How to Paint a Copper Roof
Most do-it-yourselfers know the basics of painting. However, when it comes to painting exterior, metallic, horizontal surfaces, things can get a little complicated. If you're planning to paint a copper roof, you need to know a few things before you start. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Wire brush
- 80- to 120-grit sandpaper
- Pressure washer
- Coarse brush
- Blue painter's tape
- Roller frame
- Paint roller cover
- 4-inch paintbrush
- 5-gallon bucket
- Latex primer
- Exterior latex paint
Instructions
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1
Choose a cool, dry day to work as a copper roof shouldn't be painted when temperatures are very high. Use the wire brush to scrape away any mud, dirt and debris. Use the sandpaper to rub away any remaining dirt.
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2
Thoroughly clean the roof with the pressure washer. Set the pressure washer on a low setting and stand a few feet back to prevent denting. Use a coarse brush to clean away any remaining dirt or debris.
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3
Use blue painter's tape to cover any areas you do not want painted. Slip the paint roller cover onto the roller frame. Open the container of primer. Pour the primer into the 5-gallon bucket, filling it only about halfway.
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4
Dip the roller into the 5-gallon bucket of primer. Use the roller to apply the primer to the copper roof. Start in one far corner and move left to right. Apply only about a 2-foot-by-2-foot area of primer. Stop and use the paintbrush to gently smooth the primer you applied with the roller. Repeat these actions until you've covered the entire copper roof with primer.
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5
Wash the 5-gallon bucket, roller frame, paint roller cover, and the paintbrush thoroughly with warm water. Use your fingers to massage the paint away. Shake the paint roller cover and the paintbrush vigorously to remove excess water.
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6
Dip the roller into the 5-gallon bucket of paint. Use the roller to paint the copper roof. Start in one far corner and move left to right. Apply only about a 2-foot-by-2-foot area of paint. Stop and use the paintbrush to gently smooth the paint you applied with the roller. Repeat these actions until you've covered the entire copper roof with paint. Wait about two hours for the paint to dry. Apply another coat if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
When painting a copper roof, avoid dark colors as this can cause the roof to get very hot. Lighter colors reflect light, keeping the copper roof much cooler.
Never try to paint a copper roof without priming it first as this will lead to peeling and chipping.
