6 Best Paint for Metal Roof 2022: Can You Paint A Corrugated Roof?

The first question that comes to someone’s mind when thinking of getting their metal roofs painted is whether it is necessary! Besides mere enhancement of the beauty of your home, a newly painted metal roof is required for the following reasons-

• It increases the lifespan of your roof.
• Ensures more energy efficiency of the home.
• It makes sure the roof does not have leaks, pits, or pores that can fall vulnerable to weather conditions.

Wow! I’m sure you didn’t even think of all these advantages. Now, you can only enjoy these benefits if you can get your hands on the best metal roof paints of the year. 

A lot of my friends were looking for good paint for their roofs. They couldn’t make up their mind, but most importantly, they didn’t even know what to look for in the first place. Hence, we thought of easing it up for everyone. And so here we are with the best options and all the info you need on metal roof paints!

Let’s Check the Best Metal Roof Paint in a Quick Glance:

Image	Product	Features	Price
PREMIUM PICK	1. Liquid Rubber RV Roof Coating	“Maximum flexibility with effortless adhesion”	Check Price
	2. Ziollo RV Flex Repair Silicone RV Roof Sealant	“Withstands temperature, prevents dirt accumulation with a lifetime warranty”	Check Price
	3. Jetcoat Cool King Reflective Acrylic Roof Coating	“Excellent coverage with sun reflective roof cooling tech”	Check Price
	4. AMES MSS5 Maximum Stretch	“Resists peeling with energy and cost saving”	Check Price
	5. Rust-Oleum Roof Accessory Spray Paint	“Gives a weather-resistant matte shine”	Check Price
	6. Diamond Brite Corrugated Metal Roof Paint	“Top-graded aluminum pigmentation with the rust-resisting formula”	Check Price

Can You Paint a Metal Roof?

Some even wonder if metal roofs can be painted. Well, of course, they can be. But the process isn’t as exact as painting a door or window. Let’s see-

• First, you need to pack your bags with a suitable primer, good sealants, and of course, your chosen paint.
• Before you hop on to paint the newly installed roofs, remember that they need at least six months for adjusting to the weather. If you can’t wait for six months, you can try washing the roof with a weak acid for oil and dirt removal and paint it later.
• To do the cleaning prep work, you can use a power washer. If you don’t have one, you can use a solution of trisodium phosphate, water, and paint scraper and scrub out the dirt manually.
• With the right paint in hand, you can roll on, brush-on, or even spray on your color on the roof.
• For safety measures, don’t forget the safety harness and non-slip shoes when painting on the roof.

Can You Paint Corrugated Metal?

If you have a corrugated metal roof instead of the traditional one, then it’s a massive advantage for you. For instance, it will last longer, offer better weather protection, resist dust and dirt accumulation, and so on. But the question is, ‘can you paint corrugated metal?’

Definitely, Yes! Painting corrugated metal roofing enhances the years of the roof and ensures the best protection. In addition, the new coat of paint will keep the surface fresh, and amazingly, it might even back you up for a hundred years!

For painting corrugated metal, you’ll need acrylic paints specified for use on the external metal surface. For example, if the corrugated roof is newly installed, the best option would be acrylic latex paint.

Now, whatever your choice of paint is, do remember to carry out the project on a clear, sunny day. If the weather messes up with you, don’t go forward with your DIY metal painting because it won’t work, you’ll get frustrated and empty your pockets!

Top 5 Best Paint for Metal Roof Reviews

1. Liquid Rubber RV Roof Coating

If you’re tired of those poorly adhesive sealants that don’t even offer protection from leaks, then we got you something- The Liquid Rubber RV roof coating.

Talking about adhesion, this coating comes with 1000% elongation that provides excellent flexibility and adhesion.

If you want to apply it on your metal roof even for the summer season, it’s a perfect choice. Thanks to the UV-resistant and solar reflective technology that keeps your roof cool.

Waterproof sealants are not the easiest to apply. But this one is used by roller, brush or even sprayer. And you know the best part? The formula is free from VOC and toxic elements, making it kid and pet safe. Yes, you might need a long time to prepare it for application, but it’s all worth it with guaranteed roof protection.

