How to Paint Roof Cornices

A roof cornice is a decorative architectural moulding located beneath a roof's eaves. The cornice often projects outward to obscure the point where the roof meets a wall. Exterior cornices are made from wood, metal, PVC and even terra cotta. Successfully painting a cornice requires knowing what paint works best with the specific cornice material.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• Primer
• Paint
• Blue painter's tape
• Spray can holder
• Paint rollers or brushes
• Utility knife

1. Find out what material the roof cornice is made of. This determines what type of paint you'll use.
2. Remove any old paint that is chipping or peeling. Use a plastic putty knife to scrape off paint that's peeling in large strips, and sandpaper or paint remover to get rid of flaking paint. Clean the stripped cornices thoroughly.
3. Choose a primer and paint made to adhere to the material the roof cornices are made of. If the roof cornices are decorated with intricate scroll work and carving, choose a spray primer and paint. If the cornices are primarily flat and angular, use a low texture or foam roller.
4. Tape off the areas around the cornices that you don't want to paint. Blue painter's tape is less sticky than regular masking tape so it won't pull the paint off when it's removed. It also comes in wider widths than regular masking tape, making it easier to successfully keep paint away from areas you don't want painted.
5. Attach the holder to the can of primer spray paint if you're using a spray. Put on the respirator or mask.
6. Apply the primer with quick, short blasts from the spray can, or with even strokes of the roller. Allow the primer to dry and assess whether you think another coat of primer is necessary.
7. Switch cans or rollers and paint the cornices your color of choice. Let the paint dry and add a second coat if needed to achieve the right color. Let the paint dry.
8. Score the line where the painter's tape meets the newly painted cornices with a utility knife to eliminate any chance of tearing the new paint as you remove the painter's tape.
9. Slowly peel the painter's tape off. Pull it straight back rather than outward.

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