Short answer first:
If a scratch has only marked the coating, it’s mostly cosmetic.
If it’s gone through to bare steel, you should touch it up — not urgently, but properly.
This guide shows you exactly when to act, what to use, and what not to do, without overcomplicating it.
Why scratches happen (and why it’s normal)
Lindab guttering is steel with a high-quality factory coating. It’s durable, but it’s still a coated metal product.
Scratches usually happen during:
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handling long lengths
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installation (ladders, scaffolding, tools)
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trimming or adjusting sections
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future work near the roof
A scratch doesn’t mean the system is failing. It just means the coating has been disturbed.
First: work out what type of scratch it is
Before you do anything, look closely.
Cosmetic scratch (no action needed)
You can usually leave it alone if:
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the scratch is very fine
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you can’t see bare metal
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it’s only visible up close
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it’s on the underside or back edge
These don’t affect performance or lifespan.
Exposed steel (should be touched up)
You should touch it up if:
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you can see shiny metal
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the scratch feels sharp or rough
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it’s on the front edge or base of the gutter
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water regularly runs over that area
Bare steel + moisture = eventual corrosion. Touch-up prevents that. You always want to avoid rusting.
What you actually need (keep it simple)
You don’t need a full decorating kit.
You’ll need:
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a clean cloth
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mild detergent and water
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fine abrasive pad or very fine sandpaper (only if needed)
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Lindab-approved touch-up paint (correct colour)
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a small brush or touch-up applicator
Avoid generic paints or random sprays — colour match and coating compatibility matter.
Step-by-step: how to touch up properly
1. Clean the area
Remove dirt, grease and residue with mild detergent and water. Did you know we produced a helpful guide on how to clean metal gutters?
Dry it fully. Paint does not like damp surfaces.
2. Lightly prepare the scratch (if needed)
If the scratch has a raised edge or loose coating:
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gently smooth it with a fine abrasive
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don’t sand aggressively
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you’re just removing sharp edges, not stripping paint
Wipe clean again afterwards.
3. Apply the touch-up paint sparingly
Less is more.
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apply a thin coat just to the exposed area
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don’t flood it
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avoid brushing beyond the scratch unnecessarily
You’re sealing the steel, not repainting the gutter.
4. Let it cure naturally
Allow it to dry as per the paint guidance.
Avoid rain contact if possible during curing.
That’s it.
Common mistakes to avoid (these cause more harm than the scratch)
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❌ Using household gloss or car paint
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❌ Spraying a large area “for coverage”
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❌ Painting over dirt or moisture
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❌ Ignoring scratches at joints or outlets
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❌ Scraping back to bare steel “to be safe”
Touch-ups should be targeted and minimal.
Will the touch-up be visible?
Although Lindab Magestic Gutters are every tough, usually, yes — slightly. And that’s normal.
Touch-up paint:
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protects first
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blends second
From ground level, most touch-ups are invisible. From a ladder, you’ll know where you painted — and that’s fine. The goal is protection, not perfection.
How often should you check for scratches?
You don’t need to obsess.
A quick look during:
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annual gutter cleaning
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post-installation checks
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after roof work or storms
is enough. If you spot bare steel, deal with it once and move on.
Bottom line
Small scratches on Lindab guttering are normal and usually harmless.
Scratches that expose bare steel should be touched up — simply, cleanly, and without overdoing it.
Do that, and the coating will continue to do its job quietly in the background, exactly as it’s designed to.
You can shop the full range of Lindab gutters and downpipes on our website.