If you are searching for the perfect roofing solution to keep your house cool during a hot summer, a metal roof would be your best answer. This roof is quite the trend and is highly sustainable as well. Moreover, the cost of putting it up is relatively cheap.
Once put up, it will last for years to come. To further enhance its sustainability, coating it with paint would be great. To help you with this, we have listed the 11 best paint for metal roof in 2021.
Coating a metal roof with paint not only increases its sustainability but also improves its aesthetics. Keep reading to find out which paints made it to our top 10 list!
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Rubberseal Liquid Rubber Waterproofing and Protective Coating
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Dicor RPCRC1 White EPDM Rubber Roof Coating
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Jetcoat Cool King Reflective Acrylic Roof Coating
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How to Paint Metal Roof?
Painting a metal roof can be a tedious job and requires some time for completion. Therefore, you should be patient while doing it and, if possible, ask for professional help. Follow the steps given below to paint your metal roof properly:
Step 1: Removing the Previous Paint
If the roof had been previously painted, you first need to scrape the loose parts off with a putty knife. Be careful during the scraping process so that the knife does not scratch the metal underneath. The old paint that is still intact doesn’t require to be scraped off since new paint can easily be put over it.
Step 2: Removing Rust
The next step is to look for rust on the metal roof. It isn’t abnormal to find rust on metal, and before painting it, it should be removed. So, take a putty knife to do the task if the rusted portion is small. But if it’s too thick or severe, you can make use of vinegar solution.
Step 3: Wash the Roof
Before beginning to paint the roof, you should wash it first with a power washer which is also know as jet power wash. If you can’t find one, you can use a water hose to spray on the surface to remove any dirt or debris built upon it. After this, you should wait for the water to dry before starting the painting.
You can ensure the roof is entirely dried by checking the last part where you had put water. If not dried yet, keep checking every 15-30 minutes.
Step 4: Putting on Paint Primer
You should make sure that you have chosen a sunny day for this task. Because if there is even a slight chance of rain on that day, your painting might get washed away, flushing all your hard work.
Before starting with the paint, you should apply a primer coating on it. To do so, you will need a brush or a paint roller. You can climb up a ladder to reach the roof and apply a thick coat of primer on top of the metal surface properly. The primer protects the metal surface from developing rust and thus helps to increase its longevity.
Step 5: Applying the Paint
After the primer is set, you can apply the paint over the entire roof. Use the same paintbrush or roller to do this job. You should apply a thick layer of paint over the metal surface to adequately cover every inch.
You need to climb on the roof to cover the areas carefully where it is too difficult to reach.
It is recommended that you apply two coatings of paint to protect the metal roof better. However, wait for the first coat to dry first. It will take more than an hour for the first layer to dry off. After it has properly dried, apply the second layer.
Finally, after all the paint has dried off properly, you are good to go.
11 Best Metal Roof Paint Reviews
Now that you are well versed on how a paint should be applied on a metal roof, let’s move on to our reviews of the 11 best roof paint for metal roof provided below:
1. Liquid Rubber RV Roof Coating – Solar Reflective Sealant
The first pick on our list is an amazing paint from Liquid Rubber. This one comes in Brilliant White color and is available in a container of 1 gallon. It is the perfect paint to put on a rooftop, especially one made of metal. That is because it is entirely solar reflective. Thus, the house will remain cool even on hot days.
Another great feature of this paint is its ability to resist UV rays, which are incredibly harmful to human beings. The paint adheres to the surface well, leading the painted layers to have a long life without being degraded. On top of this, applying it is also very simple. All you will need is a paintbrush, a roller, or merely a sprayer.
Furthermore, the paint is entirely waterproof. However, you should apply a double layer of coating to ensure maximum durability and protection against rain.
The paint is also thoroughly water-based and does not contain any strange odor that is harmful to humans or animals. Its exceptional breathability makes it environmentally friendly.
In addition to the features mentioned above, the paint can be used indoors as well. So, if you have some leftover, you can apply it inside your house. Lastly, the paint is non-flammable, keeping it safe from the risk of catching on fire.
