Can I change the color of an existing metal roof?

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Can I change the color of an existing metal roof?

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how long can you expect the paint to last once you have painted the metal roof? Our home is 10 yrs. old and the roof has faded from the sun we would like to paint it to bring the color back.

Guest User

2011-08-09 22:16:58.000000

Todd, I have a steel pole barn (built early 70's). The roof is white and I want to paint it brown to match my homes new steel roof. One of the hardware stores recommended your method. I have already scrubbed the roof with TSP and sealed the nail heads with LEAKSTOP. Another reputabl recommends adding 1/2 pint Emulsabond to each gallon of paint and they say that product bypasses the need for priming and also that I wouldn't have had to wash with TSP. Too good to be??? Any experience with Emulsabond or should I proceed with primer then paint?

Guest User

2011-09-05 13:17:23.000000

Todd, we just had a new metal roof put on (standing seam). Much to our dissappointment, the color we chose, and were assured was the dark color we thought it was, is not. Hind sight, we would have handled this differently before installation. I can live with it. My husband hates it. Are there professionals that can come and repaint our roof tot he darker color we originally wanted?

Guest User

2014-09-24 10:59:49.000000

Hello Todd, Just bought a house and we have a green metal roof, which looks cream colored, almost exactly the color of the spanish moss hanging from overhead trees. I don't know the condition of the roof, except that it is not leaking, but would like to have it pressure cleaned and painted with reflective paint. Can you recommend the minimum psi for getting the roof clean in preparation for painting, and I can't find information on the kynar / hylar painting contractors. It would appear these products are only available as a prefinish on new roofs. I live in Central FL Marion County Lake Weir. Thank you in advance.

Guest User

2015-02-28 23:56:40.000000

Hello Todd, I just came across this thread. We just installed a galvalume metal roof. It is so incredibly bright that it is blinding our across the street neighbors. Have you seen this problem before and what do you suggest? Painting? Thanks!! Travis County Texas

Guest User

2015-05-14 15:24:04.000000

We just bought a 100+ year old farmhouse in Middle Tennessee. The roof is galvanized metal. It is silver - with what looks like a dark color that is coming across the panels (not part or rust - if this makes sense). We would like to paint it green. I have a question here: 1) What is the best prep for this? 2) Would you use TSP or (part) vinegar? 3) Would you scratch it up? 4) What primer would you use? 5) What paint would you use? 6) How many coats of paint? 7) Does it matter if it is rolled or sprayed? Any other suggestions?

Guest User

2015-07-26 23:23:30.000000

We just added a room addition to our house and had a pre-existing charcoal gray metal roof, Fabral (2006) is the brand of our existing roofing. Our new addition metal roofing is called Union (2015) in their charcoal gray which is slightly lighter than our original. Right now it is driving me nuts, that the colors are different. Will this new roofing darken in time? I wanted a black metal roofing, but hubby didn't want that when we first installed it. If this new roofing doesn't start to match up, can we paint it black? And if painted black, does it really cause a home to be hotter? If we can't paint it, what can we do to get the different colored roof lines to look uniformed? Thank you!

Guest User

2015-11-17 19:36:34.000000

Hello! My house currently has a pretty new roof (<12 years) that was placed by the previous owners. It is in great condition, but I hate the color. I have been researching people in Austin to paint the roof, but I'm getting some weird feedback from them almost as if they don't understand why I would do that or that it's not recommended. I don't want to make a mistake and lessen the integrity or value of the roof purely for a cosmetic change, but I'm ok with paying for a cosmetic change if all else is equal. I don't want the roof to look "painted" though, as in a DIY looking project.. I want it to look like it was made that way. Is that possible? How do I find a contractor who will give me the result I'm looking for? Alternatively, if I just go with a regular roofing/painting company what do I ask that they use for the paint?

Guest User

2015-12-22 17:09:50.000000

Hello Todd...I just read most all the posts here regarding painting Tin Roofs...We have a home in Georgia, that was built in 1896, the previous owners added a (kelly) green roof a couple of years before we bought it and we've had the home 10 years, so I am guessing it's about 12-13 years old. I was never fond of the color because it makes it difficult to change the home color to match that green. After reading your posts I feel a little better about painting the tin, because the tin has faded quite a bit....so do you know and contractors in the area that I could contact? We live west of Atlanta, Carroll County. Thank you in advance.

