Painted finishes have advanced and evolved into the form of a paint print
It is well-known that adding a protective exterior coating to a metal roof adds overall longevity and performance to a building’s metal roofing system. For years, the only metal roofing finish was solid painted colors in the same basic color palette. Painted finishes have advanced recently and have evolved into the form of a paint print. This new technology has been propelled into the spotlight making its aesthetic properties more appealing to architects for their building designs.
With distressed finishes as the order of the day in the realm of design, painted products that look old and weathered are the best alternative for an instant aesthetic appearance. In addition, these products offer the added benefit of a paint warranty and the elimination of rust stains to the surrounding areas.
What is a Paint Print?
Also known as designer metals, it is a product that has been painted repeatedly giving the finish depth and uniqueness. The paint line applies a base coat of solid color on the coil and then the coil runs through a second time with a different color using a special engraved paint roller that creates a pattern on the coil. In many instances a paint print will try to replicate a naturally occurring patina. Designer metals normally consist of painted panels that try and replicate an orange/brown rusted appearance, a faded dull galvanized appearance, or a patinated copper.
Painted Rusted Roofing
Using new steel that looks 100 years old and rusted orange/brown is easier to find than you think. Opting to use a painted product that looks rusted is quickly becoming the norm. Most large roll formers are now offering various color options that resemble Corten. Corten AZP Raw arguably is the most popular color, and most notably, was designed by the same company that originated Corten, U.S. Steel.
Designing to the Panel Profile
The second generation of designer metals is designed to the panel profile. This is a 7/8-inch corrugated panel in which the paint print has different shading in the highs and lows of the panel. This allows for depth creating a realistic rustic piece of corrugated. This color is known as Streaked Rust.
Resembling Old and Weathered
For those searching for a finish that resembles dull galvanized metal, consider using a pre-painted metal panel that uses an aged metallic finish such as Vintage. Additional color options are designed to look like faded galvanized with white rust spots or old galvanized with orange/brown rust streaks.
Resembling a Copper Patina
Designer metals can also be painted to look like a patinated copper in either an aqua marine or a brown copper finish. Aged copper is a look that can be achieved by using a paint print that offers designers the look of patinated copper at a fraction of the price and without having to wait for the patina to develop.
Today, the selection of paint prints is nearly limitless and selecting the right print has become just as important as its design. Although there are many colors and specialty finishes to choose from, it is important to know how to spot the best painted metal roofing products. Most suppliers will offer free panel samples or color chips to make the choices easier.
Paul Rubio is owner and operator of Western States Metal Roofing in Phoenix. To learn more, visit www.cortenroofing.com.
