How to Paint Cement Asbestos Siding

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By Bambi Turner
eHow Contributing Writer

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Cement asbestos siding was a popular building material used from the early 1900's through the 1970's. It was made from a blend of Portland cement and asbestos fibers, and was used throughout the United States to cover the exterior of homes and commercial buildings. Due to the health risks associated with asbestos, this material was discontinued in the 1970's, but is still present on many homes where it was never removed. As asbestos is only dangerous when it is released into the air, this siding is only harmful when cut, drilled, or removed. With proper care, it can be cleaned, painted, and safely maintained.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Water
Bleach
Long handled brush
Ladder
Acrylic latex paint
Paint sprayer(Can be rented)

Step 1

Determine whether your siding can be worked with safely. If the siding has a large amount of peeling or chalking, you should hire a professional and not attempt this project on your own. If the material is mostly smooth, and just needs cleaning and a new coat of paint, it is safe to proceed.
Step 2

Wear goggles and rubber gloves to protect your eyes and skin when working with bleach.
Step 3

Mix one quart bleach with two quarts water. Use a long handled brush to clean the entire surface of the walls you will be painting. This will likely require the use of a ladder.
Step 4

Rinse the entire wall surface with water using a garden hose to remove all traces of bleach. Allow the walls to dry completely before proceding to the next step.
Step 5

Using your paint sprayer, apply a latex acrylic paint in smooth even strokes. Allow 24 hours for this coat to dry, then apply a second coat.

Tips & Warnings

When in doubt, contact a professional abatement contractor to assist with projects involving hazardous materials like these.
There is no need to use a primer coat, as cement siding is less porous then other materials, so paint will adhere better.
Do not use a power washer to clean this material. Doing so will release fibers into the air and pose an extreme health risk.
Never sand or scrape asbestos siding.

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