Guest User

2016-03-17 09:17:04.000000

Hi Todd, I just bought a home in Montana that has (what I believe to be) steel roofing. I'd like to repaint it because, along with the fact that it is so badly sun bleached, the garage and house have different colored roofs. I'm worried that the paint will not hold up in the weather here. Any experience or recommendations? Also, do you know of any professional painters in my area? Thanks! Loni

Guest User

2016-03-30 00:53:02.000000

I live in Haralson county, in Tallapoosa. I also have the green roof. Did you find anyone around here to do yours?

Guest User

2016-04-10 22:49:03.000000

I have a standing seam roof, approx 100 years old that has been painted with aluminum paint in the distant past (at lest longer than 30 years ago). It has developed some rust and we would like to paint it any color other than bright whiney silver or black which is the only aluminum color available. What paint system will allow us to successfully cover this aluminum paint? Thank!

Guest User

2016-09-23 13:20:23.000000

Hi! We had a metal roof put on around 1997 or 1998. Two years ago it began to leak around the bathroom vent and in the back porch we enclosed. I'm trying to find a product that I can put around the bathroom vent and between the two roofs over the back porch; one lays on top of the other one so the water runs off. I'd prefer to not use black tar as we are also going to have to see about painting the roof because the beautiful blue Hawaiian color is now a light blue/gray...drab! Any ideas of a product that can seal on a metal roof? Also, what is the process to paint a metal roof? Thanks!

Guest User

2016-09-28 15:45:05.000000

Hi! When they put the metal roof on, we didn't know it but someone put the one piece in wrong, so water eventually over time ran back behind the next piece, rotting out a section of the main roof. A family member took that section off and placed it correctly. Then the bathroom vent started leaking and they had put the rubber boot under the metal roof and not on top. Yeah, idiots! So a family member fixed that and put a sealant that Lowe's recommended. It's been about 3 years now so that is starting to crack. The only Butyl I could find in NW Florida is http://www.homedepot.com/p/DAP-10-1-oz-Flexible-Clear-Sealant-18384/100134278 On the second issue, there is flashing under the metal roof that lays on top of the secondary roof but if we get a strong thunderstorm or hurricane force winds, the rain/wind must push water under the flashing. What do you recommend for us to put between the gap between the flashing and secondary roof? A beading of chaulk? Thanks so much!

Guest User

2016-09-29 12:59:57.000000

Our church is repainting it's flat (who did that in snow country?) metal roof on activities hall. It is, at present, white, and the paint job is pretty old. We want it to be almost black to blend in with the church and the rectory. We can't afford the $400/gallon special paint. I have an excellent painter lined up, but I'm hearing strong concern about repainting...it'll peel...so I want some strong knowledge to present, along with my painter presenting his knowledge. We will not be painting until Spring warm weather.. We are in NE Idaho with temps ranging from a few days of 90+/100 degrees to a few of near -20 in the winter. I would assume that we clean the roof with a pressure hose, prime, and paint with a good quality exterior paint. Does anything need to be sanded? My husband was repairing a leak up there, and tightening/replacing screws. He says the roof is in good shape. He was a roofer for years and a licensed building contractor in SF for years where he also painted professionally, plus a professional roofer. However, he has not worked with metal roofs in all those years. Any reassurances/suggestions/directions, etc. will be much appreciated, and assist me greatly in soothing fears. Thank you very much in advance, Jesse

Guest User

2016-11-19 15:54:52.000000

Hi Todd. I live in the mountains of western Va. I have a 100 yr old house that still has the original metal roof. We have been painting it every 3-5 yrs with a aluminium fiber paint for roofs. We are thinking of repainting a differant color this year, Is there anything that I will need to do before I paint it with just paint.Thank you

Guest User

2016-11-29 11:42:02.000000

Help. We just built a new steel home in Palacios Texas. We are not happy with the R panel color and would like to have it painted. Can you PLEASE let me know how we can get it painted so that we do not experience pealing. Thanks.

