Conservatory Roof

[Ralph219]

We have a U.P.V.C. conservatory with a tri-wall polycarbonate roof. We want to paint the inside of this with a white or cream colour, partly to obscure the light and partly to deflect the amount of heat that comes in. Do I have to use a special type of paint for this or can I use a normal vinyl silk emulsion?

 

[pompeyal]

I think that if you use ordinary paints on poly sheet they will soon start to peel, I would look at using an etch primer on the poly sheet first before applying any finishing coat maybe something suitable for use for fibreglass. If you could get an off cut to practice on this would be a good idea. once the primer has gone off apply the finish you would like and subject it to the conditions your roof is seeing.

 

[misterhelpful]

As pompeyal says, using a standard paint would be unwise, as the differing temperatures the panels are exposed to will cause the paint to crack and peel in no time. Also, you will be surprised at just how much light white paint will block out - it could be very dark - especially during winter.

It might be wise to take a look at something like a model/RC car forum because they use specialist paints for use on polycarbonate. I imagine it will only be in small quantities though.

Isn't painting a bit drastic when blinds are available to block the heat and light?

 

[Ralph219]

Thank you both for your input, I know that blinds are available but we have been quoted about £5k for our conservatory, no way can we afford that, so painting is the next alternative. I know it will reduce the light but as we have windows on three sides, the light loss from through the roof will be negligible, our other alternative is to have the roof removed and a lightweight flat roof installed in its place.
I have some offcuts of polycarbonate in my shed, I will play around with some primer and paint and see what happens.

 

[misterhelpful]

I know that blinds are available but we have been quoted about £5k for our conservatory...

Paint it is then!!

 

[Richard C]

Painting polycarbonate will be fraught with problems unless you use the correct (& expensive) paint & the heat will still cause peeling in a very short time. It will ruin your cons roof & you will wish you’d never done it. Have you considered solar inserts?
http://www.conservatorymedic.net/Solar_Inserts.htm

These are foil strips inserted into the core of the poly roof, there are many suppliers.

 

[Robbie uk]

You will be suprised as to how much the polycarbonate will expand and contract in the heat. As said this will lead to the paint cracking and possibly flaking with the heat.

 

[Ralph219]

Have you considered solar inserts?
These are foil strips inserted into the core or the poly roof, there are many suppliers.

Thanks for all the replies, I have looked at solar inserts and that is probably the way I am going to go. Thank you Richard C