If you have a stone exterior house or fireplace, you may be wondering, can you paint stone? This is a common question from homeowners! Painting stone can really update the look and feel of your stone surface, but it’s essential to make sure your stone can be painted and that you use the proper products and techniques. In this blog post, we’re sharing how to paint sealed stone exterior walls or a stone fireplace with expert tips on surface preparation, paint product selection, and application.
In This Post
Can You Paint Stone?
If you’re wanting to refresh your stone exterior or update a stone fireplace, you’ll be thrilled to learn that yes, you can paint stone! Mineral paint is the most commonly used type of paint for both small decorative stones (like a fireplace!) and larger exterior stone surfaces.
The most important thing to keep in mind to ensure you achieve long-lasting adhesion and a professional-looking stone paint job is preparing the surface properly. This involves cleaning, priming, and following the manufacturer directions for proper paint application.
Stone Exterior House or Fireplace Paint Tips
If you’re ready to commit to painting a stone exterior wall or fireplace, there’s a few key tips to keep in mind when painting stone.
Test the Stone
If you’re wanting to limewash stone, you must first test the stone to see if it’s been sealed. Limewash only adheres to unsealed stone, so you’ll first want to follow the simple test shared in this blog post before moving forward. Sealed stone exterior walls or a sealed stone fireplace can be painted, but it may require special primers or paint to get the job done right.
Choose the Right Paint
Mineral paint is the most highly recommended option for painting stone due to its durability and versatility. For stone exterior house applications, choose a specific high-quality exterior acrylic latex paint.
Preparation is Key
Before beginning your stone paint project, thoroughly clean the stone surface to remove dirt, dust, and debris. This ensures the paint will adhere properly and there aren’t flakes or bumps in the finish.
Apply a High-Quality Primer
Applying a high-quality primer that’s suitable for stone, such as the Romabio MicroGrip Primer, will improve adhesion and ensure you have a smooth base for the paint to go on even.
Apply Multiple Coats of Paint
Since stone is a porous surface and absorbs paint unevenly, it’s best to apply multiple coats of paint for even coverage and the best results.
Seal for Protection
After painting the stone surface, protect it with a high-quality topcoat to ensure the paint is long-lasting, especially on exterior stone surfaces that are exposed to the elements.
How to Paint Sealed Stone Exterior Walls
If you’re wanting to paint a sealed stone exterior wall, you’ll need to take extra steps to ensure you choose the right paint and that it adheres properly. If the surface is sealed, limewash will not be an option for your stone.
Step 1: Clean the Surface
Thoroughly clean the stone surface to remove dirt, grime, debris, and any existing sealant residues. You can use a degreaser or mild detergent to do this.
Step 2: Prime with Romabio MicroGrip Primer
Romabio MicroGrip Primer is one of our favorite primer recommendations for porous surfaces, as it helps the paint bond effectively to the sealed stone surface.
Step 3: Choose Your Paint Finish
Depending on the look you want for your stone exterior, you can opt for:
- Romabio Classico Limewash for a classic, rustic appearance. Remember, this only works on unsealed stone surfaces.
- Romabio Masonry Flat or Masonry Textured paint for a classic, full-coverage finish.
- Lime Slurry or Venetian Glaze for a more customized texture and color.
Learn more about our favorite Romabio paint products here.
Step 4: Apply Paint Evenly
Apply the paint of your choosing evenly using a brush, roller, or paint sprayer, following the manufacturer’s instructions for paint application for the best results.
Step 5: Protect with a Topcoat
After all that hard work to prepare and paint your stone, you want to protect it with a high-quality topcoat to maintain its durability and ensure it lasts for years to come. Apply a protective sealant such as Romabio Mineral Shield or Decorative Topcoat Flat.
How to Paint a Stone Fireplace
Painting a stone fireplace follows the same steps as painting a stone exterior and can instantly transform your space with a fresh coat of paint.
You’ll want to take extra steps to ensure any soot is removed from the stone fireplace surface during the cleaning process. A wire brush and mild detergent can help with this.
When choosing your paint finish, make sure the paint is breathable and able to withstand high temperatures. Ask your local paint store professional to help you find the best paint for your stone fireplace.
Let’s Paint Your Stone Surface!
Painting stone, whether an exterior wall, an indoor fireplace, or another stone surface, is a great way to update your home’s look and achieve the style and aesthetic you desire. Make sure to follow the steps for proper surface preparation, choose the right products, and use the right techniques for painting stone.
If you’re looking to partner with a professional painting team to paint your stone and ensure a stunning, long-lasting finish we’d be happy to help! Whether you’re considering limewashing stone or using another type of stone paint, we’re here to bring your project to life.
Book your free estimate with our team today!
