof. Before you start actually painting the roof, you need to coat your metal roof in special primer in order for the paint to stick.
Use a Primer
A lot of people mistakenly believe that the reason why their paint jobs on metal roofs fail is that they chose to use a cheap brand of paint.
This is not accurate, however. In reality, the reason why most people’s paint jobs fail is not that they used cheap paint. It is because they did not apply primer before they started painting.
When you paint on a surface like metal or raw wood, you have to apply at least one layer of primer before you can start painting. This is especially true when you are painting on a metal roof that will take a lot of exposure from the sun and weather elements.
It is best to apply a thin layer of oil-based primer before you start painting your metal roof. However, if you do not have access to any oil-based primer, you can also use certain varieties of latex primer as well.
If you choose to go with latex primer, you should carefully read any and all instructions that are given so that you can be sure the primer is treated and able to be used on outdoor metal.
Paint
If you are painting a metal roof, it is best that you use an oil-based paint. This is especially true if you are also using an oil-based primer.
There are some brands of latex-based paint that you can also use to paint on a metal roof, but you should avoid these. Latex-based paint can be used if that is the only option available, but it will not last as long as oil-based paint will.
Another reason why it is better to use oil-based paint rather than latex-based paint is that it is easier to smoothly paint with oil-based paint. This gives you a nice, even paint job that looks appealing. If you use latex-based paint it is much harder to avoid leaving ugly brush strokes in the paint after it dries.
Materials for Painting a Metal Roof
In addition to having paint and primer, there are a few other materials that you need in order to paint your metal roof. You will also need to make sure that you have these items:
- A ladder
- A broom to brush debris off of your roof
- Paint pans
- Brushes
- Safety goggles
- Hose
- Respirator mask so you do not inhale toxic fumes
How to Paint a Metal Roof
When you are ready to paint your metal roof, you need to make sure you have all of the materials gathered together first. You should start by sweeping the roof off to clear it of dust and material. Then, you need to wash the roof off with a hose. This will help you clear away any lingering dust and debris.
After this, you should make sure that there are no parts where the metal on the roof has started rusting. If there are, sand these spots away.
After this, you can start applying a thin coat of primer to the roof. You should remember to apply both the primer and the paint in thin, even strokes. You do not want to let either the primer or the paint pool up in any single spot of the roof.
When you have finished applying primer, you need to wait to let it dry. If it is in direct sunlight, this should not take more than a couple of hours to completely dry.
Once the primer has dried, you can start applying the actual paint. This will be the most enjoyable part of the process and when it is done you will be rewarded with a beautiful new roof that will last you for years.
Is It Worth Painting a Metal Roof?
Yes, it is worth painting the metal roof of your home or outside shelter. As much of a hassle as it is and as expensive as it can be.
One of the problems with a metal roof is that metal is great at conducting heat. During the summer, when your roof is in direct sunlight, the scorching heat will be conducted through your roof and into your home. Having a metal roof that is unpainted will significantly raise the internal temperature of your house.
Paint will deflect most of the UV rays and sunlight that your roof will be hit by, and it will help keep the heat away. This will even help you out during the winter because the paint will help protect the roof and keep the metal from starting to rust.
Can You Repaint a Metal Roof?
You can repaint your metal roof and it is not much more complicated than applying an initial coat of paint to it. The main difference is that before you start applying primer, you have to remove the old coat of paint.
Some people like to do this with a pressure washer, but it can be hard to access the entire roof with one of these. It is better to use a paint scraper to remove the old paint before you start applying primer.
Final Thoughts
There are a couple of options that you can choose from for painting a metal roof. The best option is to find an oil-based paint. If you cannot find a good oil-based paint, you can also use a latex-based paint. Whatever you do, make sure you properly apply a coat of primer first.
Painting or repainting your roof is a good project to take on. It will add more value to your home, it will help protect your roof from damage, and it will help insulate your home during the summer.