Highlighted Features:
- Extremely easy to apply
- Water-based paint
- Eco-friendly
- Does not contain any solvent or volatile compounds
- Non-flammable
2. HENRY HE587372 Roof Coating, 5 Gal
If you need the right quantity of paint for your rooftop and would love to apply two to three coatings for maximum protection, then the second pick on our list will be perfect for you. This paint from Henry comes in the color white and is perfect to put on a roof subjected to heavy sunlight during the day.
Since the paint is white and reflective of sun rays, your house is guaranteed to remain calm even in scorching weather. The paint contains high solids, resins, fillers, and titanium dioxide, which makes it highly durable and sustainable. Moreover, the coating has extreme peel strength, which makes it resistant to peeling.
To add more to its list of great features, the paint protects your roof in all weathers, be it rain or shine. Also, the paint is formulated in a way that it forms a permeable membrane. This lets moisture vapor vent, creating a relaxed space inside the house while preventing infiltration of water.
Last but not least, this paint can release and reflect 91% of the heat energy coming from the sun into the atmosphere, thus preventing the roof from getting too warm.
Highlighted Features:
- Available in a container of 5 gallons
- Long-lasting and durable
- Protects against the sun’s heat
- Formulated in a unique way to prevent peeling
- Forms a permeable membrane
3. Jetcoat Cool King Reflective Acrylic Roof Coating
This paint, too, like the previous mention, comes in a big container of 5 gallons. Manufactured by the trusted name Jetcoat, this is one product which you can rely on. The paint is specially formulated to be acrylic and waterproof. After applying it, you won’t have to worry about heat rays warming up your house anymore.
Besides having the capability of reflecting sun rays, the paint also protects the roof for years. Its long-lasting security saves you from the tension of repainting the roof every other year. And not just metal roofs, you can also apply this paint on other types of surfaces, such as polyurethane foam, wood, asphalt, and so on.
However, you should avoid applying it on some selected materials, like gravel and shingled roofs. Another great thing about this paint is that by just using 1 gallon of it, you will be able to cover 50 to 70 square feet of space. But this only applies for situations when you apply a single coating.
It is recommended that you apply two layers of coatings to obtain maximum protection. Lastly, it provides a rubber membrane-like texture on the rooftop, protecting it from scratches and all harm.
Highlighted Features:
- Covers 50 to 70 square feet of space with each coating
- Can be easily applied
- Solar reflective
- Provides durable protection
- Compatible with other types of roofs like wood, asphalt, etc.
4. Rubberseal Liquid Rubber Waterproofing and Protective Coating
If you have a small metal roofing covering your house or are only planning to apply a new coating of paint over the old one, our 4th pick should hold your preference. This paint from Rubber seal comes in a container of 1 gallon, enough to protect a roof of 50-60 square feet. This pick, too comes in the color white.
Besides white, there are other colors available too from the same manufacturer if you want one. The formulation of this paint is also great, as it is made of liquid rubber. This makes it waterproof and safe against rain and showers. It also provides impressive insulation, preventing the heat from the sun from getting into the house.
Not just heat, but the paint is also solar reflective, blocking any UV rays from penetrating inside. As we all know, UV rays are incredibly harmful to human beings and animals alike, and therefore, getting this paint will prove to be a good deal. Moreover, the paint provides long-lasting protection and does not peel very easily.
Another great thing about this paint is, it contains minimal volatile organic compounds in its formulation. It also provides outstanding elongation. Therefore, getting this paint will prove to be extremely safe and eco-friendly.
Highlighted Features:
- Waterproof
- Solar reflective
- Helps to keep the house cool
- Low on volatile compound concentration
- Long-lasting protection
5. RUST-OLEUM K7792-402 K7792402
Up until now, we have only mentioned paints that were acrylic or water-based. But the fifth pick on our list is quite different from the previous selections. It is, in fact, an oil-based paint. So if you don’t like a matte finish and opt for a glossy one, this Rust-Oleum metal roof paint will be perfect for you.
