What Kind of Paint Do I Use on Slate Roofing?

Considerations

• When picking a color, take into consideration the finished design or style that you want. A darker color works best on a larger home because the shade might overwhelm a smaller home. Lighter shades are suitable for any size home, but the lighter color can actually make a smaller home feel bigger. The lighter shade draws the eye up, creating the look of space. Darker shades also draw the eye up, but feel heavy.

The Right Paint

• The right paint for roof tiles is a paint specifically designed for slate surfaces. Look for paints designed for use on roofs, as the paints contain additives and chemicals that keep the paint from peeling or flaking off the tiles. The side of the can should contain a list of surfaces suited for the paint. Unless slate is specifically mentioned on the can, then choose another type. According to Fleetwood, its Weather Clad line of paints is suitable for use on exterior surfaces, including slate tiles.

Warning

• Do not use any type of interior or indoor house paint when painting your roof. Interior paints are not as strong as exterior paints and do not hold up well to environmental factors, including rain and snow. The moisture leaks inside the paint, which causes an air bubble on the surface of the tiles. As the air bubble expands and contracts, it forces the paint off the tile. Within a few months, you might notice the paint peeling away from the roof. Avoid using acrylic paints and craft paints. While those paints are suitable for painting decorative slate tiles, the paints are not meant for outdoor use.

Painting the Roof

• Use an extension pole that attaches to the end of your paint roller. Stand in the center of the roof and paint down, following the line of roofing tiles. When you push up with the roller, you risk knocking the slate tiles loose. Apply one coat of paint, and apply additional coats if you want a darker or deeper color.