Can you paint a metal roof?

Yes. An existing metal roof can be repainted to refresh a faded finish or change the color. The job lives or dies on prep: clean off dirt, chalk, and rust, treat any bare spots with primer, and use a paint made for metal roofing, ideally an acrylic or elastomeric coating.

Repainting is far cheaper than replacing and can restore reflectivity, which helps with heat in sunny climates. Expect a repaint to last roughly 10 to 15 years depending on the product and climate.

Avoid painting in direct midday heat or when rain is coming, and follow the coating maker's temperature and recoat windows.