Can Steel Buildings Be Painted?

 

Steel has an appealing color for some people, but many would like some variety or even to brand their business facilities with their company colors. For all these people, this is the good news: specialists not only allow but also recommend owners to paint steel buildings.

 

Paint acts as a protective coating for steel and prolongs its useful life. Usually, steel panels used for creating steel buildings are factory painted like those from CanAm Steel Building Corporation in Colorado, but it is very easy to add a coating of paint on-site as well.

 

Types of Paint Recommended for Steel Buildings

 

  1. Water-based Paint

Water-based paints have been used for other types of materials for decades, but recently special formulas were developed for steel, as well. This type of paint has the advantage of pushing moisture from the steel surface to the surface of the paint coating. At the same time, it creates a layer of rust-proof chemicals that acts as a sealant for the steel surface.

 

  1. Polyester Resins

A cheap and general-purpose choice for painting steel buildings, this type of paint creates a medium to high glossy finish. It is not very long lasting – the color will fade away after 5-7 years of constant exposure to direct sunlight. However, given its low cost, it is worthwhile refreshing the paint coating once every few years.

 

  1. Reflective Finishing

This type of paint coatings will serve a double purpose: protect the steel structure from weather and deflect sunrays, thus decreasing the overall temperature of the building and helping reduce air conditioning costs.