Metal sheets are frequently employed in pre-engineered metal buildings, industrial sheds, factories and warehouses as roofing and wall
panels. They come pre-painted with a factory-applied, baked-on finish that
covers the Galvalume®-coated steel surface. Factory color coating
ensures that the process occurs in a regulated environment thereby creating a
consistent finish and infusing more durability in them. Metal roofing sheets paint systems have a built-in color and gloss retention that is
only achieved through the oven-baked process. While these paint coatings are
resistant to many of the potential damages, improper handling and installation
can mar and damage the finish. Tools, fasteners and other installation-related
components along with the activities can scratch or damage the finish,
requiring touch-ups to the paint. Tata BlueScope Steel -one of the leading roofing sheets manufacturers - brings to you some touch-up paint tips to keep in mind if you
are dealing with these issues.
Why does color coating matter?
Small blemishes are generally inconsequent and need not be
re-painted unless they are visually off. In case the scratch has not penetrated
the galvalume steel coating, it
is best left untouched as a touch-up paint job can’t match the fade resistance
of the original baked-on color coating. However, if a scratch is deeper, it can
risk the integrity of the paint and the galvanized coating on the panels. Deep
scratches, when not repainted, will result in water gathering in the uneven
surface resulting in corrosion and rust. The second case, hence, is eligible
for touch-up paint.
Note: if
a large area of the panel is damaged, it’s best to just replace the panel.
Touch up paints are not intended for deep gorges.
Importance of a proper touch-up system
Most Metal manufacturers provide small containers of paint along
with the metal panels anticipating the minor paint touch-ups that will be
required later. These paints are the perfect DNA match for your colour coated roofing sheets as they are specifically formulated to be compatible with the
factory unit. This makes it important to buy touch-up paint from the
manufacturer that produced the original panels. If you seek to buy paint from
an external store, you may still find a color match, but you can’t ensure the
same protective properties that you would get with a manufacturer.
Methods of Paint touch-ups
Touch-up paint for field application is often available in three
types of containers
- Paint Pens - Usually the best option, they are highly precise allowing
painting only in the affected area.
- Small
Bottles - Ideal for larger scratches or scuffs and
dings on panels, these bottles come with a small brush to paint.
- Spray Cans - Best used for painting small accessories like plumbing vent pipes. They are less efficient against covering scratches though as they end up spraying adjoining areas too.
Prepping before Painting
·
The affected area (the one in need of
paint) needs to be made clean and dry and has to be rid of dirt, moisture,
chalk, wax, oil, grease, residue, mildew, and other contaminants preferably with
a mild solvent, such as Naptha, and a clean cloth.
·
If the surface is glossy, you may need
to scrub it off with sandpaper to ensure proper adhesion of paint.
·
Ensure that the touch-up paint is of
the same quality and performance as the existing paint on the colour coated steel.
Once
the touch-up paint is applied, give it time to dry in a dust-free space. Once
you are done, any remaining materials must be disposed of properly and in
accordance with local regulations. Tata BlueScope Steel is a roofing solutions provider to cater to all your metal roofing needs. Contact us,
today!
