How To Paint a Metal Roof (Easy Step by Step Guide)

If you or previous owners have already painted the roof (or if it was painted prior to installation), this can affect how well the new paint layer adheres to the surface. For blistering or peeled areas, you’ll want to get all the old paint off the metal roofing before repainting.  

Scrape and sand the old paint to remove it off of the metal. Then give your rusty metal roof a thorough power-washing. Allow the rusty metal roof to completely dry for at least an hour before applying your galvanized metal primer or oil based alkyd paint.  

The substrate of a metal roof is the underlying structure that supports the metal roofing panels. If it’s in bad shape or deteriorating, climbing on the roof is not advisable. Consult a professional roofer to assess the substrate’s condition before you repaint the roof remains.  

To clean your painted metal roofs, you’ll first want to sand or scrape the old layers, then power-wash the roof to remove all dirt and grime. You can also scrub the roof with solutions made of water and bleach or mild soap, as long as you thoroughly rinse the roof afterward.  

Keep in mind, however, that the runoff will go into your gutters and then the ground, so heavy-duty chemicals or bleach should be used sparingly, if ever. you can also use gutter guards to protect gutters. Many metal roof owners prefer diluted white vinegar for a powerful cleaning agent that won’t harm the environment or contaminate groundwater.  

Besides the substrate condition, you’ll also want to inspect your roof thoroughly—or hire a professional to do so—to make sure no panels are loose, weakened, or corroded. Leaks or drainage problems should be addressed prior to painting, as well.  

Damaged areas are a waste of time to paint since you might need to replace those elements soon after. More importantly, the new roof is too dangerous to climb onto while painting.  

Darker colors are harder to paint over than lighter shades on newly installed metal roofs, just like on interior surfaces. If you’re going to a lighter color, keep in mind that removing the old paint as much as possible and using a primer will go a long way in increasing the new coat’s coverage.  

Although you can certainly hire professionals to paint your newly installed metal roofs for you, doing the process yourself can save thousands and let you assess the roof’s condition up-close with your own eyes.  

Before you get started, gather everything you’ll need for a quick and thorough job: sandpaper, vinegar or cleaning solutions, a power washer, and rollers with long or telescopic handles, or a paint sprayer.  

Wear non slip shoes and a safety rope for painting roof safely is also needed, as well as a ladder that’s sturdy and tall enough to reach your roof. Don’t climb anywhere you aren’t comfortable being, and always make sure a spotter is present to hold your ladder and assist you while you work.  

You’ll also want paint trays, cloths to clean up spills or drips—and, of course, your oil based alkyd paint.  The best paint for painting your metal roof will be acrylic latex paint or oil based paint specifically formulated for use on outdoor metal surfaces. You'll also want a metal primer and perhaps a sealant for extra protection.  

When done correctly, painting your own metal roof with acrylic latex paint or oil based alkyd paint you get lasting results for a fraction of the price.  

Every decade or so is a good rule of thumb when deciding how often to paint bare metal roofs. Sometimes you can wait a little longer; in other cases, you’ll need to paint sooner. 

Here are some signs a new coat or touch-up is needed for your paint a metal roof.  

The biggest challenge in painting an old metal roof is that its structural integrity might not be up to par. Inspect your old metal roofs carefully for loose panels or screws, compromised elements of the substrate, and other signs of instability.

Fix these before you attempt to climb on, clean, or paint your terne metal roof or galvanized metal roofs.  

For rust, scrape and clean the rust away with a paint scraper and some vinegar solution. You mostly want to remove the flaky parts, as this will affect paint adhesion just like dirt or debris.

Any areas where the rust can’t be removed with paint scraper should be sanded and primed with a rust-formulated primer before the main primer is applied.  

Particularly steep roofs should be left to professionals, or equipped with anchor points where you can attach a safety harness with ease and avoid falls or slips.

If your metal roof has a steep pitch, that makes a harness system and extra safety precautions—including a helper/spotter and shoes with exceptional grip—absolute must-have supplies.  

Unlike ribbed or flat panels, corrugated metal roof panels have a wavy appearance that makes painting with a paint roller a bit more time-consuming, as it’s hard to get even coverage on such a varied surface.  

Small areas will do fine with a wire brush application, but you might want to consider painting your corrugated metal roofs or terne metal roofs with an airless sprayer instead. This ensures an even paint job in very little time.  

Painting your own roof can seem daunting, but even new DIYers can get the job finished correctly with the right precautions, prep work, and tools. Avoid these all too common mistakes people make when painting their own roof.

Diving right into your painting project is exciting, but make sure you take that extra time to prepare the surface properly for optimized adhesion. Failure to clean your roof of dirt, rust, or old cracked and peeling paint can result in more bubbling or peeling of the new coat.  

Primer helps the paint adhere to your roof better and also covers the metal or old paint color more thoroughly for a better-looking final result. If your paint advises using a sealant for a final coat, definitely take the time to apply one. This will provide extra protection against the elements.  

Brushes, paint roller, and sprayers are all effective options for painting a metal roof, but it's important to consider your particular roof type and other factors. 

A sprayer is the fastest paint application process overall but won't work well on windy days; rollers can't always cover varied surfaces, like corrugated metal roofs.   

Metal metal roofing are more durable and last far longer than other roofing materials.

Painting your metal roof properly can extend its life significantly, prevent leaks, and rust, increase energy efficiency, and provide a refreshing new look when your old paint has faded or simply grown boring.