Metal roofs have a fair few advantages, and they are quite commonly seen, so there’s a high chance you’ve got one on your property, or on an outbuilding. They are very versatile and a lot of people choose them, but they don’t always look amazing, especially when they have started to weather.
Tin roofs can look boring, rusty, or otherwise problematic, and if you’re thinking about climbing up there and slapping some paint on, you might be wondering whether it’s a good idea or not. Some materials don’t paint well – so is it okay to put paint on your tin roof, or will this cause issues?
Can you paint a tin roof? Tin roofs can be painted, and this is a great way to change the color, improve the temperature regulation, and cover up rust or other unattractive blemishes. You do need to use the right kind of paint, and you’ll need to repaint it every few years, but this is a great option in many situations.
Is it Okay to Paint Tin Roofs?
A tin roof can certainly be painted, although you should be cautious about painting a roof that you have just had installed, as these will sometimes have oils on to protect them from the elements, and this may prevent the paint from adhering properly. You’ll need to clean and prepare the roof before you start.
Painting a tin roof is a reasonably easy job, but there are some things you should be aware of before you start.
The first is safety. Whenever you plan to work at a height, you need to make sure you can’t fall and hurt yourself. Even if your tin roof is only one story up, you must still take safety precautions to ensure your project goes smoothly, so consider buying a harness and hiring scaffolding.
It’s also important to think about the practicalities of getting the paint up there. A roof can take a surprising amount of paint to cover, and you’re going to have to have that paint on the roof with you. You might not think this is a big deal, but you probably haven’t considered just how much a can of paint can weigh.
A 5-gallon bucket of paint could be as much as 60 pounds, so you need to assess how you’re going to deal with this while you’re on the roof. You may need to portion the paint into a smaller container, or get a level platform so you have somewhere to place the bucket while you’re working.
Do not balance a large bucket of paint on a sloped platform; there is a high risk that your paint will fall!
Are There Any Drawbacks to Painting Tin Roofs?
There aren’t really any major downsides to painting a tin roof, but do bear in mind that once you’ve painted it once, you will have to maintain it. That means you’ll have to get up and inspect it about once per year, and probably repaint it or at least touch up its paintwork every few years (depending on your local climate).
Otherwise, the only drawbacks tend to occur if you don’t use the right paint, or if you improperly apply it. In these cases, the paint won’t adhere properly, and will quickly start to turn patchy and messy, and may peel. However, if you apply the paint properly, it’s almost always going to offer benefits.
What Kind of Paint Should You Use On a Tin Roof?
You will often want an acrylic-based exterior paint. A lot of people use acrylic latex paints, as these offer great adherence and water-resistant properties, so they’re ideal for roofs. They are also suitable for use on metal, and will seal it, preventing water from getting under the paint, and minimizing the risk of rust appearing.
Don’t use just any old paint that you happen to have lying around, as you will not get good results. Choose a paint that is both designed for use on metal and designed for use outdoors. This may cost more upfront, but it’s key to making your roof last well.
Can You Paint an Old Tin Roof?
It’s usually fine to paint an old tin roof, but you will need to make sure that the roof is in good condition. Paint can’t be used to fix flaking, rust spots, or other structural issues, so you must deal with any problems before you paint the roof. If the roof needs replacing, there’s no point in painting it instead.
If you’re going to paint an old roof, it will need to be thoroughly cleaned first. Rust needs to be removed before you start painting. You also need to get rid of oil, debris, and anything else that will stop the paint from sticking. Many people like to use a de-greasing spray to ensure the best possible adherence.
When you’ve got the roof clean and ready to paint, you can add a good coat of primer, and allow this to dry. Once it is dry, apply a coat of paint, and allow this to dry. Apply a second coat, and assess whether you have got good coverage.
You may want to add a third coat of paint, as this will maximize the protectiveness. The manufacturer should tell you how many coats are needed to ensure you get a good finish and the metal is well-protected.
Bear in mind that you don’t want the paint to get rained on while it is drying, so you’ll need to organize this project accordingly. Don’t plan to paint your tin roof on a day when rain, hail, or snow is predicted, and where possible, give yourself some leeway in terms of weather forecasts. Remember, your paint will take at least a few hours to dry.
Final Thoughts
If you have a tin roof, painting it can offer some significant advantages, including a better appearance, and improved weatherproofing. Paint seals the metal, preventing water from getting to it, and deflecting the sun’s rays. Always clean and de-grease your roof thoroughly before you start painting it.