Guest User

2016-12-12 23:31:25.000000

there are white Sun fade spots on metal roof. Roof is installed I belivein 1990. Inspection report said 10 more years of life. What are the best options for me? Cost wise.

Guest User

2017-01-06 19:15:45.000000

Thanks for the info todd. We recently purchased the property so any ideas on how to find the manufacturer.

Guest User

2017-01-06 20:53:27.000000

The red metal roof on our home seems to hold the snow. eventualy the snow slides off and blocks our front entrance and garage door. Is there a fireproof tratment that we can apply to our roof to make it more slippery so that snow slips off the roof instead of collecting until it accumulates to a massive amount? Would painting the roof black, attract more heat that would melt the snow to reduce on its accumulation?

Guest User

2017-02-19 08:33:12.000000

I recently purchased a self serve car wash. The bottom 4 foot of each of the bays are lined with a horrible red metal. i am almost positive that it is the has been there since 77, the year the car wash was built.I would like to change the color scheme of the car wash into our hometown colors of purple and white(purple being the metal roofing). I was wondering what you would suggest about painting over the red color and if i needed to do anything else to it since it will be hit with high pressure water on a regular basis. Also what kind of timeline will the paint have after it is applied. I call a local manufacturer of metal roofing and he said that it would only last a few years then it would begin to peel. I can not tell if he is simply trying to sway me to purchase all new metal roofing or if he is being truthful. Any suggestions?

Guest User

2017-04-11 22:47:57.000000

Would you know of a paint contractor in the Twin Cities that could repaint the metal roof on our house? The paint is bonded well (roof is only 12 years old), but it's the wrong color. Thanks

Guest User

2017-04-19 07:20:48.000000

Question I have a 3 year old galvalum metal roof and we are building an addition. What can I do To make it match? Thanks for any ideas!

Guest User

2017-06-13 16:53:55.000000

I have a Galvalum new roof it is very reflective is there anything I can do to calm it down

Guest User

2017-07-05 23:12:30.000000

I hope someone can answer my question, though I really don't have much information about my roof. We bought our home 1e years ago and the previous owners had recently installed reddish-orange metal roofing on the house, porch, and the outbuildings. The roof on the house still looks new. No fading at all. The porch, however has faded. My husband thinks the house roof color was somehow baked in. We do not know correct terms, sorry. We are about to put cypress wood around our home and are wanting to make the red roof look more aged/rusted. Maybe take some of the color out? Like an old barn. Is there any way to do this without damaging the roofing?

Guest User

2017-07-24 11:53:56.000000

Do you have any suggestions of what we might try? I just don't think that a new looking red roof is going to look good woth a rustic wood siding. I do not want to damage the roofing to where it leaks though.

Guest User

2017-07-24 12:49:13.000000

We are having this exact same dilemma and you took the words right out of my mouth! Have you since resolved this issue? I would love to know!

Guest User

2017-11-13 16:25:05.000000

As one of their many benefits, metal roofs can be repainted. This can be done to extend their life after many years or simply for a different look. As long as the old finish is well adhered to the metal, it will provide a great surface for a new coating. We suggest cleaning the roof by power washing or with a TSP solution. Then we suggest a primer followed by a top coat. This will usually be done with a spray process. I suggest going to a quality paint store and using the system they recommend for repainting metal roofs. Air-dry Kynar paint systems are available, usually best done through a metal roof manufacturer. These systems will have better durability than what you buy locally but expect to pay upwards of $400 per gallon for the paint. Please be aware that in any event a field-applied coating likely will not last as long as the roof's original finish.

Todd Miller

2011-04-21 05:49:37.000000

Chad, I have not had great experience with your exact situation but my inclination would be to clean the rust from the affected areas real well, cover those areas with several coats of a rust inhibiting primer or paint, and then coat the entire roof with a paint system recommended by a major paint store.

Todd Miller

2011-04-29 07:52:12.000000

Robin, I would expect a quality field-applied paint system to last 10 - 15 years depending upon your exact location.

