Can You Paint a Metal Roof?

Published on Wednesday January 20, 2021

Whether you recently purchased a home and want to change the roof color, or you’re hoping to increase the value of your home before listing by touching up the metal roof, you may be wondering: can you paint a metal roof a different color by yourself?

Can Metal Roofs be Painted?

Yes! If you have the painting skills, safety materials and confidence required for the job, painting your metal roof can be a great way to save time and budget while committing to an eco-friendly roof.

To do the job right, you need to first prepare the surface of your metal roof, select the correct primers, paints and sealants, and apply all the products correctly. This process may vary depending on which type of metal roof you have.

Following these steps properly will ensure you extend the lifespan of your roof and increase your home’s energy efficiency without wasting time and paint on a poor roofing refresh.

How to Paint a Metal Roof

If you’re planning to repaint your metal roof yourself, it’s important to follow the process correctly to ensure the best results. The last thing you want to do is invest time and money into a DIY paint job that needs to be fixed by a professional in the end.

Here’s what you need to know:

Make sure your roof has enough time to weather.

While it’s possible to paint a metal roof yourself, the timing of this project is key to its ultimate success. Before you can apply a new coat of paint, you need to be sure your metal roof has had enough time to weather properly.

If your roof has been recently installed, it needs to weather for at least six months before a new coat of paint is applied. If you’ve recently purchased your home, check to make sure your metal roof is at least six months old before attempting to repaint it, even if you hate the current color.

Clean the roof surface.

The first step when repainting a metal roof is properly preparing your roof’s surface with a powerwash treatment. It’s important to clean off any dirt, debris, rust or any other grime from the surface of your roof before painting.

Without a good scrubbing prior to application, fresh paint can easily bubble and chip. It’s also a good idea to clean any mold or mildew with a mixture of water and vinegar.

Choose the right type of paint for your roof.

One of the pros that makes metal roofing so desirable is that they require very little maintenance.

However, if you use the wrong kind of paint for your metal roof, it won’t last nearly as long or stand up to weather elements. Galvanized steel requires either a zinc-based paint or an acrylic latex paint. Look for a paint that offers the advantages you need for a roof: water resistance, insect repellent, UV reflection and fire resistance.

Apply the paint appropriately.

While the application process is typically an easy task, you want to be sure to do it in a smart way so you stay safe and your final project looks as professional as possible. You can use a sprayer to reach high areas or sections of roof too steep to walk on. Rollers and paint brushes designed for metal surfaces also work well.

Expect to apply a few coats of paint to cover the surface properly and allow plenty of drying time between each layer. Never walk on wet paint since it can be slippery (plus ruin your work) and always use a harness and non-slip shoes.

Replace Your Metal Roof Today

If your metal roof is outdated and in need of refreshing, it may be worth replacing altogether.

Long Roofing’s metal roofs have earned a Class 4 distinction in impact resistance and a Class A fire rating, making them more durable than wood, slate and asphalt shingle roofs. Our metal roofing is available in a wide variety of colors and styles to suit any home design or preference.

Visit us online today to get a quote, schedule a free, in-home consultation or find answers to any of your metal roofing questions.