How To Paint A Galvanized Metal Roof

To paint a metal roof you ll need to use an oil based paint if you have a terne metal roof or an acrylic based paint if you have a galvanized metal roof.

How to paint a galvanized metal roof.

You ll also need to purchase a primer designed for metal roofs. Painting a galvanized steel panel roof is not all that different from painting other metal objects but you must ensure that the surface is perfectly clean before beginning the application process. For the most dependable results look for paints that are formulated specifically to bond to galvanized steel. Many metal roofs are made out of galvanized metal which is a type of metal that has been covered with hot zinc in order to protect it from the weather.

However paint on metal roofs often peels or rusts in which case it is time to repaint it. If you are preparing to paint a rusted galvanized metal roof pay special attention to surface preparation or you will have a recurrence of rust and or flaking. Galvanized roofs require the use of a different paint than what is used on terne metal. The enamels in alkyd paints can react with the slick zinc finish on a galvanized steel surface leading to poor adhesion and peeling.

Before painting galvanized metal such as drip strips around eaves or roof flashing take the following steps so the paint will adhere properly and not peel. Go over the metal with a wire brush to remove any oxidation. Apply the sherwin williams paint and primer to a galvanized roof with a paintbrush or a roller specifically designed for corrugated metal. One of my neighbors used an oil based paint as a primer since some of the metal was rusted and then covered the roof with one of the specially formulated roofing paints that is sold by calbar for use on old.

Unfortunately over time this coating can fail leading to minor rust outbreaks. If you re not sure what kind of roof you have ask a professional roofer to inspect it before you paint it. Avoid using alkyd based paints such as spray paint on galvanized steel.