SMP Paint: Is it a Good Choice?

PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) has been the leading coating system in the standing seam metal industry. However, a couple of premium-quality paints are available for coating systems in standing seam metal systems. One of them includes SMP (silicone modified polyester) paint.

SMP is a good choice for coating your standing seam metal roof. Because you might not be very familiar with it, we’ve put this together to educate you on what SMP is, its pros and cons, and why it might be an excellent choice for you.

What Is SMP Paint?

Silicone modified polyester (SMP) is a kind of coating system that people apply to metal sheet and coil products. Other names for this coating system are silicone-protected polyester or siliconized polyester. It is an architectural paint that combines silicon for gloss retention and polyester for weather protection in a formula.

When it comes to standing seam metal roofing, some consider SMP to be inferior to PVDF  in terms of performance. This is because SMP coats are subject to chalking and fading faster than PVDFs. 

Thankfully, that is no longer the case as SMP’s technology has gotten better. It has now become a practical choice for commercial, architectural, and agricultural applications. Some of its features include;

• Excellent outdoor durability
• Outstanding resistance to weather, pollution resistance, and chalking
• Hardness 
• Excellent heat, wear, and scratch resistance
• Good retention of gloss and color 

Application of SMP Paint

SMP color-coated steel is primarily utilized in regions with high wind and sand and in mines, steel mills, and other sectors. This is because of its exceptional exterior durability and scratch resistance. Its primary applications are roofing and wall panels for structures, garages, and warehouses in light industrial, commercial, residential, suburban, and rural locations.

However, SMP-coated steel is not appropriate for situations requiring several forming operations because of silicone resin’s low adherence and processability.

Pros and Cons of SMP Paint

Pros

• Enhanced resistance to scratches: The fact that SMP is a tougher paint system than PVDF is a significant advantage. This quality makes SMP-coated material more resistant to scratches. When you coat your panels with an SMP paint solution, they will become more resilient to damage during roof installation or manufacture. 
• Warranty on film adhesion: SMP and PVDF paint systems usually have identical film adhesion warranties. Some manufacturers provide a guarantee of about 40 years that covers observable bonding due to cracking, flaking, or peeling. 
• Affordability: SMP is significantly less costly than traditional PVDF-coated materials. This makes it an option that is more cost-effective for some standing seam projects. 
• Works effectively in most environments: When exposed, SMP coating will work just fine, even though it won’t retain its color pigment for as long as PVDF. This coating does a great job protecting your panels from moisture, temperature, and other weather degradation because of its tough nature.
• Provides extra gloss options: SMP provides several gloss options, from low to medium. Due to the silicon in the formula, SMP leaves your panels shining even years after installing it. 

Cons

• Fades quickly: When chemicals in the air and specific settings react with the pigment in paint, things like water, pollution, and specialized conditions can cause fading on painted metal roofs or walls. 
• Prone to chalking: The chances of this paint system chalking are pretty high, especially when exposed to harsh weather. Chalking occurs when the resin in a panel deteriorates and breaks down when exposed to sunshine and UV radiation. 
• Not suitable for bright colors: Experts often discourage people from using vibrant and brilliant colors when using SMP panels. They do this because of the increased amount of fading and chalking. As a result, the SMP options from many suppliers tend to be more earthy or softer in hue rather than red or blue, which will compromise the aesthetic. 

When To Choose an SMP Paint System

1. When you are working with a tight budget: Many manufacturers and contractors will try to provide their clients with more economical solutions, including SMP, when they are on a budget. SMP is a reasonably priced alternative to consider when working on a project with limited funds. 
2. If you prefer a subtle or subdued earth-tone color: As time passes, the SMP paint color will look better. This is because the earthier or lighter it is, the better it looks as it ages. For that reason, SMP could be a smart option for you if you’re installing a hue like Sandstone, Ash Gray, or Regal White.
3. If you are installing a wall panel profile: Since SMP vertical (wall) panels and PVDF horizontal (roof) panels have the same chalking and fading numbers, people usually utilize SMPs in wall panel systems. This makes it a fantastic choice that will endure well in vertical siding installations. 
4. In the event that you desire a textured finish on your system: More people are beginning to adopt textured finishes because they provide a look that is somewhat more unique than a single-color, flat panel. People use SMP in the majority of these texturing systems.

Conclusion

In the last ten or twenty years, silicone modified polyester paint techniques have advanced significantly. This advancement has made them a more practical option for architectural metal roofing systems. So, if you are looking for an affordable paint system, you don’t need to stress because SMP can save the day. Now that you have more information about this coating system, do you think it is the right fit for your project?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does metal roof painting cost in 2024?

There are various factors that will affect the cost of painting your metal roof. However, painting a metal roof usually costs between $1,300 and $3,420, with an average cost of $2,360.

What is SMP coating?

SMP coating is one of the top coatings people use on pre-painted steel the most frequently. It blends the best qualities of silicone and polyester resin, offering outstanding color retention, good wear resistance, and superior corrosion and weather resistance. Its service life exceeds ten years in a typical setting. Thus, SMP color coated steel is extensively utilized for roofing and wall panels in light industrial, commercial, and residential locations; it is also widely employed in steel mills and other fields and places that experience significant sandstorms.