Can You Paint A Galvanized Metal Roof

Galvanized steel is often used as roofing panels because it is so highly durable and resistant to water damage.

Can you paint a galvanized metal roof.

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. Paint will not adhere to your metal roofing unless you apply an etching primer first. Unfortunately over time this coating can fail leading to minor rust outbreaks. Galvanized metal requires either a zinc dust type paint or a latex paint.

The american iron and steel institute have run tests that show new unpainted galvanized steel can be field painted immediately upon construction. To ensure that you know what kind of metal your roof is made out of and what kind of paint you should use ask a professional roofer to inspect your home. Some people will leave a galvanized metal roof as is whereas others prefer to paint 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.

However if you have to repair your galvanized metal roof anyway it might be a great visual decision to paint it afterwards. Find either oil based or acrylic based paint at your local home improvement store. Galvanized metal roofs are usually painted with acrylic based paint. Galvanized steel on the other hand cannot be painted with an oil based or aluminum based paint.

It is not necessary to wait for the material to weather and no special treating of the galvanized surface is necessary prior to painting.