How to Paint Your Metal Pole Barn Structure?

Pole barn construction is a type of construction that uses corrugated steel metal poles to support a roof. This roof can be either a metal roof or a standard pitched roof.

Pole barns are typically used for agricultural or storage purposes but can also be used for other types of buildings and structures, such as offices or workshops.

Pole barn homes are relatively simple and can be done using materials readily available at most hardware stores.

The most important thing you need to remember when constructing a pole barn is that the poles are appropriately anchored into the ground to support the weight of the roof.

Also, you must paint your barn structure to protect it from rust and add beauty. Without it, steel panels will corrode and wear off, which means your building will not last as long as it should.

I agree – painting your metal pole barn can be daunting, but it’s not impossible.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the necessary steps to give your pole barn a fresh look. Let’s get started…

Painting Metal Pole Barn

Painting a metal pole barn is not as difficult as it may seem.

By following the simple steps below, you can have a beautiful and long-lasting finish that will protect your investment for years.

Step 1- Surface Preparation

Before you start painting, clean the surface of the metal to remove any dirt, grime, or rust.

You can do this simply by washing the metal with a power washer or using a wire brush to scrub the surface.

If there is a lot of rust or grime build-up on the metal, you may need to use a chemical rust remover and cleaner such as TSP before painting.

TSP is a strong cleaner that can quickly remove all the dirt and wax on the metal surface.

Use a ladder or rent a cherry picker for the surface that is too high to reach.

Also, cover all windows, doorknobs, or other exposed areas you do not want to be cleaned.

Step 2- Apply a Rust Inhibitor

After the surface is clean and dry, apply a rust inhibitor to help prevent rust from forming on the metal.

You can use a paintbrush, roller, or sprayer to apply the rust inhibitor.

Step 3- Prime the Metal Surface

After the rust inhibitor has dried, apply a primer to the metal surfaces of the pole barn structure so that the paint will adhere properly.

Acrylic direct-to-metal primer is specifically designed to adhere to metal surfaces such as those of pole barn structures.

So, use a brush, roller, or sprayer to apply this primer to provide a strong base for paint.

If you are using a brush or roller, make sure that you apply the primer evenly and in a thin layer.

If you are using a sprayer, you need to hold the nozzle about 12 inches away from the surface and make sure that you overlap each stroke so that you don’t miss any areas.

Do not overspray the areas as it can cause the primer to run or get the coating thick which takes too long to dry.

Also, after spraying, make sure that you brush all the areas that are left uncovered with the airless sprayer.

Let the primer dry completely overnight before moving on to the next step.

Step 4- Paint the Metal Surface

After the primer has dried, apply the paint to the metal surfaces of your pole barn structure.

Choose direct-to-metal paint and use your airless paint sprayer to apply the paint evenly on the galvanized pole barn steel surfaces.

You can even choose an oil-based enamel paint, depending on your preference.

When spraying the paint, make sure that you hold the nozzle about 12 inches away from the surface and overlap each stroke as you paint.

Do not overspray the areas, and do not forget to cover the areas with a brush that is left.

Allow the paint to completely dry, and then apply a second coat to get a good finish and protection.

Depending on the structure’s condition, you may need to apply even a third coat if necessary.

If you are using oil-based paint, also make sure that you apply a top coat of polyurethane to protect the paint from chipping or peeling off.

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Paint the Roof or Side First – What’s Better?

Now that you know how to paint a metal pole barn exactly, you may wonder if you should start with the roof or the siding first.

If you ask me, I personally prefer painting the metal sides first because it is easier to walk around the structure and paint the roof last.

But, it doesn’t matter which part you start with if you follow all the steps correctly.

It is up to you as both options have their advantages.

• If you start with the roof, you can avoid dripping paint accidentally on the sides.
• But, starting with the sides, you can avoid getting paint on the roof.

It doesn’t matter which way you do it if you are careful and take your time.

What Color is Good to Paint Your Pole Barn Structure?

When it comes to choosing the right paint color for your pole barn, there are a few things that you need to consider.

First, make sure that the color you choose complements the surrounding environment.

If your pole barn shed is in a rural area, choose a color that blends in with the natural surroundings.

But, if your pole barn is in an urban area, you may want to choose a color that will make it stand out.

Another thing you need to consider is the purpose of the pole barn structure you have built.

If you are using it for storage, you may want to choose a light color so that it stays cooler inside.

But, if you are using it for other purposes, such as a workshop, you may want to choose a darker color so that it is easier to see what you are doing.

The Bottom Line

Pole barns are famous structures for a variety of reasons. They’re cost-effective, easy to build, and versatile.

But what happens when your pole barn starts to look a little dated or needs a fresh coat of paint?

Painting your pole barn seems to be a big job, but it is one that you can do yourself if you follow all the steps correctly.

Just take your time and be careful, and you will have no problem painting your pole barn the right way.

No matter what kind of paints or paint color you choose, make sure that it is one that you will be happy with for many years to come.