As homeowners, business owners, designers, and architects, at some point in our lives, we’ll have to face a roofing project. It can be new construction, an update, fixing leaks or malfunctions to the roof. Today we’ll compare unpainted metal and pre-painted metal panels.

Unpainted Panels

Using Galvanized steel or Galvalume ® steel is an economical choice for roofing panels. Both types of steel are available in varied gauges of thicknesses. Usually, material is readily available, which helps with tight construction schedules and minimizes the lead time in production. Galvalume offers a warranty against corrosion.

Aluminum and Stainless steel are very corrosion resistant. These substrates are used in projects located near water or corrosive environments. These metals do not offer warranty.

Painted Panels

Using pre-painted panels provides extra protection against corrosion. CMI’s standard use of Kynar 500® paint system provides superior color retention. There are 20 standard colors to choose from. In addition, there are metallic and weathered colors. Paint warranty varies from 25 to 40 years.

Compared to unpainted panels, pre-painted panels increase in price and are ordered at time of placing order. Color and quantity requirements will impact the lead time of the roofing panels availability and delivery.

Which should you go with?

Choosing unpainted or painted panels will come down to personal preference and price. Once you get down to it, they are both fantastic roofs and will last a very long time! Whether you are looking for unpainted or painted metal roofing, Corrugated Metals is here to serve. Contact us today to request a quote.

Making Smart Finish Choices

Not every build needs to shine. Sometimes, it just needs to work, and last. That’s where the decision between painted and unpainted metal building panels comes into play. It’s one of those things that doesn’t sound critical… until you see the difference it makes in the real world. 

At Corrugated Metals, Inc., we’ve seen both finishes used in ways that make total sense, depending on the project. And if you’re trying to figure out what fits your structure best, it helps to break it down by use, style, and long-term needs.

When Bare Metal Just Makes Sense

Some jobs demand simplicity. No coatings, no frills, just strong material that holds up over time. That’s the case with many unpainted metal siding projects, especially in agricultural and industrial spaces. Think barns, equipment storage, or maintenance buildings. For these types of sites, the priority is protection, not polish.

Galvanized and Galvalume® panels offer built-in corrosion resistance. They arrive ready to install and require very little upkeep. You don’t have to wait on coatings or finishes, and they blend in with the raw, working aesthetic a lot of rural and industrial spaces go for. It’s less about looks, more about lasting power.

When Color and Coating Matter

Now flip the script. If you’re working on a space people actually see, like a retail center, school, or commercial building, painted panels are the better pick. They come with consistent color, clean lines, and extra protection against fading and wear. That’s not just about looks, it’s also about longevity.

We offer painted finishes made to hold up in sun, wind, and rain. They’re backed by top-quality coating systems (like Kynar 500®), so the color stays sharp for years. With painted metal building panels, you get both style and substance, which is ideal when you’re working in urban or high-traffic settings.

What’s Under the Roof Still Matters

It’s easy to get caught up in the finish, but let’s not forget the base structure. As trusted metal roof deck manufacturers, we provide the backbone for roofing systems that need to meet strict structural standards. Whether you’re putting up a commercial office, warehouse, or school gym, our deck products are made to handle the load.

They’re strong, reliable, and designed to work with both painted and unpainted panels, so your top layer looks good and stays secure.

So, What Should You Choose?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on where your building is, what it’s used for, and what kind of wear it’ll take. Corrugated Metals is proud and honored every day to draw on decades of expertise to deliver painted finishes that provide long-term style and weather protection. Unpainted siding gets the job done without extra cost. And no matter what, you need a roof deck that’ll hold it all together.

Contact us today or request a quote and let us help you find the right combo for your build, painted or bare, siding or deck, industrial or commercial. We’re here to help you get it right the first time.

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