3 Easy Steps for Painting a Metal Building

by | Mar 24, 2021

While one of the key benefits of a metal building is its strength and resilience, care still needs to be taken to prevent rust and corrosion. By painting and using a proper protective coating, a metal building’s lifespan can be lengthened. Not only will you improve its longevity, you will also increase the aesthetic appeal.

Types of metal building that need to be painted:

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Barns or barndominiums
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Equestrian buildings
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Sheds
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Garages or carports
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Storage buildings
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RV Storage

Here are some signs it is time to repaint:

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You notice peeling or flaking on the surface.
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There is rust or metal corrosion.
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The paint has a chalky appearance.
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The color is fading on the building, especially where it faces the sun.
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There is paint damage from storms or accidents.

Some of the benefits of repainting include:

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Prolonging the life of the structure.
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New paint is more aesthetically pleasing.
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A lighter paint color can reduce heat during the summer.
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A light-colored paint can also reduce energy costs.

Below are the steps to repaint or recoat a metal building:

  1. Surface preparation. This will likely be the most time-consuming part of the project. You will need to make sure there isn’t any rust, dirt, debris or chalk on the surface. If there are rusted areas these can usually be sanded and scraped with sandpaper and a wire brush. If the rust is significant it may require chemicals, sandblasting or organic rust converters. You will want to do additional research if you plan on using any of these options.
Once it is completely prepped, the surface can then be cleaned with warm, soapy water and a brush. If it is a larger building you may need to use a pressure washer. Either way, you will want to make sure that the building is completely dry after washing. This may take a day or two.

2. Cover doors and windows. You will want to make sure that you cover any surfaces the aren’t being painted. This can be done by using plastic sheeting to prevent the paint from landing on these items.

3. It’s time to paint. You can use either a paint sprayer or a paint roller depending on the size of the building. You will need to apply the primer prior to painting. For both the primer and the paint you should work from the top of the side wall down and move slowly from one end to the other.

Depending on the condition of the surface you may want to use one or two coats of primer. A solvent-thinned primer can be used that works well for metal buildings.

Once the primer is completely dry, it’s time to grab the paint sprayer or paint roller. There are a number of paint options available – water based paint, polyester resins, silicone-modified polyester, PVDF resins, reflective finishes and granular coatings – but the best option is an acrylic-latex paint designed specifically for metal buildings.

Again, this may require multiple coats of paint depending on the condition of the surface.

Don’t forget Safety!

On additional consideration is safety during the painting process. You will want to be especially careful on the roof. Make sure not to walk on the roof when its wet. Step only on panels that are fully supported and avoid walking on flashing, on the gutters or getting too close to the edge of the roof.

If you live anywhere near the Dallas-Forth Worth area and have questions on painting metal buildings, contact us online to schedule an appointment or call us at .

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5810 Long Prairie Road
Suite #450
Flower Mound, TX 75028