Painting a steel roof frame is not just a decorative task; it is a crucial step in directly “extending the lifespan of the steel structure.” The roof frame is the part that constantly faces weather conditions, including sun, rain, and accumulated moisture. With over 10 years of experience in the paint industry, common problems encountered in steel structures include rapid paint peeling, recurring rust, or poor paint adhesion to the surface. The main causes often stem from choosing inappropriate paint or improper surface preparation from the outset. Therefore, selecting the right paint and following the correct procedures will help ensure that your roof frame is strong, beautiful, and significantly reduce maintenance costs in the long run.
What type of paint should you choose for the roof frame?
When selecting paint for steel roof frames, it should not be based solely on “aesthetic appeal,” but rather on the protective properties for the steel. Since the roof frame must endure:
- Sunlight with UV rays
- Rain and moisture
- Constantly changing temperatures
Choosing inappropriate paint may lead to rapid deterioration and subsequent rust.
Key properties to look for:
- Anti-rust
- Good adhesion to steel surfaces
- Weather-resistant
- Quick-drying to reduce working time
Paints with complete properties will help save both time and costs in the long run.
What paint should be used for the roof frame?
Most commonly, alkyd oil-based paint is chosen because it adheres well to both steel and wood surfaces. However, the downside of this type of oil paint is that it has a strong odor and dries very slowly. For this reason, a product has emerged to address these shortcomings, known as acrylic oil-based paint or water-based oil paint which has the property of drying within 1 hour, compared to the original drying time of 4 – 6 hours.
Steps for painting the roof frame
Generally, when painting a steel roof frame, whether it is a square tube, black steel, or galvanized steel, there are three main steps: surface preparation, applying a rust-inhibiting primer (or applying a wash primer in the case of shiny metal) once, and finishing with two coats of oil paint. Each coat has a drying time of 6 – 8 hours before applying the next.
That is why each time painting steel takes a tremendous amount of time. However, as mentioned, these problems will not occur if we use acrylic oil paint. Additionally, some models come with a rust-inhibiting primer mixed in, which can save time in painting by several dozen times. It’s simple.From needing to paint 4 coats, it only requires 2 coats now!!There are 2 simple steps as follows:
1. Prepare the equipment and surface, sand off the rust.
In this step, you prepare the surface for painting. If it’s new steel or steel that has been painted before and is still in good condition, clean off all dust and stains completely.
However, if the steel has an oil coating, use a cloth soaked inM-77 thinnerorAAA thinnerThen, if it is galvanized steel or steel with a shiny surface, you may use fine sandpaper to lightly sand it.
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BegerShield Griptech 2 In 1 |
Beger M-77 thinner |
AAA thinner |
In the case of old steel that has been painted and the paint film is peeling, you need to use a scraper to remove the old paint first. If the steel has rust, it is even more necessary to sand off as much of the old rust as possible. You can use sandpaper or a brass brush, depending on how much rust there is.
Equipment for painting the roof structure
- Acrylic oil paint BegerShield Griptech 2 In 1
- Beger M-77 thinner
- Pig bristle paintbrush, size depending on the steel workpiece (may start from 2.5 inches and up)
- Short nap roller
- 320 grit sandpaper
- Brass brush
2. Start painting
The advantage of Griptech two-in-one steel paint is that you can open the lid, mix it for a moment, and start painting right away without needing to mix thinner at all. However, in cases of hot weather when working in direct sunlight, you may want to addM-77 thinner.OrBrahma AAAcan be mixed at a ratio of 10 – 15%. It can be applied with a brush, roller, or even a sprayer.
And importantly, there is no need to apply a primer for rust protection because in the product that is 2 In 1 Steel Paint there is already a rust-proof primer mixed in. This saves quite a bit of time.
Then you can start applying the first coat right away. Once the first coat is done, apply the second coat, allowing each coat to dry for about 1 hour, and once the second coat is dry, the area can be used immediately.
As mentioned, this oil-based paint made from acrylic has the properties of quick drying, fading quickly, and being more durable. If painted white, it will stay white for a long timewithout yellowing.In addition to steel roofs, it can also be used on metal sheets or wooden roof structures. It can be called a versatile steel paint.
Points to be cautious about when painting steel roof structures to prevent rust:
Even though some types of steel, known for being rust-resistant likegalvanized steelthat has been coated for rust protection, rust can still occur, especially in these areas: at joints, welds, and where holes for bolts or nails are drilled. It is recommended to paint those areas.
Painting not only enhances aesthetics but also helps improve the durability of steel against various conditions, especially rust, the arch-nemesis of almost all types of steel work. Choosing the right paint for the roof structure will help those steel structures remain beautiful and durable, lasting longer in your home.
