Learning how to paint your metal roof is a great way to stay on top of maintenance issues and change its appearance.
Since metal roofing can last an astonishing 70 years, sticking with the same color for decades might get old.
Fresh paint lets the metal underneath quickly and cheaply address issues like loose rust before they turn into serious problems.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how and when to paint your own roof, whether you should use spray paint, we paint or other application methods, and common mistakes to watch out for during this process.
Layers of existing paint
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 condition of the substrate
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.
Surface cleaning
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.
Inspection
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.
The color of the paint
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.

How To Paint A Metal Roof Yourself: Easy DIY Guide
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.
Steps to Paint Metal Roofs
- 1Remove any peeling, bubbling, or cracked paint currently on the roof. There’s no need to remove the entirety of the first paint job if the surface is still smooth and shows no damage.
- 2If needed, scrape and wipe away rust spots. Extensive damage might require patching or replacing entire panels before you begin painting.
- 3Power wash the roof with power washer to remove all dirt, debris, and loose paint. Allow the roof to dry completely for at least an hour.
- 4Roll on your primer, or use an exterior paint sprayer for much faster application. Once the primer is dried, decide if a second coat is needed. If not, move on to the next step.
- 5Roll or spray your first coat of paint onto your roof. Apply a second coat when that’s completely dry, and perhaps a third if the coverage or color isn’t quite what you’ve envisioned yet.
- 6If the label on your loose paint specifies the need for a sealant, apply that after the last coat of paint has dried.
When Should You Paint A Metal Roof?
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.

Benefits Of Repainting A Metal Roof
Tips and Tricks for Painting Different Types of Metal Roofs
Old/Rusty 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.
Steep Roofs
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.
Corrugated Metal Roofs
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.
Mistakes To Avoid When Painting Metal
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.
Not cleaning/preparing the metal first
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.
Not using a sealant or primer
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.
Not using the right paint application
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.
Painting A Metal Roof FAQs
How long does paint last on a metal roof?
When applied correctly, paint can last 10 years on your metal roof before you’ll want to consider a new coat due to damage or fading.
What color metal roof fades the least?
A white metal roof fades the least. Rather than absorbing sunlight, they reflect it and thus preserve their pigmentation longer. Consider mineral compound pigments, as well; these are highly durable colors engineered from metal oxides, which don’t break down as easily as organic compounds.
How much does it cost to paint a metal roof?
For a DIY painting job expect to pay $200-$500 in total. This relates to the costs for supplies: safety gear, ladders, rented or purchased paints, primers, sealants, and painting supplies. For professional metal roof painting will cost an average of about $2 to almost $4 per square foot. Steep roofs or those in need of repair or power washing first will cost extra, totaling $2,000 or more in many cases.
Is it cheaper to paint or replace a metal roof?
It’s cheaper to paint your existing roof, even if you hire a professional. Replacing a metal roof can cost tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the size of your home and other factors like steepness.
How do you cut painted metal roof panels?
If cutting painted metal roof panels by hand, you’ll want to use tin shears or nibblers. For larger jobs, a circular saw can get the panels cut quickly, especially if the panels are very thick.
Conclusion
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.