The paint is available in the color white. But you can get other color options too. It is formulated with enamel, which gives the roof a white glassy finish. It also gives the aesthetics of a metal roof a significant boost. On top of this, applying it is very easy, and the task can be completed swiftly due to its smooth texture.
This paint is also capable of keeping rust at bay due to its excellent rust-resistant formula. So, it will not only enhance the beauty of your roof but also increase its longevity. In addition to this, the paint is also resistant to corrosion, making it highly durable. Moreover, you can discard your worries about chipping or peeling.
The paint only has a Volatile organic compound rate of 400. And due to its texture, it sits easily on the metal roof with just a single sweep of the brush. Lastly, it protects you well from the intense heat of the sun.
Highlighted Features
- Excellent protection against heat
- Long-lasting and durable
- Smooth texture and easy application
- Oil-based
- Resistant to rust and corrosion
6. KST COATING KS0063600-16 Roof Coating
On our list of the best paint for metal roof, the sixth option that we have chosen is the KST Coating roofing paint in the color white. This is a premium and high quality acrylic paint formulated to protect your roof top in the long run.
It is specifically meant to protect the roof against harmful elements like UV rays, which are very detrimental to human health.
Not just UV rays, coating your metal roof with this paint will also protect you against the intense heat of the sun. So, even during the warmest day of the month, you will feel cool inside your house due to the protection provided by this paint. Another great thing about this paint is its ability to renew most roofing substrates.
When the roof has gone dirty after prolonged use, you can clean it up easily using warm and soapy water. The paint is waterproof; therefore, you won’t be running a risk of rinsing it off. It completely seals your roof off from all harm and also enhances its aesthetics. Thankfully, it is capable of preventing leaks as well.
In addition to the long list of features mentioned above, the paint provides rough resistance against mildew and mold. Therefore, your roof will look as good as new all the time. Lastly, the paint provides amazing adhesion, so applying it is easy.
Highlighted Features
- Amazing adhesion
- Very easy to apply
- Protects against heat
- Resistant to mold and mildew
- Does not peel and resists rust
7. Jetcoat Farm Pride Acrylic Outdoor Fence and Barn Paint
Up until now, we have only mentioned white paints or options having lighter shades. But our 7th pick is quite unique as it comes in the shade black.
And not just matte black, but glossy black. Therefore, if you are someone who loves this color, this is the paint to coat your roof with. It will give the metal roof a sharp and elegant appearance.
Available in a container of 5 gallons, the paint is of the acrylic type. Besides rooftops, you can also apply it on barns and fences. Not only this, but the paint is also fully non-toxic and breathable. It will approximately take about 24 hours for it to cure completely once applied.
Since the paint is formulated with a water-based formula, it is very easy to apply. You can use a brush, a roller, or simply a spray to smoothly coat your rooftop with it. And due to its acrylic base, it is capable of inhibiting harmful UV rays of the sun. This also protects the interior of your home and keeps it cool.
Once you are done applying this paint, you can remain to rest assured for a few years. It does not peel, fade, or weather easily and provides long-lasting protection. Not only this, but it is also completely resistant to mold.
Highlighted Features
- Environmentally friendly formula
- With one coating, you can cover an area of 95-100 square feet
- Resistant to mold
- Protects against UV rays
- Can be applied on a variety of surfaces
8. Liquid Rubber Color Waterproof Sealant – Indoor & Outdoor Coating
If we are to name one of the best paint for old metal roof, this paint will surely be mentioned. This paint too like some of the previous picks is completely water based. Manufactured by Liquid Rubber, it is available in the color water in a container measuring 1 gallon. Due to its watery base, it is quite smooth and easy to apply. On top of this, it has great adhesion as well.
Not just outdoor roofs, you can use this paint to color your indoors as well. It provides a smooth coating for metal roofs, sloped roofs, and every other kind of roof, and also works on wood and concrete. Furthermore, you can even paint the plant boxes with it. Besides, it can be used to paint the basement.
