Enquire Us
What is Heat Reflective Paint for GI Sheets?
The Heat Reflective paint for Metal and GI Roofs is a nanotechnology-based acrylic paint that has been infused with pigments that reflect the sun’s infrared rays. The paint differs from regular metal roof paints in the way that it not only reflects the infrared rays but also lets go of any absorbed energy quickly, thus increasing its Thermal Emittance. It is this combination of the two factors that form the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI).
The COOLROOF® Paint has 95% Solar Reflectance and 91% Thermal Emittance on Metal Roofing to provide it with an SRI of 122, which exceeds the requirement of 78 for high albedo products.
How COOLROOF® Works on Metal and GI Roofs
- Reflects up to 95% of incoming solar energy back off the sheet’s surface
- Lowers GI sheet surface temperature by up to 20°C compared to an unpainted/untreated roof
- Forms a flexible and moisture-resistant coating that follows the metal sheet in its expansion and contraction cycles
- Prevents moisture penetration, thereby minimising the danger of corrosion beneath the sheet
Benefits of Heat Reflective Paint for Tin Sheds, Warehouses and Factories
1. Dramatic Drop in Indoor Temperature
2. Reduced Energy for Cooling and Ventilation
Places where ventilation fans, air conditioners, or other HVAC units are used to control the temperature in the sheds witness a significant decrease in energy usage due to the lack of radiation of heat from the roof, saving around 30% on cooling costs.
3. Corrosion and Rust Inhibition in GI Sheets
Good heat-reflective paint also serves as a waterproof cover for the galvanised surface, retarding corrosion and increasing the life span of the sheet metal, which is a big plus over the naked or painted GI sheets.
4. Better Conditions for Livestock, Stock and Staff
5. Extended Roof Life
By minimising the extreme daily heating-cooling cycle metal sheets go through, heat-reflective paint reduces thermal stress, fastener loosening and sheet warping over time.
Metal Roof Types Compatible with COOLROOF® Heat Reflective Paint
COOLROOF® also works equally well on non-metal roofs — see our detailed guide on cool roof paint for roofs and RCC roof paint and concrete roof paint for other surface types.
- GI (Galvanised Iron) sheets
- Galvalume sheets
- Pre-coated / pre-painted metal roofing sheets
- Corrugated metal roofing and tin sheds
- Poly-flex and fibre-reinforced roofing sheets
Technical Specifications — Heat Reflective Paint for Metal and GI Roofs
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Solar Reflectance | 95% |
| Thermal Emittance | 91% |
| Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) | 122 |
| Surface Temperature Reduction | Up to 20°C on metal/GI roofing |
| Standards Tested | ASTM / LEEDS |
| Green Building Approvals | GRIHA and IGBC certified high albedo coating |
| Packing Sizes | 10 kg, 20 kg, 50 kg (custom sizes available) |
| Recommended Surfaces | GI sheets, galvalume sheets, pre-coated sheets, corrugated metal roofs, poly-flex |
GI Sheets vs Galvalume vs Pre-Coated Metal Roofs: Coating Considerations
All metal roofs do not react similarly to heat-reflective paint. Ordinary GI sheets that are either new or slightly oxidised are expected to be easy to apply paint after cleaning and if required, some primer application. Galvalume sheets have smooth and reflective factory finishes, hence require proper surface treatment and adhesion promoters to ensure that the paint adheres correctly. Pre-coated/pre-painted sheets are covered with factory paint, hence requiring an initial step such as sanding or degreasing prior to painting with COOLROOF® heat reflective paint. It is always wise to perform a quick surface inspection before any painting operation.
Industries Using Heat Reflective Paint on Metal and GI Roofs
COOLROOF® heat reflective paint is used extensively with metal roofing. Clients include Blinkit (300+ stores), Indian Oil, Indian Army and Venky’s Poultry.
How to Apply Heat Reflective Paint on GI and Metal Roofs
- Clean the sheet thoroughly — remove rust, dust, oil and loose/flaking paint
- Treat any existing rust spots and repair loose fasteners or damaged sheets
- Apply a suitable primer/anti-corrosive base coat where the metal is exposed or rusted
- Apply 2–3 coats of COOLROOF® heat reflective paint using a roller, brush or spray
- Allow proper curing time before exposing the roof to rain or heavy foot traffic
For large sheds, factories and industrial roofs, COOLROOF® offers complete turnkey application services — from site inspection to final handover with warranty.
Cost Factors for Heat Reflective Paint on Metal Roofs
The cost of coating a metal or GI roof depends on several factors: total roof area, the extent of rust or damage requiring pre-treatment, the number of coats required, accessibility of the roof (height, slope, obstructions), and whether professional turnkey application is used versus in-house painting. Industrial and B2B customers typically get the best value by ordering COOLROOF® in bulk 20 kg or 50 kg packs and using our turnkey application services, which include site inspection, material, skilled labour and warranty in one package. Contact our team for a free quotation based on your roof’s specific requirements.
Common Mistakes When Painting Metal and GI Roofs
Avoiding these mistakes ensures the heat reflective paint bonds properly to the GI sheet and delivers its full solar reflectance and corrosion-resistance benefits for years.
- Skipping surface cleaning and painting directly over dust, oil or chalking residue
- Ignoring rust spots instead of treating and priming them before coating
- Applying a single coat, which rarely gives full reflectance or long-term durability
- Painting during or right before rain, which prevents proper curing
- Using ordinary enamel or synthetic metal paint instead of a purpose-built heat reflective coating
Signs Your Metal or GI Roof Needs Heat Reflective Paint
If your shed or warehouse is much warmer than the outside air temperatures, your personnel or livestock exhibit signs of heat stress during the day, your metal roof becomes too warm to touch in the middle of the morning hours, or if you have your exhaust fans operating continuously without rest, then it is certain that your roof is absorbing a lot of solar heat energy than it ought to.
Maintenance Tips for Painted Metal and GI Roofs
- Wash the roof periodically to remove dust and industrial residue that dulls reflectivity
- Check fasteners, joints and overlaps for leaks after every monsoon season
- Touch up any scratched or chipped areas promptly to prevent rust from spreading
- Avoid walking on the coated sheet with sharp or heavy footwear where possible
- Plan a recoat cycle for high-exposure industrial roofs to maintain peak performance
What Our Clients Say
Frequently Asked Questions — Heat Reflective Paint for Metal and GI Roofs
Yes, it works effectively on GI sheets as metal roofs heat up and cool down quickly compared to concrete, hence providing a highly reflective impact which may lower temperatures by 20 degrees centigrade.
When using high-quality paint like COOLROOF®, a waterproof and weatherproof film will form on the GI sheet, although rusty sheets require treatment and priming.
Yes, provided the surface is cleaned properly and the loose paint is removed. A primer coat is required when the surface is rusty and worn out.
Generally, 2 to 3 coats are required on GI and metal roofs for full opacity and good reflectance.
Yes, it is suitable for such structures which have metal/GI roofs.
COOLROOF® heat reflective paint is UV resistant, water resistant, and fungus resistant, and is manufactured to perform for years on metal roof surfaces with little maintenance.
Spraying is one method of applying the coating on large industrial metal/GI roof surfaces along with other methods such as rolling and brushing.
Though heat reflective paint reflects heat primarily, there could be a cushioning effect on the sheet surface due to the coating film.
