Galvanized tin and metal surfaces are durable, but they’re not immune to wear and rust—especially when exposed to harsh weather. Painting galvanized metal not only boosts its appearance but also adds years of protection. However, painting these surfaces isn’t as simple as grabbing a brush and a can of paint. From choosing the right type of paint to applying the correct primer, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to paint galvanized tin and metal roofs the right way.
How to Paint Galvanized Tin and Metal
Painting galvanized metal, tin roofs, and porches requires a different approach than painting regular hard metals because tin is flexible, more fragile, and tends to repel paint. It is also exposed to harsh outdoor weather conditions. Galvanized coating is an application for tin and other types of metal. However, galvanized tin can rust over time. By painting a tin shed and its roof, you can achieve a more attractive appearance and protect it from harsh weather for years.
When painting a tin shed, the roof may deform more quickly because it is directly exposed to rain and UV radiation from all angles. Therefore, focus more on the roof when painting.
Another important consideration when painting galvanized tin is its flexibility. It’s best to use flexible paints that accommodate the fragile and flexible nature of the sheet.
Can You Paint Directly on Galvanized Metal?
Remember that galvanized-coated metal or tin tends to repel paint. You can only paint galvanized metal directly with special metal paints, such as Hammerite. The first coat of these paints acts as a primer. We recommend using a primer before painting galvanized metal with other types of paint.
What Kind of Paint do You Use on a Galvanized Metal Roof?
It is possible to paint galvanized tin with various types of paint. While tin generally accepts many paint types, flexible paints are more suitable for painting tin. Flexible paints are advantageous for galvanized sheets, whereas paints with a rigid structure are better for hard materials like galvanized metal and steel. Here’s a list of paints you can use on a galvanized roof and shed, noting that some are hard and some are flexible:
1-Special Paints for Painting Galvanized Metal (Hard)
(e.g. Hammerite) These paints are specifically formulated for galvanized metals and act as both primer and paint, eliminating the need for a separate primer. Be sure to follow the application instructions provided.
2-Spray Paints (Hard)
For spray painting galvanized roofs, opt for specialized metal spray paints. If unavailable, general-purpose synthetic or acrylic sprays can be used, but they typically last only one to two years and are better for small areas.
3-Oil-Based Paints (Hard)
These adapt well to all metal types and have a rigid structure. You can paint galvanized tin directly or use a synthetic primer beforehand for better adhesion. While synthetic oil-based enamel paints adhere well, they can become brittle and crack due to the flexing of the metal. Thinning with 15% synthetic thinner can reduce fragility.
4-Acrylic Paints (Hard)
All-purpose acrylic paints can adhere to galvanized tin roofs, but they may not last long and are better suited for interior applications.
5-Exterior Wall Paints (Hard)
Exterior paints can be used on galvanized sheets, but they are designed for absorbent surfaces and may not adhere well. Using a glossy surface primer can improve durability and prevent peeling.
How to Paint Galvanized Tin Roof
Before painting a tin roof, make sure the surface is clean and completely dry. Paint won’t adhere properly to a wet or dirty roof. After cleaning, repair any holes or cracks on the tin surface using a synthetic filler.
Allow the filler to dry for at least 12 hours, then apply a coat of oil-based primer. Once the primer has fully dried, paint the tin roof with two coats of oil-based paint, waiting 12 hours between coats.
If you prefer to use lacquer paint, apply two coats with a 30-minute interval. However, in that case, you must use a lacquer-based primer underneath.
Warnings and Precautions
- Before you start painting the galvanized tin roof, it might be helpful to read our articles on painting a house in cold weather and how to paint a tin can.
- Repair holes and cracks in galvanized metal with synthetic or epoxy putty before painting.
- How to make paint stick to galvanised metal? Before painting the galvanized sheet, you should use the same type of primer as the paint you intend to paint it with. This way, the paint will not peel off and will be durable.
- When painting, remember that the tin roof is flexible. Do not allow it to flex during and after painting. Otherwise, the paint may crack.
- For painting sheet metal roofing or galvanized metal, the application instructions for the paint you have purchased take precedence.
