How to Paint Over Transite Siding

Wear a respirator throughout the preparation and application process.

Transite siding contains dangerous asbestos particles that can loosen and float into the air. Once airborne, these particles may be inhaled, leading to potentially deadly health problems. Although no longer manufactured, transite siding still adorns many older homes. Fortunately, you can render the transit siding on your home safe by sealing it with paint. Improper preparation and application methods could send asbestos particles into the air, so learn the proper way to deal with your transite siding or you could suffer serious consequences.

Things You'll Need

• Respirator
• Water hose
• Drop cloths
• Latex primer
• Roller frame
• 2 nap roller covers
• Roller extension pole
• 2 3-inch nylon paintbrushes
• Acrylic latex paint

Instructions

1. Wear a respirator throughout the preparation and application process. This will protect your lungs from potential airborne asbestos particles.

2. Wash the transite siding using a water hose. Don't worry about stirring up asbestos particles, as wet asbestos will not become airborne. Allow the transite siding to dry for 24 hours.

3. Coat the transite siding with latex primer using a roller. Begin at one corner of the transite and roll vertically moving left to right. Allow the transite to dry for two hours. Coat skipped areas using a nylon brush. Let the transite dry for two hours. Add a second coat of primer. Do not paint for two additional hours.

4. Dispose of the paintbrush and roller cover. Wash the frame using the water hose.

5. Paint the transite siding as you primed it. Apply two coats of acrylic latex paint and wait two hours between each.

6. Dispose of the paintbrush and roller cover.

Tips & Warnings

• Interior transite siding should be removed by professionals. Don't attempt to paint interior transite, as loosening asbestos particles in a confined area could lead to health problems.