Choosing roof paint comes down to your roof material, its current condition, and how many years of protection you need. Most homeowners overthink it. Once you know your roof type, the product match is straightforward.
This guide walks you through how to match your roof to the right primer, topcoat, and warranty tier using the Thinking Paint Roof Protection Method so you buy the right product the first time.
What roof paint do I need for my roof type?
Start with your roof material. Each surface needs a different primer and topcoat to bond properly and last.
Here is a quick product-match table based on the most common roof types:
| Roof Type | Primer | Topcoat | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal (Colorbond, Zincalume) | Metal Primer Plus or Rust Inhibitor Primer | 15-Year or 20-Year Roof Protect | 15 to 20 years |
| Concrete tile | Platinum Primer | 15-Year or 20-Year Roof Protect | 15 to 20 years |
| Terracotta tile | Terracotta Primer | Terracotta Glaze | Varies |
| Fibro or cement sheet | Fibro Primer | Roof Protect or Wall Protect | 15 to 20 years |
If you are not sure what your roof is made of, or what condition it is in, the Thinking Paint team can help you match the right system. Call or use the calculator to get started.
For step-by-step painting guides by roof type, see how to paint a metal roof or how to paint a tile roof.
Do I need primer before painting my roof?
[caption id="attachment_2253" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Roof Protect Primer Paint[/caption]
Yes, in almost every case. Primer creates the bond between your roof surface and the topcoat. Without it, the paint is more likely to peel, blister, or fail early. Skipping primer is one of the most common reasons roof paint fails before its warranty period.
Primer is especially critical on:
- Bare or unpainted metal
- Rusted or corroded surfaces
- Previously unpainted concrete tiles
- Porous or weathered terracotta
- Fibro and cement sheeting
Thinking Paint makes 6 primers, each matched to a specific surface type:
- Oz Primer for general purpose use
- Metal Primer Plus for metal roofs in good condition
- Rust Inhibitor Primer for corroded metal
- Platinum Primer for concrete and tile
- Terracotta Primer for terracotta tiles
- Fibro Primer for fibro and cement sheet
The only situation where you might skip primer is if the existing coating is still in good condition and compatible with the new topcoat. Even then, priming is still recommended for the best result. Read more about whether primer is necessary and how to choose the best primer for metal roofs.
What is the difference between 10-year, 15-year, and 20-year roof coatings?
Thinking Paint offers three protection tiers. The right one depends on how long you plan to keep the property and what your budget allows.
| Product | Warranty | Best For | Price Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof Refresh | 10 years | Budget refresh, rentals, short-term holds | Most affordable |
| 15-Year Roof Protect | 15 years | Standard residential, solid durability | Mid-range |
| 20-Year Roof Protect | 20 years | Long-term homes, maximum protection | Premium |
If you are staying in your home long-term, the 20-year product pays for itself by avoiding an earlier repaint. If you are preparing a rental property or planning to sell within a few years, Roof Refresh gets the job done at a lower cost.
For heat-reflective performance, Thermobond HRC is available as a special-order option. This is step 4 of the Thinking Paint Roof Protection Method: choose your coating lifespan based on your situation, not just your budget.
Use the calculator to estimate quantities and compare costs based on your roof size. You can also read a detailed breakdown of whether Roof Refresh is worth it.
How does heat-reflective roof coating work?
Heat-reflective coatings reduce the amount of solar radiation your roof absorbs, which lowers the temperature inside your home. This can cut cooling costs and make living spaces more comfortable during summer.
The key measure is the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI). A higher SRI means the roof reflects more heat. Lighter colours naturally have a higher SRI, but modern reflective pigments allow darker colours to perform much better than standard paint.
Thermobond HRC is Thinking Paint's dedicated heat-reflective roof coating. It is a special-order product designed for homeowners who want maximum thermal performance.
Custom tinting is available, so you are not limited to white or light grey. You can choose a colour that suits your home and still get strong reflective performance. For a deeper look at how this works, read does heat reflective roof paint actually work and should your roof be lighter or darker than your house.
How does the Thinking Paint Roof Protection Method work?