Todd Miller

2011-08-09 22:19:35.000000

Hi Jean. I have never heard of Emulsabond. It may work very well. I would be inclined to continue with the way you had intended though.

Todd Miller

2011-09-05 15:28:41.000000

Kim, there are some companies that specialize in this but please understand you will be moving from a finish that probably has a warranty to a finish that does not have a warranty. If you can let me know (in general) where you are located, I will see if I have anyone to suggest for painting.

Todd Miller

2014-09-24 11:13:33.000000

PPG Aquatec is an air-dry version of Kynar. Most commercial / professional exterior painting contractors should be able to source and apply it. As far as the pressure washing, you do not want to remove the paint. I would wash at as low of pressure as possible to achieve a clean finish.

Todd Miller

2015-03-01 06:32:23.000000

Dennis, how old is the roof, approximately? Can you please post a photo on here or email me a photo of what is happening? tmiller@classicroof.com

Todd Miller

2015-07-27 07:40:08.000000

Most professional commercial painting companies could do this. The cost should be $3 - 5 per square foot. This will void the warranty on the current roof. Also, a field painted roof will have a shorter life and be more prone to fade and chalk than the original finish.

Todd Miller

2015-12-22 20:59:57.000000

I unfortunately do not know of any professional painting contractors in your area though I am sure there are many. There is a company out of Columbus Ohio that is very skilled in this area and they travel the country. The company is Martin Painting.

Todd Miller

2016-03-20 10:48:17.000000

Loni, It sounds like your roof is suitable for repainting. It will need to be cleaned, primed, and painted. This can be done by spray process with a quality paint from a company like Sherwin Williams. Or you can try to obtain an air dry PVDF formulation such as PPG's Aquatic system. Those systems will perform better for the long term. I do not know of any commercial painters in your area though I am sure they exist. Here is a company from Ohio that does this work: http://www.martinpainting.com They travel nationally, and they also may know of someone more local to you.

Todd Miller

2016-03-30 04:52:35.000000

That is indeed a beautiful home and location. I would suggest trying to remove the rust as much as possible. Normally this sort of repainting would consist of a new coat of primer that is appropriate for the finish coat, followed by the finish coat. You may want to look into applying a more durable finish coat such as the air-dry PPG Aqua-Tec system.

Todd Miller

2016-04-06 06:47:44.000000

You would want to clean it well by light power washing or a mixture of water, detergent, and TSP. I would then suggest a primer and top coat. I do think the PPG Aquapon would be a good way to go.

Todd Miller

2016-09-21 21:08:35.000000

I am sorry, I really can't answer that. The problem with recoating over many old layers is the new layer will only adhere as well as the least well adhered of all the previous layers. See what I mean? My advice would be to take some pictures and go to a quality paint store such as Sherwin Williams, show them what you're doing, and let them make a recommendation.

Todd Miller

2016-09-23 13:24:24.000000

Ideally, the transition should have a metal flashing. Pipes often use flashings and also quality sealants such as butyl. If you wish, feel free to email me photos of what you have and I will try to provide more details. My email is todd@asktoddmiller.com As far as painting, the roof will need cleaned and then primed and painted. I would suggest going to a quality paint store and using the paint system they recommend for this purpose.

Todd Miller

2016-09-28 22:51:26.000000

I am sorry to hear about the issues you ran into. I think that a butyl sealant or a co-ether or poly-ether would be best. Make sur hit is applied to a clean surface. Transition flashings if mis-installed can have a negative pitch. Sounds like that might be what you had. On the other flashing ... if there is a big enough void to put metal, then that could be done and sealed in. Otherwise, just sealant.

Todd Miller

2016-09-29 21:53:01.000000

Thanks much for your post. Cleaning the existing roof is certainly key. The new layer of paint will never be better adhered than any previous layers. I would suggest going to a quality paint store, trying to have them identify the type of paint on the roof now ... and let them make a recommendation as far as the method and type of repainting. It probably can be done in a durable manner but it will take the expertise of some paint people.

