Ever wondered if you can paint your asphalt shingle roof to freshen up its look? Well, good news—you definitely can!
Painting shingles is pretty straightforward and much friendlier on the wallet compared to re-shingling. We recently revamped our backyard pavilion, and I was not a fan of the multi-colored brown shingles. They gave off a very public park vibe, which wasn’t what I wanted for our cozy backyard retreat. When I learned that painting the shingles was an option, I was all in!
Before you start, it’s smart to get a roof inspection to catch any issues that need fixing before painting.
Safety Note: Working on a roof can be risky, so always take proper safety measures. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, consider hiring professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need special paint for roof shingles?
Yes, you do! Use acrylic latex paint designed for outdoor use on roofs. Brands like Behr Multi-Surface Roof Paint or Sherwin Williams Resilience paint are great choices. This type of water-based paint lets moisture escape, preventing algae and mold growth.
Do you need to prime the shingles before painting?
Priming is a good idea to help the paint stick better. Use an exterior primer that works on multiple surfaces, like the Multi-Surface Exterior Primer.
What if the roof is in bad condition?
While you can technically paint a not-so-great roof, it might not be worth the effort if major repairs are needed. Painting won’t fix leaks or loose shingles, so replacing the roof might be a better investment.
Are there any downsides to painting shingles?
Yes, you’ll need to inspect the painted shingles yearly for peeling or chipping, especially in extreme weather climates.
Step One: Clean the Roof
Just like any painting project, start by cleaning the area. Use a power washer to remove dirt, moss, or algae. If you have heavily algae-covered spots, a mixture of 50% water and 50% bleach can help. Just be sure to water any nearby plants before and after you spray.
Let the roof dry completely before you move on to painting.
Step 2: Prime the Roof
Even if your paint has a built-in primer, using a separate bonding primer ensures a strong bond. This Multi-Surface Exterior Primer or Extreme Bond Primer will get the job done. Protect nearby areas with drop cloths and apply the primer evenly with a spray gun. Let it dry fully.
Step 3: Paint the Roof
Once the primer is dry, apply your chosen roof paint in thin, even coats with a sprayer. Let each coat dry before adding more. You’ll likely need at least two coats to get a nice, even finish.
While painting a roof isn’t a permanent fix, it can extend the life of your shingles by guarding against wear and UV damage. For us, painting was a fantastic way to update our pavilion’s look without a full roof replacement.
I’m thrilled with how it turned out! It made our pavilion look modern and protected the shingles for a few more years. While painting might not always be the best option, I’m glad we did it for our makeover project.