Things You'll Need:
- Ammonia or detergent
- 5 gallon bucket
- Mop or long-handled scrub brush
- Spray painting equipment, brushes and rollers
- Etching solution
- Paint for metal roofs
- Plastic sheeting
- Masking tape
-
Step 1
Prepare a solution of one cup common detergent or household ammonia (less than 0.5 percent phosphate) in five gallons of warm water.
-
Step 2
Scrub the metal roof surface with cleaning solution using a mop or scrub brush.
-
Step 3
Lightly sand, brush or buff any scratches, rust patches or chipped and peeling areas to smooth the surface. Remove loose paint or rust with a scraper or wire brush, then abrade all areas with exposed metal using a wire brush or sander.
-
Step 4
Prepare etching solution at one cup to four cups water and paint over exposed metal areas prior to painting or priming. Apply with sponge in circular strokes.
-
Step 5
Rub down the surface of the roof with an industrial solvent like Xylene to remove the thin wax layer many metal roofs are coated with.
-
Step 6
Flush the roof with water to remove any residual cleaner, metal chips or sander dust which may interfere with paint adhesion. Dry the roof with a blower or allow to dry in the sun.
-
Step 7
Mask and cover vents, chimneys, roof protrusions and areas you don't want painted.
-
Step 8
Prime spots where metal is exposed with a shellac based primer. You can find it available as a spray at most paint and hardware stores.
-
Step 1
Select metal roofing paint in the color you want. Make sure the temperature is above 50 degrees and below 90 degrees when applying paint.
-
Step 2
Pour paint into paint reserve on sprayer. Hook up the sprayer and hoses. You may also use brushes and rollers but the finish will not be as smooth.
-
Step 3
Work from the top down, spraying or rolling paint on in thin, broad, even strokes Paint a series of overlapping four foot by four foot squares, working from the top ridge of the roof down toward the bottom to prevent drips from running down onto painted areas.
-
Step 4
Allow first coat to dry and cure overnight.
-
Step 5
Repeat, applying at least one more coat of paint. If needed, a third coat may be applied. Remove tape and unwrap protected areas. Allow paint to dry and cure for two days before walking on the roof.
