Short answer: Yes, you can paint a metal roof. But should you? That depends on what you're dealing with.

Maybe your metal roof is faded and looking rough. Maybe you bought a house with a metal roof that's the wrong color. Or maybe you've got rust spots starting to show up. Whatever the reason, let's talk about when painting makes sense and when it doesn't.

Why Would You Paint a Metal Roof?

It's faded. Metal roofs fade over time, especially cheaper painted finishes. After 15-20 years, what was once a nice forest green might look washed out and tired.

You want a different color. Changing your home's look without replacing the whole roof? Painting can do that.

Rust is starting. If you catch rust early, the right coating can stop it from spreading and buy you more years.

Energy savings. Light-colored or reflective roof coatings can cut your cooling costs by reflecting heat instead of absorbing it.

When Painting Actually Makes Sense

Not every metal roof is worth painting. Here's when it works:

Your roof is structurally sound. No major rust-through, no leaks, panels are tight and secure. Painting fixes cosmetics, not structural problems.

The existing coating is just faded. If the factory finish has dulled but the metal underneath is fine, painting brings it back to life.

You're planning to stay awhile. A quality paint job costs money. If you're selling next year, don't bother—just price the house accordingly.

Rust is minimal and surface-level. Small rust spots can be treated and sealed. If half your roof is rusted through, painting is like putting lipstick on a pig.

When You Should NOT Paint

Major rust or corrosion. If your roof has holes or serious deterioration, painting won't fix it. You need repairs or replacement.

The roof is fairly new. Modern metal roofs come with factory finishes that last 30-40 years. If your roof is only 5-10 years old and fading, check your warranty first—it might be defective.

It's already been painted multiple times. Each layer of paint adds weight and can trap moisture. If your roof has several paint layers, stripping and recoating properly gets expensive fast.

You're dealing with cheap metal. Some older metal roofs are just thin, low-quality material. Painting won't extend their life much—you're better off budgeting for replacement.

What Kind of Paint Do You Use?

You can't just grab regular house paint for this. Metal roofs need specific coatings.

Acrylic latex paint designed for metal roofing is the most common. It's durable, flexible (metal expands and contracts), and breathable.

Elastomeric coatings are thicker and provide more waterproofing. Good for roofs with minor leaks or rust issues.

Oil-based paints used to be popular but aren't anymore. They don't flex well with metal and can crack.

Rust-inhibiting primers go on first if you've got any rust. This is non-negotiable—paint over rust without primer and the rust just keeps spreading underneath.

Look for paints specifically rated for metal roofing. The good stuff costs $40-$80 per gallon, and you'll need 2 coats. Cheap paint peels off in a few years. Don't waste your time.

The Process: How It's Done Right

Painting a metal roof isn't like painting a bedroom. It's serious work that needs to be done correctly.

Step 1: Clean the Entire Roof

All dirt, mildew, rust, and old flaking paint has to come off. Most contractors use power washers (carefully—too much pressure damages metal) and scrub brushes. Some use chemical cleaners for stubborn grime.

This step matters. Paint won't stick to dirty metal. Period.

Step 2: Treat Any Rust

Every rust spot gets wire-brushed down to bare metal, then treated with a rust converter or inhibitor. Then it gets primed with rust-inhibiting primer.

Skip this and you're wasting money. The rust will just keep eating through.

Step 3: Prime the Roof

Even if there's no rust, most metal roofs need primer. It helps the topcoat stick and last longer. Some newer paints claim they're "self-priming," but we still recommend proper primer on older roofs.

Step 4: Apply Two Coats of Paint

One coat doesn't cut it. You need two coats for proper coverage and durability. Each coat has to dry completely before the next goes on—usually 24 hours depending on weather.

Contractors use sprayers for even application. Rollers work but take forever. Brushes are only for touch-ups and edges.

Step 5: Let It Cure

Paint needs time to fully cure—usually a week or two. Avoid walking on it during this time if possible.

How Long Does It Last?

A professional paint job on a metal roof should last 10-15 years in normal conditions. Maybe 20 if you're lucky and maintain it well.

Maryland weather? You're probably looking at 10-12 years before it needs attention again. Our humidity, temperature swings, and sun exposure wear on coatings.

Compare that to factory finishes on new metal roofs that last 30-40 years. That's why painting is a "refresh," not a permanent solution.

What Does It Cost?

For a typical Maryland home (around 2,000 square feet of roof), professional painting runs $3,000-$6,000.

That includes:

• Cleaning and prep

• Rust treatment

• Primer

• Two coats of quality paint

• Labor

Cheaper quotes usually mean shortcuts—one coat instead of two, no primer, bargain paint that won't last.

Compare that to metal roof replacement at $20,000-$40,000. If your roof is solid and just ugly, painting makes financial sense.

Can You DIY This?

Technically yes. Realistically? Probably not a great idea.

Metal roofs are slippery, especially when wet. Falls from roofs kill people every year. You need proper safety equipment, experience working at heights, and honestly, nerves of steel (pun intended).

Plus you need a quality sprayer, lots of paint, primers, cleaning supplies, and a week of good weather. Most homeowners who start this project either fall behind, do a mediocre job, or call professionals halfway through to fix it.

If your roof is simple, low-pitch, and you're experienced with this kind of work? Maybe. But for most people, the risk and hassle aren't worth the savings.

Maintenance After Painting

Want that paint job to last? You've got to maintain it.

Clean your roof annually. Dirt and mildew break down coatings faster.

Inspect for damage. Scratches or chips in the paint let rust start. Touch them up immediately.

Trim overhanging branches. They scrape paint off and drop debris that holds moisture.

Keep gutters clean. Water backing up onto your roof edges damages paint and causes rust.

Treat your painted metal roof right and you'll get a solid decade out of it.

What About Roof Coatings Instead?

Some companies push "elastomeric roof coatings" as an alternative to traditional paint. These are thick, rubber-like coatings that seal and waterproof.

They work great for flat or low-slope roofs with leak issues. For steep metal roofs that are just faded? Regular metal roof paint is usually better and cheaper.

Coatings cost more ($4-$8 per square foot vs. $1.50-$3 for paint) but provide more waterproofing. If your roof has minor leaks along with cosmetic issues, coatings might be worth considering.

The Bottom Line

Yes, you can paint a metal roof—and if your roof is solid but ugly, it's often a smart move. You get 10-15 more years out of it for a fraction of replacement cost.

But it has to be done right. Proper cleaning, rust treatment, primer, and two coats of quality metal roof paint. Shortcuts lead to peeling paint and wasted money.

And if your roof is rusted through, leaking badly, or just worn out? Painting won't save it. Sometimes you need to face facts and replace.

Wondering if painting makes sense for your metal roof? We'll give you an honest answer. Visit bvexterior.com or give us a call. We'll inspect your roof and tell you whether painting, repairs, or replacement is your best bet—no sales pitch, just straight talk.

Because the last thing you need is someone selling you a paint job when what you really need is a new roof.