The Thinking Paint Roof Protection Method is a practical 6-step approach to choosing the right product for your roof. It removes the guesswork and makes sure you get a matched system, not just a random tin of paint.
Here is how it works:
- Identify your roof surface. Metal, concrete tile, terracotta, or fibro. This determines which primer and topcoat you need.
- Assess current condition. Look for rust, peeling, moss, bare patches, or previous coatings that may need to be addressed before painting.
- Select the right primer. Each surface type has a matched primer. Using the wrong one leads to adhesion failure.
- Choose your coating lifespan. Pick from 10, 15, or 20-year protection based on how long you plan to keep the property.
- Pick your colour and heat performance. Decide between standard coating or heat-reflective. Custom tinting is available for all products.
- Calculate quantity and order. Use the Thinking Paint calculator to estimate how much product you need, then order for 3-day local delivery from Hatton Vale.
Can I paint my roof myself or should I hire a professional?
Both options work. Thinking Paint supplies product to DIY homeowners and professional restorers alike.
DIY is a realistic option if you have:
- A single-storey home with an accessible roof pitch
- Proper safety gear for working at heights
- Time to prepare the surface properly before painting
Hiring a professional makes more sense for:
- Steep roof pitches or two-storey homes
- Large roof areas that need multiple days of work
- Roofs that need significant repair, repointing, or cleaning before painting
Regardless of which route you choose, the product selection and preparation steps are the same. The Thinking Paint Roof Protection Method applies whether you are doing the job yourself or briefing a contractor.
Use the calculator to work out how much product you need before getting quotes or placing an order. You can also submit an enquiry for pricing and product advice.
Where can I buy roof paint locally?
Thinking Paint is based in Hatton Vale and offers 3-business-day delivery to the local area. All products are manufactured locally and available for direct order. You can preview colours using the Visualiser tool.
What you get when you order from Thinking Paint:
- Custom tinting to match existing roof colours or choose something new
- Expert product advice from a team with 20+ years of experience
- 3-day delivery to your door
- Full product range including primers, topcoats, concrete coatings, and accessories
The right roof paint depends on your roof type, its current condition, the right primer, and how many years of protection you need. This method gives you a clear 6-step path from surface assessment to product selection to ordering. Use the calculator to estimate what you need, or call 0447 710 365 for product advice before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What roof paint should I use on an old tiled roof? A: Start with Platinum Primer to seal the surface, then apply 15-Year or 20-Year Roof Protect depending on how long you want the coating to last. Check tile condition first. Cracked or broken tiles should be replaced before painting.
Q: Do I need primer before painting my roof? A: Yes, in almost all cases. Primer improves adhesion and prevents early failure. Use the primer matched to your roof type: Metal Primer Plus for metal, Platinum Primer for concrete tile, Terracotta Primer for terracotta.
Q: Can roof paint help reduce heat inside the house? A: Yes. Heat-reflective coatings like Thermobond HRC reflect solar radiation and reduce heat transfer into the home. Lighter colours perform best, but modern reflective pigments improve the performance of darker shades too.
Q: How long does roof paint usually last? A: Thinking Paint offers 10-year (Roof Refresh), 15-year (Roof Protect), and 20-year (Premium Roof Protect) options. Actual lifespan depends on the product chosen, preparation quality, and correct application.
Q: How much roof paint do I need? A: It depends on your roof size and the product you choose. Use the free Thinking Paint calculator to get an estimate based on your roof dimensions.
Q: What is the difference between Roof Refresh and Roof Protect? A: Roof Refresh offers 10 years of protection at the most affordable price point, making it a good option for rentals or short-term holds. Roof Protect offers 15 or 20 years of protection for longer-lasting results and stronger durability.
Q: Is roof painting a DIY job or should I hire someone? A: Both work. DIY is realistic for accessible single-storey roofs if you have proper safety gear. Hire a professional for steep, high, or large roofs. Either way, the product choice and preparation steps are the same. Use the calculator to estimate what you need.
Q: Can I get roof paint delivered locally? A: Yes. Thinking Paint delivers within 3 business days from Hatton Vale. Custom tinting and expert product advice are included. Call 0447 710 365 or use the enquiry form to order.