Painting metal cladding is a popular specialist commercial project as the weather brightens up. Like any project, getting to right information on how to prepare the surface, what the best to use is & how best to apply the paint are all common questions our experts here at Painters World are asked. That is why we have put together this guide, so you can find all of the information you need in one place.

What Is Metal Cladding?

Metal cladding is a material that is very common across the UK. While you find some commercial areas with interior cladding, the majority of metal cladding is exterior, on warehouses, barns & other industrial exterior structures.

Metal cladding is a type of protective coating that offers a protective layer to buildings. Mostly made of sheets of tough galvanised steel, metal cladding is lightweight, durable, low maintenance & easy to install, making it a popular option of external cladding.

Painting Metal Cladding

Like almost any surface, metal cladding can be painted using a suitable metal paint. Having said this, metal is an extremely hard surface, which makes it more difficult to paint than more porous materials like timber & masonry.

Painting metal cladding offers:

Protection - Painting external metal cladding can offer extra protection against corrosion, UV deterioration & weathering, helping to extend the lifespan of the metal.
Practicality - Instead of installing new cladding, the easier & cheaper way to change metal cladding is to give it a coat of paint.

The Best Paint For Metal Cladding

When it comes to painting metal cladding, there are a number of options. Having said this, here at Painters World we believe that if you are going to paint something, you should use the best quality paint you can as this offers better long-term value for money when you don't have to repaint for years to come. For this reason, we highly recommend opting for a specialist product that is designed for application to metal cladding, instead of a standard metal paint.

Rust-Oleum Noxyde is a water-based anti-rust paint that is specially designed for industrial metal, such as cladding. Offering the highest level of protection with a class C5-M, Noxyde is the go-to paint for steel roofing and cladding, especially that suffers from corrosion. This is because it creates an impermeable barrier to water, preventing the moisture from weathering the metal. This results in Noxyde having 15 years in the highest corrosion class C5-M, according to ISO 12944.

This durability is also aided by the 200% elastic coating that Noxyde offers that will not crack or peel. This is because metal expands & contracts with changes in temperatures. If a flexible coating is not used, it will stretch & split under the stress of the movement.

Ultimate corrosion protection
200% elastic coat that does not crack or peel
Primer and topcoat in one
Impact-resistant
15 years in the highest corrosion class C5-M, according to ISO 12944

How To Paint Metal Cladding

Step 1: Preparation

Metal cladding is no different to any other surface in the way that it must be properly prepared before painting to ensure long-term results. Remove any dirt or grease from the metal cladding using a degreaser such as ND14 Cleaner and Degreaser from Rust-Oleum. This is an essential step to ensuring good adhesion for the coating to the cladding. If the surface is heavily rusted, ensure you remove this rust to ensure best results.

Step 2: Priming

Delaminate If the metal cladding is highly weathered, or the plastisol on the cladding behind to delaminate, you may decide to use a primer. Rust-Oleum Noxyde Metal Cladding Coating is a primer & topcoat in one, so this is not necessary if you are using that particular product on sound metal cladding.

Step 3: Painting

Now the important part, the painting. The best way to apply metal cladding paints like Noxyde is to spray apply them, ensuring the best possible finish to the cladding. There are a number of options when it comes to spray machines, however we would recommend an airless spray machine such as the Tritech T7 Airless Sprayer for a Hi-cart or the Tritech T5 Airless Sprayer for a carry machine. Noxyde can be applied by roller also, if you do not have access to an airless spray machine. If you are looking to get into spraying, why not enquire about spray painting courses such as the Decor8 Spray Academy?

High pressure fluid from spray can penetrate the skin, so always use a tip safety guard for added protection & set the trigger safety in a locked position when not using the machine.

With Rust-Oleum Noxyde, when undiluted, use a 13-17 nozzle & a pressure of 170 bars. The nozzle and pressure could vary depending on the type of substrate & equipment. The paint should remain undiluted when used as a rust preventive paint. The product is recoatable after 24 hours, so ensure you allow sufficient time between coats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Are guarantees available for Rust-Oleum Noxyde?

Rust-Oleum Noxyde is available with a 10 year product warranty, ensuring its long-term performance when applied in accordance in the manufacturers instructions.

Q. Can Rust-Oleum Noxyde be specified?

To meet the requirements of a project, we have a dedicated specifier who can assist in developing a bespoke specification for metal cladding. This details the process of preparation and the requirements of the product application, along with on site monitoring at all stages of the works prior to project being signed off.

Q. Can Rust-Oleum Noxyde be used internally?

Yes, Noxyde can be used on internal metal cladding, although this is less common than external metal cladding. When used on interior works, ensure you have adequate ventilation.

We hope this has answered any questions you may have had regarding painting metal cladding. Why not shop the range of trade paint, decorating tools & supplies we have in stock here at Painters World, all with FREE next working day delivery on all orders over £50.

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