Latex paint is the preferred paint for asbestos cement siding, but needs a base coat of latex primer for proper adhesion. Select the highest quality satin latex paint and prepare the tiles properly for a perfect finish.

What kind of paint do you use to paint asbestos siding?

Encapsulant paints are the best option for asbestos-cement siding because they can help prevent deterioration and damage to the surface. They can also improve the siding’s fire resistance. Encapsulant paint also works well on lead-based siding and surfaces.

Which paint is best for asbestos?





For external asbestos cement surfaces, 100% Acrylic type Emulsion paints or Dekrolite Masonry Paint are preferred due to their high alkali resistance.

Do you need special paint for asbestos?

There really is no “right” paint when painting asbestos siding, as it doesn’t require anything out of the ordinary. Pick a good quality exterior paint from a company like Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams and you’ll be fine.

Can you paint over asbestos sheeting?

Asbestos cement can be painted but extreme care must be taken not to loosen or release any dust or fibres. In fact, painting can make the material safer by sealing the surface.

How do you paint old asbestos siding?

When it comes to applying a long lasting coat of paint, start with a 100% acrylic exterior latex primer, followed by 100% exterior latex paint. Not all latex paint is 100% acrylic, so read the labels. Asbestos shingles hold paint very well when you use the right kind of coating.

Do you have to Prime asbestos siding before painting?





Allow the shingles to dry for a couple of sunny days before you start to paint them. Then you will need to prime the shingles with an exterior acrylic primer, such as Duron Bond-N-Seal and finish with 2 coats of either a flat or satin acrylic house paint, such as Duron Weathershield.

How do you paint asbestos soffits?

If you or your tradesperson want to paint asbestos soffit boards, you should use masonry paint and not regular undercoat or gloss, which won’t adhere to cement-based boards. You should also avoid sanding down these boards as dangerous fibres will be released.

Can you sand painted asbestos?

Sanding asbestos is about the worst thing you can do to it, but its very likely that yellow was just paint. I have never seen asbestos sheet that wasn’t white or some shade of light grey (when weathered), so you should be fine. OTOH, it would be wise to get an inspection to find out the extent of the problem…

How do you clean asbestos siding?

Remove any biological growth such as moss and fungus from the surface of the siding. Mix one part bleach and three parts water and spray the growth. The bleach will kill the organic matter. Within a week, you can come back and simply brush the moss or fungus off the surface.

Can you live in a house with asbestos siding?



Is it safe to live in a house that has asbestos siding? Yes, as long as the material isn’t disturbed, and the asbestos fibers stay contained within the cement, asbestos siding is safe. Asbestos siding can remain in perfect condition for 50–80 years or more.

Can I pressure wash asbestos?

It is vital to seal off and plug any gaps where toxic asbestos slurry can enter the building, and we do this using polythene sheeting and duct tape. We will then perform a superficial clean to get rid of obvious dust and debris. High pressure washing is not recommended for cleaning asbestos roofs.

Can you power wash asbestos shingles on a house?

When you say asbestos shingles, I presume you mean asbestos ‘siding’ shingles. These are easily prepared and easy to repaint. You can power wash any loose paint or simply scrape and remove any loose paint lightly with a wire brush. Then either prime and paint or simply paint (brush, roll, spray).

How do you caulk asbestos siding?



If the surface of the siding is porous, a primer-sealer suitable for masonry should be applied before painting. Cracks or chips in asbestos-cement siding should be carefully filled with a paintable caulking compound or exterior-grade spackling compound. After the patch cures, paint it to match the siding.

Is it safe to have asbestos shingles?

Just having asbestos siding and roofing on your home does not pose a hazard to your health. Asbestos-containing roofing and siding in good condition are best left alone. Damaged roofing and siding should be carefully repaired. Sometimes asbestos-containing roofing and siding can be covered with new materials.

Can you wash asbestos shingles?

Leeper explained that asbestos shingles must be cleaned “with a soft-bristle brush” similar to a car-cleaning brush. You can also use detergent, like dishwashing liquid, with the brush. Leeper called this method “the safest way” to clean shingles.