How to Paint Asbestos Walls

Use caution when painting walls containing asbestos.

Asbestos comprised mineral fibers in plaster, pipe insulation and roofing on homes and buildings constructed before the mid-1970s, when asbestos was banned. These fibers become hazardous when airborne and inhaled, and are known to cause lung cancer, emphysema and mesothelioma. If you are renovating a home or building of that era or prior, it's important to not release these fibers into the air, thus preventing health hazards. When left undisturbed, asbestos is not a threat.

Things You'll Need

• Oil-based paint/primer mixture
• Paint spray gun
• Plastic liner
• Blue masking tape
• Protective face mask

Instructions

1. Rent or buy a paint spray gun from a home improvement store.

2. Buy however many gallons of your choice oil-based paint, preferably a paint/primer mix.

3. Mix the paint and pour into the spray gun and assemble as instructed to prepare to paint.

4. With blue masking tape, tape of the edges of the wall that do not need to be painted.

5. Cover floors and other countertops, items, furniture with the plastic paint liner to prevent paint from dusting onto these items.

6. Put on the face mask to not inhale any toxins or possible dangerous materials.

7. Spray the paint 6 to 8 inches from the wall to obtain the color and thickness desired.

8. Apply any additional coats of paint after the first layer dries, repeat this as necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Patch any nail holes or other uneven spots with plaster and smooth with your hand or finger only. Do this gently to not damage the wall and release any fibers.

• If the wall is textured, you must leave it that way. Smoothing it flat will cause the asbestos to go airborne.

• Many construction and certified painters are trained in asbestos awareness. Asking them to examine the wall or help with the project can save time and provide extra safety precautions.

• Do not under any circumstances sand the wall with sandpaper or any rough surfaced object. This breaks up the materials and releases the fibers into the air.

• Do not drill, cut, remove, or grind any holes into the wall. This will also release the fibers.

References

• Stanford University Asbestos Fact Sheet
• Mike Towns. Construction Superintendent. DF Chase Construction.

Resources

• Home Depot Painting Project Guide