2. Ziollo RV Flex Repair Silicone RV Roof Sealant

Everyone wants assurance on the sealant they are using on their roof just like I did. How about some lifetime warranty with Ziollo RV flex repair roof sealant?

The exclusive technology allows a flexible formula that does not shrink with temperature change. You can rely on the sealant for both indoor and outdoor usage as it is environment-friendly and non-toxic.

You can easily protect your roof with it using a roll-on application with zero hassle. It’s not just an excellent sealant for your metal surfaces, but it works equally effective on fiberglass, EPDM rubber roof, wood, etc., preventing moisture and dirt accumulation.

Yes, I am not exaggerating! It does come with a lifetime warranty. All you need is a weekend to protect your roof for a lifetime. It provides even better coverage than it says, so don’t buy too much at once and save some bucks for the home renovation afterparty!

3. Jetcoat Cool King Reflective Acrylic Roof Coating

When looking for an affordable roof coating that provides excellent coverage, I got the right product for you – the Jetcoat Cool King Reflective Acrylic Roof coating.

These sealants are usually thick with less coverage. But my goodness! One gallon of Jetcoat offers 50-70 sq. ft coverage per coat. And guess what? For the best outcome, you only need two coats!

Say goodbye to the annual hassle of sealing your metal roof. The Jetcoat acrylic coating comes with 5 years of total protection. May it be asphalt, metal, bitumen, polyurethane foam, concrete, or wood, it offers the same security.

This is probably the faster drying roof sealant in the market that dries to touch in 2-3 hours. While it is ready for the second coat in 6-8 hours! But be careful about storing it; let the temperature not be below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. And you’re good to go with this roof cooling, sun reflective technology!

4. AMES MSS5 Maximum Stretch

Only a sealant for roof protection may not be enough but one that gives your maximum cooling even in summer surely is. Sounds like the AMES MSS5 maximum stretch.

The sealant provides 650% elongation that deals with cracks, peeling, and abrasion without you worrying about it. Even in the higher temperature and humidity, it’ll tackle your needs.

It provides more cooling effect than probably any other roof sealants in the market. Moreover, it assures reflection of 98% UV rays that save you energy and the investment for artificial cooling.

The rubberized sealant also allows low maintenance. And the formula has low VOC, low odor, and is totally eco-friendly. It’s even usable in any way, roller, sprayer, or brush-on. However, don’t apply it in humid conditions for the expected outcome, and voila! A cool and leak-free metal roof ensured!

5. Rust-Oleum Roof Accessory Spray Paint

If the thought of brushing on paint on your roof gives you nightmares, why don’t you try out a spray paint that will ease the whole job? Is it hard to find a good one? Try taking a look at the Rust-Oleum roof accessory paint.

The oil-based formula ensures your roof color doesn’t chip or fade away quickly. It even offers the highest protection when the weather doesn’t seem favorable.

The problem with typical spray paints is insufficient coverage, but this one is an exception. Once you spray it, you’ll see it concealing all the imperfections in no time.

Not everyone wants a golden glitter on their roof, and hence the matte sheen offered by this spray paint seems like a great choice. Besides, it even dries to touch in 20 minutes! You’ll probably finish the whole roof painting project before you know!

If you want to give your metal roofs a durability check, spray paint is all you’ll need.

6. Diamond Brite Paint for Corrugated Metal Roof

The aluminum roof of your house needs more attention than you think. That said, Diamond Brite paint seems like a 100% compatible choice for it!

Once you see the paint, you’ll wonder how a color can be so well pigmented with rich metal shine! Let me answer that for you. The finished product is a combination of durable oils, resins, and, of course, the best grade leafing aluminum pigments.

One of the paint’s unique features is that it can withstand up to 600 degrees F. I’m sure the tropical zone citizens have been looking for such color for years for their roofs. It even has a rust-inhibiting formula infused in it for maximum protection of corrugated metal roof.

Not only can you paint it on your metal roofs but also the metal grain bins, fences, boilers, radiators, handrails, machinery, shelves, and so on!

Spray, roll-on, or brush-on the aluminum paint on your roof, at least for the sake of durability!

Read more: How to Paint a Rusty Metal Roof?