Todd Miller

2016-11-20 05:57:45.000000

What a testimony to metal roofing! The big thing is making sure the roof is as clean as possible, and any flaking paint is cleaned as well as possible. Basically, the new layer of paint will not stick any better than the least adhered layer of all previous paints. Using a primer and a top coat will be helpful as well as it will help cut down on UV transmission through the layers of paint.

Todd Miller

2016-11-29 13:47:19.000000

Please keep in mind that painting the new roof will void any warranty you have from the manufacturer. As far as trying to ensure success, I would suggest a professional painting contractor who can clean the roof, apply a primer, and a final coat. As far as the paint system you use, please contact the manufacturer of the roof so they can make a recommendation of the appropriate paint chemistry based upon the chemistry of the roof's original finish. They can work with their suppliers to get this answer for you -- don't take "we don't know" for an answer.

Todd Miller

2016-12-13 05:14:04.000000

What you have is a stone coated steel roof, not a painted steel roof. These are not fade spots but rather wear of the finish. The roof probably does have many years of service life remaining though. I would suggest contacting the manufacturer to see what recommendations they have for refinishing.

Todd Miller

2017-01-06 19:50:49.000000

I believe that your roof was manufactured by Gerard. www.gerardusa.com That would be a good place to start at least.

Todd Miller

2017-01-06 21:02:30.000000

ON unknown here is the exact condition of the current coating, including its chemistry. One certainty here is that a color like purple is one of the more difficult colors and I am more concerned about fading than peeling, assuming the current red coating is well adhered. To repaint, I'd suggest power washing the roof and then applying a primer followed by a top coat. You can either go to a high quality paint store and use the paint they suggest for this application or you can look for an air dry Kynar such as Aquatic online. The latter will be must more costly but have better fade and chalk resistance, Again, I think you can do this without risk of peeling soon but purple will be a tough color to maintain beyond 10 - 15 years in any air dry finish.

Todd Miller

2017-04-12 06:18:20.000000

I would suggest looking for a commercial painting contractor. Please be aware that this will void any remaining product warranty on your roof.

Todd Miller

2017-04-19 14:45:45.000000

John, Probably the best you can do is get the same color from the same manufacturer. Nothing else would be a closer match to a 3 year old roof.

Todd Miller

2017-06-14 00:46:26.000000

The potential damage is more to the paint finish than to the roofing itself, causing a risk of leaks. However, if the finish is damaged badly enough, that could potentially expose the metal sooner rather than later, leading to problems. You could paint over the roof in a process of cleaning it and then applying a high quality exterior paint, and perhaps create some sort of faux finish technique to get the look you want. The new finish will void any warranty that might be remaining on the original finish and it also son't be as durable as the original finish but it may get you the look you desire.

Todd Miller

2017-07-24 13:00:01.000000

Can the color of an existing metal tile roof be changed after installation? Can it be painted? I have a blue metal tile roof and would like to change it to more of a red brick color. What are my options? How much will it cost? Thanks.

E W

2011-04-20 09:07:14.000000

Todd, I have a slightly different question along the same line. I have a galvanized 5V metal roof with the heavier gauge material, installed in 1985. There are some areas that have developed light rust from where leaves have set too long. What should I do to rehabilitate the roof? Should just those areas be serviced or should it be the entire roof? And how (such as rust removal or painting, etc)? Thanks

Chad Lewis

2011-04-28 20:41:21.000000

I am helping an Architect work on specifications for an existing school district. The current low slope roof has a guarantee, of whom I am the Sales Rep for. The school wants to change the color of the metal edge. A large portion of the building has shop fabricated, fascia extenders. It is fastened beneath the manufactured, factory snap on fascia with extruded rail. As they can switch out the snap on fascia easily, the entire piece would need to be removed, in order to recover or remove/ reinstall new fascia extender. The question came up as to painting a 2 coat Kynar, in the field. I've read several thoughts in these blogs, on post painting. It appears the PPG Aquapon maybe the way to go? And guessing, their looking at $3-$5 a lineal foot (6"-8" wide) plus equipment to run along the outside of the building? And the cost of the paint. Other questions are what prep is required? They are weighing their options as to how they want to do this. As my 26 yr. background prior to becoming a sales Rep, was in the Architectural Sheet Metal business. So I get asked to assist a lot on metal design, and installations.

