Can You Stain Spanish Roof Tiles?

Types of Stains

• When staining your roof tiles, choose a liquid or wood stain. Weekend Gardener, an online magazine, suggests using a stain designed for wood surfaces. Terra-cotta absorbs the color quickly, and wood stains come in a variety of colors. Liquid stains are best suited for flat surfaces or if your roof tiles feature a flat design. A gel stain is better if your tiles have a rounded, wavy or curved design. Gel stains have a thicker consistency so they cling to the tiles more readily than liquid stain.

Picking a Color

• The stain color you pick for the Spanish tile roof depends on the finished look you want. Chestnut stains have slight reddish undertones that give Spanish tile a richness and warmth. A lighter stain like maple tones down darker or heavier-looking tiles. Consider the color of the walls and the surrounding elements when picking a roof color. A darker shade might overwhelm a smaller home, while a lighter shade opens up the space.

Applying the Stain

• A paintbrush is best for applying a liquid stain, while an old rag works on gel stains. Paint the stain on the tops and sides of each tile, or rub the stain onto the tiles with the cloth. You might find it helpful to work on one tile or a group of several tiles rather than trying to apply stain to all of the tiles at once. After 30 seconds, rub an old cloth across the tile, rubbing off any excess stain. Apply as many coats of stain as you like, waiting between them to see what shade they dry.

Warning

• Applying stain to Spanish roof tiles is a difficult prospect because you must gain access to the roof. A harness attached to the roof is your best option. The harness wraps around your body and attaches to the top of the roof. If you accidentally slip or fall, the harness stops your body before you hit the ground. Working on a clay tile roof without a harness is dangerous and increases your risk of injury. Slip-proof shoes give you a firmer grip while working on the roof.