Tips for Touching-up Metal Paint Jobs!

By AEP Span. 

Metal roofing panels can fade or scratch over time. Learn from the pros how to touch-up metal paint to make it look brand new!  

When looking to touch-up a home’s metal roofing or siding, it is important to carefully research proper methods, tools and materials before doing so. Making sure you find the most efficient, bang-for-your-buck paints and tools can make a major difference in the outcome of your efforts. Touch-ups done wrong or without proper research can make the project turn out worse than it was before your efforts. Here at AEP Span, we have put together the following guide to make sure you use the best tools and techniques when doing a DIY touch-up: 

There are many touch-up paint tips for metal roofing and siding available, but the best advice we can offer is to carefully consider your options and the finished appearance you’re looking for. Touch-up paint for metal roofing or siding can be a great example of the ‘solution’ possibly being worse than the problem. 

Scratches and very minor damage may occur during the handling and installation of painted metal roofing and siding panels. In these instances, touch-up paint can be used to help hide small superficial installation blemishes. Touch-up paints offer quick fixes to help ensure a satisfactory appearance. Misuse or over-use will result in spoiling the overall appearance, so proper application is crucial. 

When using touch-up paint, keep in mind there are differences between the touch-up and factory applied paint. The paint systems used on factory painted steel have a built-in color and gloss retention that is only achieved through the oven-baked process. Air-dried paints (such as paint pens, aerosols or brush/roller applied paint) will fade and chalk much faster than oven baked. These different weathering characteristics must be taken into consideration when touch-up work is contemplated. 

Nothing looks worse than the blotchy appearance of an excessive touch-up paint job. Superficial scratches that are not too obvious from six to nine feet will likely be obscured by normal soiling and weathering. 

If you decide to use touch-up paint, use it sparingly and only to cover up those areas where paint has been removed. This image of a green metal roof is the result of overuse of touchup paint. Although the color matched when first applied, after some aging, the differences between the factory paint and touchup paint are apparent. 

Applying touchup paint 

Below are steps to prepare the metal before using touch-up paint: 

• Use a paint pen or 1/4″ artist brush – Only the narrow edge of the paintbrush should contact the scratch or blemish 
• Lightly sand or “feather” with #400 grit sandpaper for edges of deep scratches 
• Treat scratches that expose raw steel (scratches through the paint and protective metal layer) should be treated with a zinc-rich (or similar primer) before colored touch-up application 
• If feathering and/or priming are not necessary, areas to be touched-up should be wiped with mineral spirits to remove dirt, wax or other contaminants before colored touch-up application. 

Recommended paint type 

The recommended paint type for touch-ups is acrylic silicone paint. This paint type can be found at local paint stores or an Air Dried Kynar system (ADS II), can be sourced through PPG Industries. 

Special attention should be given to the manufacturer’s instructions including direct skin or eye contact, ventilation, and potential flammability. Aerosol or spray applications are not recommended for blemish or scratch repairs. 

Original article source: AEP Span