Can you Paint Metal Cladding?

Thanks to its wide range of benefits and exceptional properties, metal cladding is widely used in building design.

Not only does it help to improve a building’s protection from the elements, but it enhances the fire safety of the building and keeps external building maintenance requirements as low as possible, all while delivering a sleek, modern aesthetic.

But, over time, you might decide that you want to update the look of your metal cladding. It could be that you want to refresh a faded or damaged area, or simply that you fancy changing up the colour.

So, is painting your metal cladding the right choice for you?

What different types of metal cladding are there?

At Salmon Solutions, our skilled team of metal roofing specialists can supply and install a wide range of metal cladding types.

These include zinc cladding, copper cladding, stainless steel cladding, and aluminium cladding.

The Salmon Solutions cladding supply and installation services include:

• Standing seam
• Flat lock
• Interlocking
• Composite panels
• Cassette panels

What’s more, each of these metal cladding types are available in extensive colour options and design and size specifications. Without question, our metal cladding range includes options to suit every property size, style, age and industry.

It’s important to remember that each type of metal cladding offers its own unique benefits, particularly regarding factors like durability, maintenance, costs and style. So, if you aren’t sure which type of metal cladding would provide the best fit for your property, the Salmon Solutions team are on hand to help.

Contact our team today for a metal cladding quote.

What equipment do you need to paint metal cladding?

• Sponge or soft brush
• Sandpaper
• Wire brush
• Clean cloths
• Paint brush or roller
• Metal primer
• Specialist metal cleaner
• Rust converter
• Specialist metal paint
• Protective gloves and a face mask

A step by step guide to painting metal cladding

1. Clean the metal cladding

To start, thoroughly clean the surface of your metal cladding. It is important that you remove any dirt, grease or dust from the metal cladding, before you start painting. You can do this by applying a specialist metal cleaner to the cladding, using either a soft brush or sponge (in order to prevent scratches).

2. Rinse away the cleaning solution

Using clean water, rinse away the cleaning solution. Then allow the cladding to fully dry before moving on to the next step.

3. Remove any rust or corrosion from the cladding

If either of these are present on your metal cladding, you will need to remove them before painting. You can do this by smoothing the surface using sandpaper or a wire brush.

4. Apply a rust converter

To protect your cladding from further corrosion, apply a rust converter to the surface of the cladding.

5. Lightly sand

Using fine sandpaper, lightly sand down the metal cladding, until the surface is slightly roughened (this will help the paint to stick to the cladding). Once you have finished sanding, wipe down the surface with a clean cloth.

6. Apply a metal primer

To improve the finish and longevity of your paint even further, apply a metal primer to the cladding, using a brush or a roller. For best results, we also suggest that you choose a metal primer that is specifically designed for the type of metal that your cladding is made from. Allow to dry completely, before you start painting.

7. Apply the paint

Using a brush or roller, apply the paint to the surface of the cladding. Work in sections, ensuring that you apply the paint evenly, and allow sufficient time for each coat of paint to dry before applying the next.

Conclusion: can you paint metal cladding?

Yes, you can paint metal cladding.

But, although you can paint metal cladding, it is not always the most effective way to update your metal cladding.

This is because it can turn out to be quite an expensive and time-consuming process. What’s more, if you apply the paint incorrectly, you will need to pay a considerable cost to get the paint removed.

So, in many cases (particularly if your metal cladding is very old or damaged) it can be a better investment to get new cladding installed.

If you have any questions about metal cladding maintenance, or if you would like to upgrade the metal cladding on your property, contact our team today.