This paint provides high flexibility due to its efficient elongation. Its final membrane will give you full coverage without running the risk of adhesion failure. On top of this, the paint completely blocks out UV rays, thus protecting the inhabitants of the house from any harm. It also helps to keep the house cool by blocking the heat rays.
Each gallon of this paint is capable of covering an area of 30 square feet if you apply 3 to 4 coats. A layer of these many coats will give you a color membrane of 30 milliliters, which is good enough to protect the metal surface.
Highlighted Features
- Contains no solvents and eco-friendly
- Waterproof
- Does not have an odor
- Easy to apply
- Provides maximum adhesion
9. Dicor RPCRC1 White EPDM Rubber Roof Coating
The ninth entry on our list is a rubber roof coating from Dicor available in the color white. This one, too, comes in a container measuring 1 gallon. It provides the most perfect coating on a rooftop and protects its shine throughout the year, whether there is intense heat or a heavy shower.
This paint is a good fit if you are going for retrofit installations. Not only this, but it will also fix any problems you are having with the roof, for example, a rumble issue. But it is worth mentioning that the paint is more suitable for rubber roofs than metal ones. And the best thing about this paint is its formulation contains a special primer.
The primer consists of a cleaner and an activator, which is capable of prepping the roof properly before any paint is applied to it. On top of this, it gives the rooftop an acrylic coating, which elongates the lifeline of the thick rubber membrane. Also, it helps to block out harmful UV rays throughout the year.
Not just UV rays, but heat energy is also reflected away from the roof due to this paint’s excellent protection. As a result, the interior of your house will remain cool even if the sun is shining brightly. It is recommended to apply the paint in two coats.
Highlighted Features
- Contains an activator for preparing the roof
- Easy application
- Durable and long-lasting
- Resists UV rays
- Keeps the house cool
10. Valspar Metal Siding And Roof Finish
If you are tired of neutral colors like black and white and would prefer something more vibrant and colorful, we have got the solution for you. Our 11th choice is an outstanding paint from Valspar specifically meant for metal roofs and sidings. It provides a glazy finish to anything metal and has a sheen similar to semi-glossy.
The color that this paint comes in is green. Therefore, if you paint your roof with it, you will get a glossy green shine on your roof, which will uplift its aesthetics. Not only this, each container comes with 5 gallons of paint. The amount is enough to cover the entire roof with 2-3 coatings of color.
One thing you must keep in mind while using this paint is it is specifically meant for the outdoors and galvanized steel and metal. So, it is better not to use it on indoor items. Moreover, this paint can directly be applied to metal, and it sits very smoothly. You also won’t have to worry about any mold or mildew forming on it, as this formula is made to resist it.
Once you are done applying the paint, it will approximately take about 7 days to cure. Apart from this, the paint is UV-ray resistant, just like the other picks mentioned here. It also is fully waterproof.
Highlighted Features
- Covers an area of 300 square feet
- Resists water
- Does not allow the formation of mildew
- Takes 7 days to cure
- Can be applied directly on metal and provides a semi-glossy texture
11. Kool Seal KS0034600-16 KS0034600-16Kool Seal Elastomeric Gray Base Roof Coating
Despite being the last pick on our list, this paint is no less than the previous mentions. In fact, it beats them in some areas in terms of its quality and durability. Although most of its features are quite similar to its predecessors, this paint from Kool Seal has a grey base, which is a unique color and quite an exception.
Just like most other paints we have selected, this one, too, is a water-based acrylic paint. It provides outstanding adhesion, and it sits on the roof surface smoothly as soon as you apply it. Also, it is well-known for giving an excellent elastomeric finish. And like most acrylic paints, it is solar reflective and blocks out UV rays.
You can enjoy a cool room even on a warm day due to the heat energy blocking capability of this paint. On top of this, it helps you to save energy by not turning on the coolers to drive heat off in this way. And this paint works the best if you are renovating your roof and repairing it.
By applying this paint, you can get rid of leaks and seal them off. After it is done curing itself, it will resist any type of mold and mildew formation on the rooftop. Therefore, your roof will continue to look as good as new.
