Well now, if you’ve ever tried to slap a fresh coat of paint on a rusty old fence, you know there’s more to keeping metal looking good than just picking a pretty color. A pole barn is no different. These buildings take a beating from sun, snow, rain, critters, and anything else Mother Nature can throw their way. That’s why, here at DIY Pole Barns, we don’t mess around when it comes to paint and protection.
We stick with a powerful pairing: Akzo Nobel’s Ceram-A-Star® 1050 paint system and Galvalume-coated steel. It’s not just fancy science. It’s the kind of dependable duo that earns its keep, year after year.
Paint That Ain’t Just Paint: Ceram-A-Star® 1050
Now, Ceram-A-Star® 1050 might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s really just good engineering with a little common sense behind it. It’s what the industry folks call an SMP coating, which stands for silicone-modified polyester. That’s a mouthful, but it means it holds up like a champ in harsh weather, stays looking sharp, and doesn’t chalk or fade like those cheaper options.
Here’s what makes it worth every penny:
- Ceramic Pigments – These ain’t your kid’s art supplies. They’re tough little particles that don’t bleach out in the sun. Even down in Florida, this paint holds on to 90 percent of its shine after ten years baking in the heat.
- COOL CHEMISTRY® Tech – This stuff reflects infrared heat so well it can lower the roof temperature by up to 25 percent. That means less sweating and more saving on your electric bill in the summer.
- Thick Where It Counts – The topcoat runs between 0.70 and 0.80 mils thick, which means it resists scratches, dings, and whatever else might try to scuff it up.
- Chemical Resistance – Agricultural buildings deal with all kinds of grime and gunk. Ceram-A-Star® 1050 shrugs off over 100 MEK double rubs, which basically means it’s tough enough for farm life.
Metal That Knows How to Defend Itself: Galvalume
Underneath that fine coat of paint, the steel itself has to hold its own. That’s where Galvalume comes in. It’s steel that’s been hot-dipped in a special blend of aluminum (55 percent), zinc (43.4 percent), and a touch of silicon (1.6 percent). Each part of that mix brings something to the party:
- Aluminum puts up a natural barrier that keeps rust at bay.
- Zinc is the sacrificial hero. It corrodes first to protect the steel underneath.
- Silicon helps everything stick together and stay flexible during building.
Compared to regular galvanized steel, Galvalume lasts two to four times longer. It even reflects 70 percent of the sun’s heat, which helps keep your barn cool and your livestock or equipment comfortable. And when you add paint over top, you’re looking at 40-plus years of solid performance.
Two Tools in One Toolbox: Why They Work Better Together
It’s kind of like pairing a good set of boots with thick wool socks. You get layered protection that just works better together. Ceram-A-Star® 1050 seals out sunlight, moisture, and nicks, while Galvalume fights rust and reflects heat.
Here’s what you get:
- Rust and Fade Resistance – The steel fights corrosion. The paint stops UV damage. Together, they make one tough shell.
- Cooler Temps – Between Galvalume’s reflectivity and Ceram-A-Star® 1050’s heat-fighting pigments, roof temps can drop by 50 degrees. That’s a real difference you’ll feel.
- Long-Lasting Looks – That smooth Galvalume surface helps the paint go on clean and even. And those ceramic pigments keep your barn looking fresh for decades.
Proven in the Field
Let’s break it down by environment:
- Farms – Stands up to humidity, manure, and whatever else your animals throw at it.
- Coastal Areas – Salt air can chew up metal, but the zinc in Galvalume heals itself like a champ.
- Hot Sun – Even 30-plus years in full sun, and the color holds strong thanks to those ceramic pigments.
Why We Trust It at DIY Pole Barns
After more than two decades in this business, we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. We’ve learned the hard way that cheap coatings might save a few bucks up front, but they’ll cost you later in headaches and repairs. That’s why we stand behind this winning combo.
- Tough as Nails – From snowy Ohio winters to the sweltering heat of the South, these materials perform.
- Low Maintenance – Less washing, fewer repairs, and no early repainting. Just more time to enjoy your barn.
- A Custom Look – Choose from over 30 colors, including options with woodgrain textures if you want a little extra style.
- Sustainable – Reflective roofs and durable materials mean your barn runs cooler and lasts longer. Good for the environment and your wallet.
And we don’t just talk big. We back it up:
- Ceram-A-Star® 1050 comes with a Limited Lifetime film warranty and 30-year fade and chalk protection.
- Galvalume carries a 25-year corrosion warranty.
Let the Numbers Do the Talking
Ceram-A-Star® 1050 vs. Other Coatings
| Feature | Ceram-A-Star® 1050 | Standard Polyester | PVDF |
| UV Resistance | Excellent | Moderate | Excellent |
| Cost Efficiency | High | Low | Premium |
| Scratch Resistance | F (ASTM D3363) | H to 2H | F to H |
| Energy Efficiency | Yes | No | Limited |
Galvalume vs. Other Metals
| Feature | Galvalume | Galvanized Steel | Aluminum |
| Corrosion Warranty | 25 years | 10 to 15 years | Lifetime |
| Thermal Reflectivity | 70 percent | 30 percent | 80 percent |
| Weight | Lightweight | Heavy | Very Light |
| Cost | Moderate | Low | High |
Final Thoughts from the Barn Porch
Choosing Ceram-A-Star® 1050 and Galvalume isn’t luck or guesswork. It’s a time-tested, wisdom-backed decision. Like Grandpa’s pocketknife or a favorite tractor, it earns its place and proves its worth.
So whether you’re putting up a horse barn in Tennessee or a machine shop in Colorado, you can rest easy knowing this combo has your back. With DIY Pole Barns, you’re not just raising a structure. You’re building something that’ll last for generations.
Keep building with purpose, and keep building better every time.
—Albert Barnwright
Design Your New Pole Barn Today – Get an Instant Quote Online!
Call our knowledgeable staff at 800-622-4242. If you’re ready to build your pole building, lock in a quote with DIY Pole Barns using our Instant Quote tool!
Connect with us on social media!