Can You Paint Over Marblecrete?

Considerations

• While it is possible to paint Marblecrete, you may not want to if you consider the various benefits that it offers. Marblecrete is designed to remain uniformly colored throughout. The coating is designed to be maintenance-free and last a lifetime. So, if you're considering painting the surface, keep in mind that you may have to apply more paint later because you will be adding a nonmaintenance-free material to the surface.

Preparation

• If you decide to paint the Marblecrete surface, you need to prepare beforehand. This usually involves spray washing the walls with a high-pressure nozzle to remove any loose material and to remove any debris that might interfere with the paint. Rodda Paint in Portland, Ore., recommends using some type of mildew retardant to keep mildew from growing and surfacing once you paint. If you discover any moisture damage, that will need to be fixed as well.

Painting

• Painting the Marblecrete surface requires the addition of primer in addition to the proper type of paint. A masonry primer can be used to help seal the existing surface. You should, however, wait approximately one month after the installation of your Marblecrete before applying any primer or paint. This will give it time to sufficiently dry and solidify on the surface to which you apply it. The Marblecrete can be painted with flat or satin paint finish but using an elasomeric coating, which is used on metal roofs, will help seal and protect the finish.

Warranty

• Before painting your Marblecrete surface, consult your warranty to ensure that your paint job will not invalidate it. Marblecrete products will generally come with a lifetime warranty, but these are generally limited warranties. This means that certain actions or applications may void the warranty. Read the fine print and be aware of the ramifications before painting your Marblecrete surface.