Highlighted Features
- Provides an elastomeric finish
- Efficient cooling of the house due to heat blocking
- Resists molds and mildew
- Blocks UV rays
- Seals off leaks
Things to Consider Before Buying a Metal Roof Paint
Buying a high quality and durable paint for a metal roof can be difficult since this is not the same type of paint you would normally apply to the interior of your house. It requires to have some important characteristics that give the metal surface of the roof long-lasting protection against water and heat from the sun.
Well, we understand that not everyone is well-versed in metal roof paint shopping. So, to help you in this endeavor, we have prepared a list of the factors to consider before buying a metal roof paint:
1. Type of Paint
The best type of paint that sits well on a metal roof is water-based acrylic paint. You can also use oil-based paints to provide a protective layer over metals. However, acrylic paints work the best in this case due to their amazing ability to cure fast and adhesive capability.
An acrylic paint contains acrylic resins, which are equipped to block out harmful UV rays from the sun. UV rays are extremely detrimental to human health and can even cause cancer. So, having a paint over your metal roof that can block it out will be great. This formulation also protects the color from fading out or peeling.
It is best to apply the acrylic paint in two-three layers to get the maximum benefit. You should also prepare the roof well with a primer before moving on to the painting job.
2. Design and Color of Your Home
Depending on the design and color of your home, the color of the metal roof should be aligned. For example, if your outdoor house paint and the roof’s color do not match, it will create a bad display of aesthetics.
Therefore, it is important to study the outdoor of the house and its color and then carefully pick a color that will complement and enhance the overall look of the house.
3. Your Choice of Color
Since the house and the roof are yours, it is important that the color is in accordance with your taste as well. Keep in mind that metal roofs, once colored, will last for years to come. So, it is important to choose the color wisely.
While picking the color, you should keep some important things in mind. First and foremost, if your house has an exterior made with bricks in crimson red color, it is best to choose a roof color that will be in contrast with it. Thus, your house will have an improved aesthetic, and it will sharply stand out.
4. Capacity to Show Energy Efficiency
You might not be aware of this, but colors play a huge role in making a house energy efficient. Since this paint will be applied on the roof, it will play a direct role in the intake of the sun’s energy inside the house.
In fact, you can save money on your bills if you choose your roof color wisely. How so, you may ask? Well, the paints that come in lighter shades do a much better job of reflecting the sun’s heat and UV rays than the darker shades.
As a result, your house will remain cool, and you won’t have to waste money paying hefty bills for the AC.
On the other hand, if you live in a cooler place, and would prefer a warmer home, choosing a dark color would be the best for you. Darker colors have lower efficiency in keeping the house cool, and therefore, would allow some heat energy to enter and keep the interiors warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What color metal roof is the most energy-efficient?
Answer: Metal roof paints that are of lighter shades, such as white, beige, light green, or sky blue, do a better job in being more energy-efficient. This is because being lighter in color makes them more reflective towards the sun’s heat and thus keeps the house cool.
2. How long does metal roof paint last?
Answer: The most common metal roof paints come with a lifetime of 30 years. This means that the paint will last and protect the roof for as long as 30 years without much trouble.
3. Can you paint a faded metal roof?
Answer: Yes, you definitely can. Although metal roof paints have a long lifetime, you can repaint it from time to time if it shows any sign of fading.
4. What preparations should one take before painting a metal roof?
Answer: Before starting the task of painting, the metal roof should be properly cleaned. And if it has been painted before, the peeled portion should be properly scraped off first. After this, you should apply a primer to prepare the roof before finally applying the paint.
5. What paints to use on metal?
Answer: The most common types of paints used on a metal roof are water-based acrylic paints and oil-based paints. However, before buying, make sure that the paint is suitable to be applied on a metal surface.
Final Words
Now that we have come at the end of our review, we hope that our list of the 11 best paint for metal roof was helpful for you. Whether you were looking for the best paint for corrugated metal roof or the best paint for galvanized metal roof, we tried our best to recommend you the most quality options on the market. And we can assure you that you won’t be left disappointed.