Repainting a metal building could greatly improve the aesthetic appeal of the building and can also significantly improve its longevity and durability as well. Metal roofs are renowned for their exterior strength and durability and applying a paint layer on top of them could serve as an additional protective coating. However, regardless of how durable and sturdy the metal panels are, they are still susceptible to corrosion and rust over time. Painting the building with a decent protective coating could be just what you need to improve its longevity and make it much more durable.

When to Repaint

If you have just recently added a new metal shed or a barn to your property, chances are that you won’t need to worry about repainting it for a long time to come. In fact, the paint might last for decades in some cases. However, before you think about repainting a metal building, you should first talk to the manufacturer. It’s always better to refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations before you decide to repaint the building all by yourself. Keep in mind that repainting is not the only option if you notice peeling, flaking, or early signs of rust. Talk to the manufacturer for tips about which protective coatings you can use. However, if the problem seems serious, you should only paint the building if you notice the following signs:

• Clear evidence of flaking, peeling, or lifting
• Patches of rust or corrosion on the surface, regardless of how small they are
• A chalky appearance of the panels
• Fading of the side that is most exposed to the sun, thus making it look two-shaded

Understanding Rust

Most people think about repainting their metal buildings as soon as they notice the early signs of rust. Again, that’s not exactly the only option available to you. Rust might be your greatest enemy and even the smallest patches may require immediate attention; however, this doesn’t mean that you have to think about expensive paint work right away. In order to remove the rust before you decide to repaint, you will need to sand the surface or take up a wire brush and properly rub it on the surface. If you don’t want to do this, you can also use sandblasting techniques or use organic rust converters to remove the rust.

Steps for Repainting

The first step is to prep the surface for the repainting, which means removing all sorts of imperfections from it and then using a pressure washer to remove the dirt residue. Once that is done, you should apply a protective coating such as newspaper on the windows and the doors so as to avoid paint from dripping on the area before you start repainting. Then, you just need to purchase some high-quality paint that’s designed for metal buildings and start repainting the surfaces. It’s as simple as it gets! Make sure that you let the paint dry for a considerable time afterwards.