Forged in 1984.
Proven since the Middle Ages.

Forged in 1984.
Proven since the Middle Ages.

How to Paint Terne: What You Need to Know

Tin-clad stainless steel, or Terne as it is known in the industry, is a versatile, historically significant roofing and cladding material. However, if you’ve ever tried painting it, you’ve likely discovered that tin doesn’t like to be painted. Despite this, many historic preservation ordinances require a painted finish.

We dedicated years of research—partnering with Sherwin-Williams—to develop the best possible approach to painting terne. Through extensive testing, financial investment, and hands-on experience, we formulated a proprietary system that ensures optimal adhesion and long-term durability.

For historic terne roofs needed to satisfy historic covenants, learn how to paint terne roofs

While painting terne is possible, it’s important to set realistic expectations. Unlike PVDF-coated Galvalume, painted terne does not offer a warranty-backed finish, and its longevity depends on environmental factors. Proper maintenance—as often as every five years or so—could be required to ensure its performance over time.

The design options using terne are endless! We can make any system, even historic restorations accompanied by all the necessary matching terne accessories!

A Specialized Approach—Why We Keep It Exclusive

Our cleaning solutions, primers, paints, and application techniques are the result of extensive development and are only available through Spengler Industries. These proprietary materials and methods ensure that the paint adheres properly and performs as expected.

Because of the many variables that influence paint performance—such as environmental exposure, project-specific conditions, and application methods—we provide these solutions exclusively to our clients who place qualifying orders. This ensures that:

✔ The correct products and techniques are used
✔ The application is performed correctly
✔ The finish meets historic and aesthetic requirements

*Once an order of sufficient size is placed with us, we provide the specialized materials along with detailed instructions for your painting team. Alternatively, we offer the option to handle the process in-house for clients who prefer a turnkey solution.

Case Study: An Historic Challenge in Yellowstone

The National Park Service faced a significant challenge with a series of historic buildings in Yellowstone. Their original pressed tin shingles, which had weathered decades of harsh winters and heavy snow loads, were in dire condition.

Old, pressed and painted tin shingle off of a historic building in Yellowstone.

Pictured above: the original, old shingle from one of the Yellowstone buildings we were tasked to match and improve.

🔹 The Problem: The buildings were protected historic structures, meaning the shingles had to be replaced with an exact match. However, funding had been inconsistent for decades, and the Park Service lacked the ability to continually maintain a high-maintenance system.

🔹 Our Solution: We developed our proprietary terne paint system specifically for this project, ensuring that the new finish would meet historic preservation requirements while being as low-maintenance as possible. But we didn’t stop there.

🔹 A Major Upgrade: While the new shingles matched the original look, we completely reengineered them to actually withstand the extreme conditions of Yellowstone—without frequent repairs. The result? A solution that checked all the boxes:
Authentic aesthetics for historic preservation
Stronger shingles engineered for heavy snow loads
A paint system that outperforms all other options for terne

This project proved that doing things right the first time is the most financially responsible choice—especially when funding is unpredictable.

🎥 See why our approach is the smartest financial investment here:
Watch the video

Why This Matters

Painting terne is not a one-size-fits-all process. Due to the unique nature of tin-coated stainless steel, incorrect products or application methods can lead to premature failure, adhesion issues, or an uneven finish. That’s why we only release our proprietary system to clients who work directly with us, ensuring that the process is executed correctly for the best possible results.

Looking for a Long-Lasting Terne Paint Solution?

If you have a terne roof or wall cladding that requires painting, we’re here to help. Our tailored approach ensures that you receive the right materials and guidance to achieve the best possible outcome.

📞 Contact us today to discuss your project and learn more about our exclusive painting system. 801-462-5264

🔗 Learn more about tin-clad stainless steel (terne) here: Terne-Clad Stainless Steel

Spengler Industries