We had the pleasure of completing an exterior painting and solid stain project in Estacada, Oregon that blended preservation with a fresh update. The home—a well-kept late 1970s residence—has been diligently maintained by the homeowner for decades, including multiple hand-applied paint jobs over the years. Our goal? Respect the original character while introducing a refreshed, durable finish.

The home’s metal roof—originally installed about 25 years ago—had developed significant surface oxidation and widespread areas of exposed bare metal. Left untreated, these conditions could eventually lead to corrosion and leaks.

Our team tackled the challenge head-on with a focus on proper prep work, product selection, and weather-aware application techniques to ensure a long-lasting, professional-grade finish.

Project Overview

The original solid stain had begun to fade—an inevitable result of time and Oregon’s dynamic weather. While the wood siding remained in excellent condition, it needed a professional touch to restore vibrancy and ensure long-term protection.

We started the project with a comprehensive pressure wash, a crucial step to remove dirt, mildew, and any loose paint. This prepares the surface for maximum stain and paint adhesion, helping to extend the life of the finish.

Color Scheme & Product Details

• Body Color: We carefully color-matched the home’s original tone, opting for a slightly updated shade using Storm Solid Stain Cat 4 by Miller Paint. This premium solid stain delivers rich color and enhanced durability—perfect for homes exposed to the Pacific Northwest’s variable climate.
• Trim, Soffits & Details: For a bold contrast, we painted all trim, soffits, and belly bands in Tricorn Black from Sherwin-Williams—a timeless, deep black that gives the home a sleek, contemporary edge.
• Gutters & Downspouts: We used Sher-Cryl DTM paint to coat all gutters and downspouts, ensuring a durable, weather-resistant finish that will stand up to seasonal changes without peeling or fading.

Application Technique

Our team applied two solid coats of the Storm stain using a combination of spray, brush, and roll techniques—a method that ensures even coverage and a professional-grade finish. The attention to detail in every corner and edge of this home reinforces our commitment to craftsmanship and quality

Product Links 

Gutters and Downspouts: 

https://www.sherwin-williams.com/painting-contractors/products/pro-industrial-shercryl-hpa-high-performance-acrylic

Siding, Trim and Soffits:

https://www.millerpaint.com/storm-system/

Metal Roof Prep & Paint application.

Addressing Metal Roof Oxidation: The Cleaning Process

Before any paint or primer could be applied, the roof required intensive cleaning. The existing coating had become chalky and degraded, with bare metal showing through in many areas—typical signs of aging on older metal roofing.

To properly remove oxidation and surface contaminants, we hand-scrubbed the entire metal roof using a custom cleaning solution made from:

• Bleach
• Dawn dish soap
• Industrial-grade detergent

The job required two full hand-washing cycles, as the first pass wasn’t enough to eliminate all oxidized paint residue. This level of preparation is crucial—paint applied over poorly prepped metal won’t bond correctly and will fail prematurely.

Weather Considerations for Metal Roof Painting

Painting metal roofing demands precise timing. Metal surfaces heat rapidly under direct sunlight, often reaching temperatures far above the surrounding air. These high surface temperatures can cause primer and topcoat products to flash-dry, leading to poor adhesion or uneven coverage.

To combat this, our crew carefully timed application during the cooler parts of the day:

• Early mornings (when surfaces were dry and ambient temps were manageable)
• Later evenings (provided dry conditions were expected overnight)

This strategy ensured optimal product performance and a consistent, smooth finish. You can apply these products throughout the day if the temperatures are much more favorable but in most cases these projects are done around summer temperatures for the best results.

Coating System: Sherwin-Williams Pro-Cryl + Sher-Cryl DTM

We used a two-part professional-grade coating system from Sherwin-Williams, ideal for metal roof restoration:

1. Primer:
• Product: Pro-Cryl Universal Acrylic Primer https://www.sherwin-williams.com/painting-contractors/products/pro-industrial-procryl-universal-acrylic-primer

• Purpose: Provides excellent adhesion to cleaned bare metal and previously coated surfaces, forming a corrosion-resistant base layer.

1. Topcoat:
• Product: Sher-Cryl DTM (Direct-to-Metal) Acrylic Coating https://www.sherwin-williams.com/painting-contractors/products/pro-industrial-shercryl-hpa-high-performance-acrylic
• Application: Two coats applied via spray application
• Benefits: Durable, UV-resistant, and flexible enough to expand and contract with changing roof temperatures.

Results That Last

This metal roof now has a fully restored, protective finish that enhances the home’s curb appeal and extends the lifespan of the roofing system. When combined with the solid stain siding and bold Tricorn Black trim from the broader exterior painting project, the transformation is both visually striking and functionally sound!