'How to' Guide: Galvanised Iron Roof

Preparation work
Remember when painting your galvanised iron roof, preparation is the most important part of your project! The first, you will need to do remove your down pipes. Next, you will need to clean down your roof, by applying with a soft broom Mouldshield C diluted 5:1 with water, then rinsing with a pressure washer that preferably has a pressure of at least 3000 psi.

Remember when painting your galvanised iron roof, preparation is the most important part of your project!

Preparation coatings
Now at this stage it is very important to assess the condition or state of your galvanised iron roof prior to purchasing your preparation and finish coatings to ensure a long lasting durable result on your metal roof. If there is no rust on the roof and it is in good condition then you will need to apply a sealer either Shieldseal T (Turpentine Based) or Shieldseal W Plus (water based). If there are any heavily rusted areas, Rustseal will need to applied and allowed to dry for at least 24 hours before applying your sealer coat. Slightly rusted areas will need to be treated by either cleaning down the area with a wire brush and applying a coat of Rustshield W or Rustshield T or you may need to replace that section of the galvanised iron roof. Next, apply a coat of Rustshield W or Rustshield T over the entire galvanised iron roof and let dry for at least 24 hours prior to applying your finished coats.

Finish coatings
Once you have applied your appropriate sealer to your galvanised iron roof then you are ready to apply your two finish coats of ROOFBOND Roofing Paint.

Important Information
Often roof safety is overlooked by DIY or inexperience tradesmen. Always wear a respirator and have fall arrest equipment (safety harness/scaffolding) when carrying out roof restoration project.

Final word
After 7 days you can re fit the down pipes and is now safe to collect the rain water.

For more job specific guides visit our pages on roof paint, concrete paint and heat reflective paint.

Galvanised Iron Roof F.A.Q.

What sealer do you use on zincalume roofing?

A: You can use Shieldseal T, Shieldseal W Plus or one of the Rustshield products if the roof has surface rust.

What are the differences between the two roof sealers Shieldseal T (Turpentine based) or Shieldseal W Plus (Water based)?

A: The Shieldseal T (Turpentine based) has better bonding properties but is not as user friendly due to it’s odor and also it being Turps based, there is a lot more hassle in cleaning out the equipment. Compared to the Shieldseal W Plus (Water based), which has a lot less odor and cleans up in water. So you need to weight up the pro’s and con’s of either and decide what is more important to you, better adhesion or better user friendliness!

What are the differences between the two rust treatment sealers Rustshield T (Turpentine based) Rustshield W (Water based)?

A: The answer to this question is much the same as the above question about the sealers. The Rustshield T (Turpentine based) has better bonding properties but is not as user friendly due to it’s odor and also it being Turps based, there is a lot more hassle in cleaning out the equipment. Compared to the Rustshield W (Water based), which has a lot less odor and cleans up in water. So you need to weight up the pro’s and con’s of either and decide what is more important to you, better adhesion or better user friendliness!

Q: What kind of coverage will I get out of 15lts of Mouldshield C on a my roof?

A: It is difficult to give a coverage rate on 15lt of Moulshield c because it can be diluted between 5:1 up to 20:1 depending on strength needed and again how its applied; sprayed, watering can or broom. Generally one 15lt is enough for a 3 bedroom house roof, leaving you with enough left over to do your bit of cleaning around the home.

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