Things You'll Need:
- TSP
- Stiff brush
- Bleach
- Caulk
- Rags or sponges
- Latex primer
- Paint roller
- Latex paint
- Small paint brush
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Step 1
Prepare the surface by removing chipped paint, loose mortar and soil. Use a heavy-duty detergent like TSP and a stiff wire brush to clean the surface. Exterior stone walls can be power washed to remove flaking paint and old mortar.
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Step 2
Clean mildew from the stone wall with a solution of three parts warm water and one part household bleach. Scrub mildewed areas and rinse with clean water before the solution has dried to prevent stains and streaks.
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Step 3
Seal cracks or places where the mortar has chipped with fresh mortar. Apply the mortar with a trowel and smooth it out with a damp sponge or rag.
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Step 4
Apply latex primer to the stone wall with a paint roller with a 3/8-inch nap. Primer will prevent water and stains from bleeding through the topcoat and will make the paint last longer.
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Step 5
Use a roller with a 3/8-inch nap to paint the stone wall with exterior latex paint (interior if you're working indoors). If the surface needs more than one coat, let the paint dry thoroughly. Use a small brush to apply paint in cracks or pits in the stone.
