I learned the hard way that skipping prep work before tile roof painting is a costly shortcut. A few years back, I hired a local painter to freshen up the roof. Looked great at first. But within two years, the colour had faded, and a few patches were already peeling.

Turns out, the painting wasn’t the problem — the prep was.

If you’re thinking about roof painting and want it to actually last, preparation is everything. These six steps can make the difference between a fresh coat that flakes off in months... and one that holds strong for over a decade.

1. Inspect for damage (don’t paint over problems)

Before anything touches a brush or sprayer, the roof needs a solid once-over. I’m talking cracked tiles, loose ridge caps, rust patches, if it’s metal — any surface issue that could stop the paint from sticking properly.

Painting over damage traps moisture and accelerates breakdown beneath the surface. So instead of protecting your roof, you’re sealing in problems that get worse.

Common things to look for:

  • Cracked or broken tiles
  • Loose flashing or ridge capping
  • Mould or lichen buildup
  • Flaking paint from a previous job
  • Damp patches that don’t dry

These need to be dealt with before you even think about coating.

2. Clean it like you mean it (high-pressure is a must)

A proper clean is what gives paint something to stick to. Dirt, dust, moss, old coatings — they all act like barriers. A lot of homeowners underestimate this step and think a quick hose-down will do the trick.

It won’t.

What you need is a high-pressure clean — usually 3000 PSI or more — to strip away every bit of grime and biological growth. It’s messy, loud, and absolutely essential.

If you skip this? The paint won’t bond to the tile or metal. It’ll stick to the debris... and that stuff will blow off in no time.

This is also where professionals often separate themselves from DIYers. They know exactly how much pressure to use without damaging tiles — and how to treat areas with existing coatings or sealants.

3. Repair and replace before sealing

Once it’s clean, now’s the time to get up close and fix the small stuff. Any cracked or chipped tiles need replacing. Mortar might need re-pointing. Rusted screws on metal roofs should be swapped out.

This step often gets rushed, and it’s the one that protects your structure long-term. You’re not just painting to look good. You’re painting to protect your roof from the sun, water, wind and wear.

A well-prepped roof should be watertight before any paint goes near it.

4. Prime or seal the surface (don’t skip this layer)

Priming is where the magic really starts to happen.

For porous surfaces like concrete or terracotta tile, a proper sealant locks in moisture and gives the paint something to grab onto. It also helps smooth out inconsistencies so the topcoat doesn’t absorb unevenly, which causes patchiness and flaking later.

Metal roofs typically need a rust-inhibiting primer to stop corrosion under the paint film.

Skipping the primer is like skipping the undercoat when you paint walls. Sure, it saves a step — but it also means your paint will peel faster, look thinner, and need redoing years sooner.

The Australian roof coatings guide actually outlines how critical this step is in maintaining roof performance, especially in high-UV or coastal zones.

5. Choose the right paint (and the right colour)

Here’s where homeowners often default to whatever colour looks good from the street — and don’t get me wrong, looks matter. But performance does, too.

You need a roof paint that:

  • Resists UV (especially in Australia’s climate)
  • Has thermal-reflective properties (cool roof tech)
  • Is breathable (lets moisture out, not in)
  • Is compatible with your roof material (tile vs. metal)

Not all paints are created equal. Some fade within a few summers. Others hold for 10–15 years. Your paint choice has a direct impact on how long the finish will last and how well it protects your home underneath.

Pro tip: lighter colours tend to reflect heat better, which can help reduce internal temperatures. Worth considering if your insulation isn’t great.

6. Time it right (weather matters more than you think)

You’d be amazed how many people book roof painting in the middle of a rainy week — or worse, during a heatwave.

Paint doesn’t cure properly when it’s humid, wet, or scorching. Ideally, you want mild, dry weather with low wind. Spring and early autumn are usually the safest bets in most parts of Australia.

Even a light drizzle hours after painting can ruin the finish.

If you’re working with pros, they’ll usually reschedule if the forecast shifts. If you’re DIY-ing, don’t push it. Paint applied in the wrong weather will never bond like it’s supposed to.

Bonus: A real example from the suburbs

One of my mates in western Sydney had his tiled roof painted last year. Hired a cheap crew, rushed the prep, skipped sealing, and sure enough, within six months, the finish was chalky and thin.

He ended up calling in another team to fix it. This time, they did full cleaning, tile replacement, priming, and two coats with heat-reflective paint.

It’s been 18 months, and the roof still looks brand new.

Turns out, it’s not just about how you paint, it’s what you do before the paint goes on that makes the difference.

Don’t want to repaint every few years?

Here’s the thing: roof painting isn’t cheap. But when done right, it doesn’t need to be redone for 10+ years.

Want the longest lifespan possible? Read up on how long roof paint lasts in Australia to understand exactly how conditions, colour, and coatings affect durability.

If you're investing in a repaint, especially on an older home, don’t cheap out on prep. That’s where the real value is.

Still unsure if roof painting is worth it?

Fair question — especially if your roof “still looks fine.”

But a proper paint job does more than lift the look. It protects your tiles or metal from UV breakdown. It helps seal out moisture. It can even make your home cooler in summer.

Check out the benefits of painting your roof to see how the right coatings can boost property value and reduce maintenance long-term.

Final thought: Prep makes the paint last

If you’ve ever seen a roof that still looks crisp five or ten years after it was painted, it wasn’t just good paint. It was good prep.

So if you’re planning to get your roof done this season, make sure whoever you hire doesn’t cut corners. Ask about cleaning, priming, and repairs, and don’t be afraid to delay for weather. Because the only thing worse than a faded roof… is paying to fix a bad paint job twice.