Buying Guide – Choosing The Best Paint for A Metal Roof

We have a list of the best paint for metal roofs in your hand. But is it enough? Don’t you need to know if you can choose your own? Then let’s see what factors you need to consider to choose a metal roof paint yourself.

Type

I’ll tell you in a while which paint type goes for which surface type. For instance, if you take galvanized metal roof, then a simple water-based coating will be enough but not very much when it comes to a copper roof.

You can choose between roll-on, spray, or brush-on paints. Since painting a roof is quite different from other DIY painting projects, roll-on paint is quite the right choice. You might think spray paint is way more accessible and easy to apply. Although it is, and you can attach a sprayer arm to do the work, they have issues too. During windy breeze, they are nothing but a struggle.

Durability

Painting a metal roof isn’t less of a deal. Most times, you need to hire a professional to get the job done. Hence, when you paint or repaint the roof, make sure you choose a reliable and durable color.

Make sure –

• The paint is rust-resistant
• Protects against rough and robust weather conditions
• Adheres tightly to the metal surface
• It doesn’t fade away quickly.

Coverage

When it comes to coverage, the quantity doesn’t matter; it is how thickly the paint covers the surface. In this case, water-based colors are too thin and don’t give a satisfactory result. The acrylic paint provides the best coverage and also lasts the longest.

Drying time

Drying time doesn’t matter unless you set your heart on a paint that takes one full day to dry a single coat! In general cases, it takes about 6-8 hours for total cure time. There are spray paints like the Rust-Oleum accessory that need only a couple of hours before you can recoat it!

Paint finish

Not everyone is a fan of the glossy finish on their roof. A tin roof already has a sheen, so an extra shine doesn’t look that good. A reflective polish is somewhat an indication of UV resistance and heat control. But if you don’t belong to warm areas, then a non-reflective matte paint like the Rust-Oleum roof accessory paint is quite the deal!

What Kind of Paint Should You Use On a Metal Roof?

If you look at the history of your old tin roof, you’d probably see a few layers of oil-based paint on the metal surface. Although oil-based paint is the most common choice, the problem is that with time they seem to harden, thicken, and eventually, the layers fail to adjust with the environmental temperature. The final result is cracking, peeling, blistering, and thermal control difficulties.

You’ve probably heard of direct-to-metal or DTM paints. Although they are water-based coatings, certain materials are more compatible with water-based paints than oil-based ones. For instance, galvanized metal roof and Terne tin are better with waterborne paints.

There is another rare paint type named elastomeric paint. These are waterborne acrylic. They are almost oil-based but a bit rubbery and with a different texture. So, what’s their specialty? They have heat-reflective properties which are why they are more suitable for warm zones.

If you ask for my preference, I’ll always go for acrylic latex paints. Especially if your target is a bare metal roofing, then there isn’t a better choice. Different colors have different special features. Such as, some acrylic paints are UV rays resistant while some are water-resistant!

Hey! Whatever paint you use for your metal roof, don’t forget the sealant or primer!

Can I Repaint My Roof To Change Its Color?

If you are bored of the existing color of your metal roof, or you’ve just moved into a new home and expecting some renovation! Yes, you can repaint your roof to change its color. It’s both pleasing aesthetically, energy-efficient, low cost, and a durable solution.

If you want to repaint your metal roof and get all these benefits, then make sure you do it correctly. Hey! Before you jump into the techniques for repainting your metal roof, you should know when is the right time to repaint it.

If you have newly installed a metal roof, then give it at least 6 months to settle with the weather adjustment. And then, you can cover it up with some classy coatings. Now, for the long-awaited question:

How To Repaint A Metal Roof?

It’s a whole roof we are talking about, so let’s not be hasty about it. Take time in your hand before you start the project and take professional assistance for a better outcome. So let’s begin,

1st step: Remove the existing paint

Do a close inspection of your metal roof before starting the object. Look for a loose part from the existing paint and scrape it off with a putty knife. Don’t worry; you do not need to scrape off the entire roof.

You can easily paint over the old paint if it is intact and adhered well. Be very careful not to put scratches on the metal roof while you scrape off the loosened paint.

