Don't Use Generic Exterior Paints When Painting Your Roof!
A new trend has emerged in the South Florida Real Estate market influencing homeowners to beautify and aesthetically enhance the look of their property by painting their roof tiles. Homeowners have a wide range of options when beginning their roof painting project. Using generic exterior paint from nationwide retailers is a surefire way to set your job up for failure in the future. The major downfalls of using the wrong paint brand on a roof are peeling, chipping, discoloration, fading, and general dissatisfaction.
This home’s exterior was painted with Acrylux 50/50 Satin Exterior in B-2 White and its roof was painted with Acrylux Roof Satin in pure Black
Can You Paint a Roof? (Tile, Metal, and Shingle) — A Guide
If you’re asking “Can I paint my roof—and what should I use?” here’s the straight answer: yes, you can paint tile, metal, and (in many cases) older asphalt shingle roofs—but only with roof-grade coatings designed for constant sun, heat, rain, and mildew. Using generic exterior wall paint is the #1 reason roof projects peel, chalk, fade, or discolor.
Below is a quick, practical guide tailored to South Florida conditions (high UV, humidity, salt air) but also useful anywhere contractors and homeowners paint roofs.
Quick Answers (TL;DR)
Best Roof Paint Type: A high-quality, 100% acrylic, high-solids roof paint with UV-resistant pigments and built-in mildewcides—such as Acrylux Roof Paint—offers the best long-term protection and color stability for tile, metal, or shingle roofs exposed to sun, heat, and humidity.
Why not wall paint? Wall paints aren’t formulated for roof temperatures, wind driven rain, intense UV exposure, and bio-growth—this can lead to early fading or even peeling.
Color & sheen: Natural tile shades to deep black; choose Roof Natural, Roof Satin, or Roof Gloss (semi-gloss) for the look and cleanability you want.
Warranty: Roof systems can include performance warranties (up to 5 years) when applied per spec by qualified applicators.
Which Roof Type Do You Have?
1) Tile Roofs (Concrete or Clay)
Prep: Pressure clean; remove mildew; repair cracks; seal chalky surfaces with an approved sealer such as Acrylux 3 to 1 Sealer.
Primer: Always apply an approve sealer such as Acrylux 3 to 1 Sealer for adhesion as well as efflorescence hold out.
Paint: A high-quality, 100% acrylic, high-solids roof paint with UV-resistant pigments and built-in mildewcides—such as Acrylux Roof Paint—offers the best long-term protection and color stability for tile, metal, or shingle roofs exposed to sun, heat, and humidity.
Why Quality Matters: Better Pigments to resist early fading, higher solids, stronger adhesion, and mildew-resistant films for harsh climate conditions.
Finish: Roof Natural (low sheen), Roof Satin (true satin), or Roof Gloss (semi-gloss).
2) Metal Roofs (Aluminum, Galvanized, Galvalume®, Copper, Zinc, Stainless)
Prep: Clean, degrease, treat rust; spot-prime bare or rusted areas with a DTM/rust-inhibitive primer as needed.
Primer: We recommend priming with a DTM primer such as Metal-Tec Primer.
Coating: A purpose-built metal roof paint such as Acrylux Metal-Tec that adheres to smooth metals, resists flash rust, and builds a tougher film for direct exposure.
Why it works: Metal roofs expand/contract and see extreme temperatures—a specifically formulated metal roof paint keeps adhesion and gloss, resists corrosion, and returns to service quickly.
3) Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Prep: Pressure clean; remove mildew; repair cracks; seal chalky surfaces with an approved sealer such as Acrylux 3 to 1 Sealer.
Primer: Always apply an approve sealer such as Acrylux 3 to 1 Sealer for adhesion as well as efflorescence hold out.
Paint: A high-quality, 100% acrylic, high-solids roof paint with UV-resistant pigments and built-in mildewcides—such as Acrylux Roof Paint—offers the best long-term protection and color stability for tile, metal, or shingle roofs exposed to sun, heat, and humidity.
Why Quality Matters: Better Pigments to resist early fading, higher solids, stronger adhesion, and mildew-resistant films for harsh climate conditions.
Finish: Roof Natural (low sheen), Roof Satin (true satin), or Roof Gloss (semi-gloss).
Why Roof-Grade Coatings Win (Especially in South Florida)
Longer-lasting color & gloss: Formulated for intense UV and heat.
Mildew/Algae resistance: Proprietary mildewcide packages help roofs stay clean longer.
Higher film build: Better protection against weathering and wind driven rain from Florida downpours.
Adhesion where it counts: Engineered for tile pores and smooth metal substrates.
Choosing Color & Sheen
Colors: From traditional terracotta and neutrals to deep black and modern grays, we match all colors!
Sheen:
Roof Natural (low-sheen, classic tile look)
Roof Satin (balanced cleanability/appearance)
Roof Gloss / Semi-Gloss (maximum depth and washability)
FAQ
How long will painting my roof last?
With proper prep and specification, expect multi-year performance; contractor-applied systems can qualify for Acrylux performance warranties (up to 5 years).
Do HOAs allow roof painting?
Yes, many South Florida HOAs approved roof painting but require quality roof paints such as Acrylux Roof Paint and approved color lists. Check your community guidelines—we can help match approved shades.
Can I DIY?
Experienced DIYers can handle cleaning and small repairs, but roof applications benefit from pro contractors, especially for metal seam work, primers, and uniform mil build.
What about maintenance?
Annual low-pressure cleaning extends life; avoid harsh chemicals not specified for painted roofs.
Why Acrylux for Roofs
Florida-first formulas: High-solids acrylics and urethane-acrylic DTMs built for UV, salt air, and humidity.
Clean-roof technology: Mildewcide systems that help resist mold, mildew, and algae.
System & support: Color matching, sheen options, primer/sealer guidance, and performance warranties when installed per spec.
Next Steps
Local to South Florida? We work with contractors across Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade and stock roof-grade systems for tile, metal, and shingles.
Outside Florida? We’ll spec a system for your climate and roof type (tile, metal, or shingle) and help you source the right products.