Mark Tucker

2016-09-21 17:09:17.000000

I have a galvanized steel roof on my house in central valley of Costa Rica that was painted 8 years ago with a medium green color. Metal roofs are the norm here and they are always painted in dark colors. As we are 8 degrees latitude, 2500 foot elevation, I plan to repaint using a white color to reduce the solar gain. Local available brands are SUR and Lanco. My plan is to pressure wash and then scrub with TSP. I will treat any rust areas with vinegar before scrubbing with TSP. We will paint using a airless sprayer and back rolling. How many coats are suggested? We do not have the luxury of a professional painting contractor as they, along with professional plumbers, do not exist here.

Art Dufresne

2016-04-03 16:47:35.000000

Thanks Eric

Art Dufresne

2016-04-05 21:33:57.000000

There is a post earlier in this thread asking what to do about rusted areas pre painting. If you can find Ospho ( it is online) it is a dilute Phosphoric acid which if painted on to the rusted area turns the ferrous oxide (rust) into ferrous sulfate. Wash the affected area with Ospho, let stand for a while, but do not let it dry, then hose it off with lots of water, the rust has been converted and paint will stick. First started using it on my steel sailboat in the 70's with very good results. It is very easy to use and long lasting. It is chemically pretty much the same as Naval Jelly but is a liquid, seems to be a little stronger than vinegar but generally pretty mild. I know this is a response to a very old question here, but thought I would comment in case there is anyone else with the same problem.

Tony Aldridge

2017-09-09 23:22:33.000000

Have used Ospho for personal projects and in industry, never found a need for anything but water to wash off and dilute the acid. If you had important plants under the runoff you might think about neutralizing the acid. It does not seem to affect paint or other finishes, have used it to clean up the chrome on bikes and to wash every piece of metal coming into a fabricating shop I ran years ago. Note it is important to wash off the Ospho before it dries, as it will leave a hard scale. Depending on local conditions you may need to rinse within a few minutes or perhaps after an hour.

Tony Aldridge

2017-09-10 15:33:07.000000

Travis, The roof will normally get a somewhat more matte finish as it ages. Not sure that will help your neighbors in the meantime but perhaps a call to the manufacturer will tell you what you can do to the roof to dull the finish or what your repainting options are.

Eric Novotny

2015-05-14 20:26:39.000000

Its likely the color variance will tone down over time. Atmospheric dirt will help mute the difference as well. Metal can be painted and coated over and the darker the color, the more of the suns radiant energy it will absorb (i.e. hotter surface temps). If you paint the roof, you should paint both sections.

Eric Novotny

2015-11-17 20:01:30.000000

That is only a slightly stunning picture. Wow!!! No comment on the painting instruction as Todd is the much, much more knowledgeable of the two of us. Gorgeous home and scenery.

Eric Novotny

2016-04-03 17:39:04.000000

Do you have any snow retention and how much snow (in inches) is the roof holding? Is the paint in good shape? Would some heated wire applications work here to help melt the snow into the gutters?

Eric Novotny

2017-02-19 09:14:56.000000

How old is the roof Tom? Most Galvalume roofs will "soften" in terms of the glare after they wear in a bit.

Eric Novotny

2017-07-06 06:33:35.000000

I am not aware of any rustic washing of the roof that would not potentially damage the finish.

Eric Novotny

2017-07-24 12:35:35.000000

Thank for the detailed advice Tony. Would it be advisable to neutralize with baking soda?

Eric Novotny

2017-09-10 07:37:03.000000

I have a green metal roof in a high snow load area, Truckee, CA. Because snow piles up where it sheds, there's ofter snow sitting on the low parts of the roof for a couple of months. Though the roof is 30 years old, it only shows signs of wear on the higher south facing areas and there is no rust. A local roofer is proposing to repaint the roof in the same color. What type of paints are appropriate for this application?
Thank you.

2024-07-18 23:05:16.751764