How To Touch Up Galvanized Steel Roof Panel Scratches

My house was built circa 1880 and still has its original terne metal roof which consists of individual metal shingles with an embossed decorative pattern.

How to touch up galvanized steel roof panel scratches.

Galvanized steel on the other hand cannot be painted with an oil based or aluminum based paint. Touch up and repair with zinc spray metallizing zinc spray metallizing is done by melting zinc powder or zinc wire in a flame or electric arc and projecting the molten zinc droplets by air or gas onto the surface to be coated. Then pull the tape back like you are removing a band aid from a child s are. Below are steps to prepare the metal before using touch up paint.

Install the roofing screws vertically along each rib in the panel. All painted metal panels have a factory applied baked on finish. The roof panels are installed similar to the wall panels in layout. Once the touch up has been applied check for proper inter coat adhesion.

Place the first screw about 7 inches from the bottom and each subsequent screw about 18 to 24 inches apart along the vertical run. Galvanized metal requires either a zinc dust type paint or a latex paint. The zinc used is nominally 99 5 pure or better. Scratches can easily be fixed with a paint or touch up pen designed to match the color of the roof.

Lay down the first roof steel panel squaring it with the mason line. The washer under the screw head should seal to the surface of the panel without bulging or shifting. Touch up paint can cover unwanted scratches chips abrasion marks or other lightly damaged areas on the panel to present a consistent finish and appearance. Let the paint dry for at least 48 hours.

Dab a small paintbrush into metal touch up paint and then cover the scratched area with the paint. Clean the scratched portion of the roof with the mineral spirits and then rinse with clear water and allow it to dry. Place a piece of scotch tape 610 over the touched up scratches and rub your thumb across this a dozen or so times with firm pressure. This step is simple.

While these paint coatings are durable improper handling and installation can mar and damage the finish. Rub a gentle scrubbing cleanser onto rust spots on metal roofing using a clean cloth. 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.