2nd step: Clean the rust

Once you’ve inspected for loosening paint, it’s time to move on to the rust. If you find rust on your metal surface, it’s no big deal. Just scrape it off with a putty knife and if you can’t do that, use some vinegar solution or rust removal solution.

3rd step: Wash your roof

After you’ve removed the rust, it’s time for you to give your metal roof a nice wash. Grab your power washer or jet power wash. You can even go get a water hose sprayer if you don’t have a power washer.

Now use it to wash the whole metal surface to get rid of any dust, debris, or dirt that has accumulated on it. After the cleaning, let the roof dry on its own before you can move on to the painting session.

Keep checking every 15-30 minutes if the roof has dried. Once you are assured, let’s move on to the next step.

4th step: Apply the paint primer

Hey! Don’t forget to start your DIY metal roof painting project on a sunny day. Do not even think of making this work on a cloudy day because the rain or moisture will not let your paint sit and will wash all of it.

For better adhesion, durability, and a smoother outcome, apply the primer before the paint. Take your primer can and move it up to the roof using a ladder. Take your roller along and apply the primer in thick coats.

You should never skip this step if you want a rust-free, durable metal roof! Wait for the primer to dry to move to the final painting step.

5th step: Paint on the colors!

Once your primer is set, grab your roof paints or sealants and apply them on the roof using a roller or brushes. If you want to ensure good coverage, apply the paint in thick coats.

You will at least need 2 coats to apply on the roof if you want satisfactory results. Sometimes, you might even need more, depending on the product. Each layer will take about 2-3 hours to dry off or even more before you can apply the next layer.

So, don’t be hasty! Once all the layers look fine and dandy, you know you’ve done well to protect your roof and your home.

Roof Maintenance Tips

The metal roof is already highly durable, and the best part is it requires minimum maintenance. There are a few things you can do to even further enhance the roof longevity –

• Do a good cleanup of the roof every six months. Use a gentle detergent for the task. Before the dirt can get inside the metal surface and damage it, the cleaning session will remove it. Besides, if there are early damage signs or bald spots, you can check for them too.
• Check for mosses on the roof, and if you see some, clean it up at once.
• If there are low hanging branches falling on your roof, don’t delay and trim them out.
• After 2-3 years or even 5 years, in some cases, you might need to do your repainting roof job again, but that’s it. With the proper maintenance, you can rely on your roof for ages!

FAQs

How long does metal roof paint last?

A: Once you apply a good coat of metal paint on your roof, it usually lasts a long ten years. However, don’t forget to check out the color for any issues, at least once a year.

Can you paint over a rusted metal roof?

A: Yes, you can! But not every metal paint can do the trick. You can usually go for water-based metal paints that have rust-inhibiting properties. The Rust-Oleum rusty paint in our list has fantastic rust protection features. You can even apply it over a rusted metal roof and ensure rust protection.

Can You Paint A Tin Roof?

Yes, you can. Ideally, you would have the right tools to properly complete your work. Besides, for the painted metal roofing, you’ll need to give it a nice prep work starting from rust removal to power washing your roof with 2,500 psi to get rid of the molds, dust, mildew, etc.

Get yourself buckets of oil-based alkyd paint or acrylic latex paint for metal roof painting. But make sure you have brought paint specifically for metal surfaces.

There is also a difference in painting rollers for different metal surfaces, like standing seam panels and corrugated panels. If rolling on the paint seems a hassle, use a sprayer to get the job done in no time!

Only the tin roof painting isn’t enough; you need to do good maintenance too. For example, you can clean your roof from time to time and remove leaves from it as they may assist in rusting.

Final Verdict

Have you made up your mind, which paints you will use for roof remodeling? I’m sure you have something up in there that checks out all the boxes and fits in the outlines of your best paint for a metal roof.

A metal roofing lasts for decades, no doubt, but only if you give it the proper maintenance. It is necessary to paint your metal roofs about every ten years or even less, depending on the condition. Even if it’s for durability or to change the color of your roof, it’s high time you should get done with the painting. So, don’t waste another minute and go on with roof DIY!

Sources:

1. Justin Stewart, Painting Metal Roofing: 5 Mistakes to Avoid, Do it Yourself, Jan 20, 2010