How to repaint faded Colorbond roof on a 1960s house?

Question

Hi all, I’ve got an old (1960s-built) house with a Colorbond roof that’s pretty faded but otherwise in decent condition (see photo).

I’m trying to figure out the best way to repaint it. A few questions I’m unsure about:

* What type of paint should I be using for Colorbond roofing (any specific brands or coatings recommended)?
* Does the roof need a primer first or can I go straight to top coat since it’s already painted? I believe this one is painted before.
* Would a 1L spray gun be suitable for this job, or is it better to stick with a roller?
* If roller is better, what type (nap size/material) works best for metal roofing?
* Any prep tips I should not skip (cleaning, rust treatment, etc.)?

The roof is mainly just faded, no major rust or damage that I can see, so I’m hoping it’s more of a refresh than a full restoration.

Any advice or lessons learned would be appreciated.

MitchellMc · Answer

Hi @Jnguyen ,

I've just been in contact with the Dulux technical team, and they have advised that in some situations Dulux Weathershield can be used on previously painted Colorbond roofing.

It's important to note that preparation is absolutely key to achieving a successful result. Dulux still strongly encourages DIY applicators to contact their technical team directly to discuss their specific project and ensure all preparation and application requirements are met.

I do apologise for the inaccuracies in my previous post, as this is a relatively recent change to their advice that I wasn't aware of.

Any rusted sections will need to be properly treated and primed before painting. Depending on the exact condition of the existing coating, Dulux may also recommend priming the entire roof to ensure the new paint system achieves adequate adhesion and long-term performance.

I'd recommend you have a chat with the Dulux technical team and then we can advise further on the specific application techniques.

Mitchell

Jnguyen · Answer

I’ve been advised to use Dulux Weathershield, but I’m not really sure if it’s the best option or how well it actually holds up for this kind of job.

The roof is quite low, around 2.5m, so I’m thinking it might be manageable as a DIY project. Ideally, I’d like to do it myself if it’s practical and safe enough, rather than bringing in contractors. At this stage, it’s really just a temporary fix to improve the appearance and protect it a bit until I can afford a full replacement down the track.

I’ve had a quote of around $25k for a full roof replacement, which is out of my budget right now, so I’m just trying to make do with a temporary fix. I’d prefer not to spend extra on contractors for painting since the roof will be replaced eventually.

MitchellMc · Answer

Hi @Jnguyen,

Unfortunately, we don't supply specialised roof coatings, as they are typically considered trade-level products and are usually sourced through paint specialists or commercial coating suppliers.

Repainting a Colorbond roof is certainly possible, but there are quite a number of steps involved in assessing the existing coating, preparing the surface, selecting the correct primer (if required), and applying a compatible topcoat system. The preparation stage is particularly important, as poor adhesion can lead to premature coating failure.

Given the age of the roof and the technical nature of the application, it's generally recommended that you seek the advice of a roofing paint specialist or consider engaging a professional contractor to complete the work.

For the best advice on suitable products and application methods, I'd suggest giving the Dulux Technical Advice Centre a call on 13 25 25. Their team will be able to advise on the appropriate preparation, priming requirements, and coating system for your specific roof condition.

Please let us know how you go.

Mitchell