Treat limestone with a specialist cleaner and primer/sealer before painting.
Painting limestone can give your masonry a bright, new look. Limestone is a sedimentary rock formed of highly alkaline calcites, so thorough preparation is an essential first step before painting limestone. The prospect of painting limestone masonry may be daunting at first, but you can achieve an excellent finish by treating the rock with a specialist cleaner and an alkaline-inhibiting paint primer.
Instructions
1. Wash the limestone surface with either soapy water or a specialist trisodium phosphate-based cleaner (TSP), which helps to remove dirt and grease. Wear protective gloves if you use TSP. Scrub the surface with a stiff brush to remove any loose materials or dust. Start at the top of the wall and work your way down. Leave the surface to dry.
2. Apply an alkaline-inhibiting paint primer/sealer. For flat limestone surfaces, use a regular paintbrush. For craggy or highly textured limestone surfaces, use a paint roller. Take care to dab the primer/sealer into all crevices. Using a primer/sealer helps coats of paint stick to the surface and prevents moisture and water damage. You may need to apply two coats of primer/sealer. Wait for the first coat to dry before applying the second.
3. Paint the treated limestone surface with specialist masonry paint, using either a regular paintbrush for flat surfaces or a medium-nap paint roller for textured and rough surfaces. You will usually need to apply more than one coat of masonry paint. Wait for the first coat to dry before applying the final coat.
Related posts
Pebbledash exterior wall covering consists of a thin concrete coating with pebbles tossed onto it. The finishing process, used primarily in England and Wales to cover shoddy masonry workmanship, c...
Are you tired of the old wood look in your home? Dark wood paneling seems to make a room small and dungeon like. You should consider painting over the panels to brighten up the dismal space. Here...
Homeowners often think of painting metal as intimidating. While paint will peel and flake from metal objects if done incorrectly, it can be done with great results. Painting a metal object with go...
Painting cedar lap siding on your house will undoubtedly enhance its appearance even as it protects the siding from natural elements. Although cedar is naturally rot resistant, painting it ostensi...
Liven up a concrete floor with paint.If you have a concrete floor in your garage or basement and aren't sure about covering it with carpet, tile or other flooring, consider painting it. You can pa...
