Before you ask yourself how to paint flat slate, it is advisable to find out what kind of material it is.
Slate is a facing layer for construction, roofing works. A common material is asbestos-cement flooring. It is available in the form of flat and corrugated sheets. It has a drawback - a limited period of use. But if you paint a slate roof in time, its service life will increase.
Painting slate with your own hands is done according to certain rules. Before you begin the process, you need to become familiar with the types of paints and roof preparation methods.
Building materials have positive and negative sides. Slate is no exception. Along with accessibility and ease of use, it has a number of disadvantages. Due to the presence of negative aspects slate roofs It is recommended to paint.
The disadvantages include:
Dust, dirt, mold, moss, and fungi collect in the pores. They retain moisture, which under the influence of low temperatures turns into ice and destroys the material from the inside, deforming it.
Slate coverings are used as roofing material. The asbestos dust released by it is believed to affect human health. There are still no clear conclusions on this issue. Therefore, painting slate is an acceptable preventive measure.
Slate is destroyed under the influence of temperature changes. Its heating or cooling leads to wear and tear on the roof of the house. Paint minimizes risks and increases the service life of the roof.
Before painting slate on the roof of a house, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the types paint coatings. Only after this do they decide what paint to paint the roof with.
First of all, the composition must be marked “for facades” (for work on the street). Otherwise, painting will not produce results; the coating will become unusable and begin to fall off in pieces. Secondly, the pigments must withstand direct sunlight, not fade, and the level of moisture resistance must protect the roof from getting wet and prevent deformation.
These include acrylic, alkyd, silicone paints and “liquid plastic”.
Acrylic paints are common compositions in construction. Some types are produced on water based. They are odorless, non-toxic, and dry in 1-2 hours. Coating with this material is done in 2-3 layers. The second type of paints, acrylates based on organic solvents (service life - 5 years). The disadvantage of this type is the presence of a pungent odor.
Alkyd paints are made from organic solvents. These are fast-drying enamels that form an elastic film. The type of paint is resistant to moisture, has good adhesion, does not require prior priming and can withstand temperature changes. Service life up to 5 years.
Silicone (silicon-containing) paint coatings are a mixture of coloring pigments based on liquid silicone. They can mask cracks up to 2 mm in size.
Advantages of silicone paints:
Silicone coatings are applied to dry surfaces.
The coating consists of polymers, pigments, and solvent. Drying on the surface, the paint forms a thin layer of plastic (polyurethane, vinyl, polystyrene). It is produced in both matte and glossy versions.
Characteristics:
Available for sale mixed options(for example, alkyd-polyurethane coatings). These compounds are very durable.
Before you paint slate, you need to decide what color to paint it. Common type: paint red, green or brown flowers. To create new shades yourself, it is recommended to use white paint and color. With its help you can easily achieve a certain color. On sale they correspond to the color catalogs RAL, NMS, Symphony.
On the color packaging, the manufacturer indicates the exact dilution proportions.
After choosing the appropriate type of paint, it is advisable to find out how to paint slate correctly, so that you don’t have to redo it a year later. Regardless of whether it is painting flat slate or wave sheets, you need to approach the process competently and follow the necessary sequence of actions.
The old painted roof is carefully prepared. The roof can be cleaned manually (using an iron brush), using a medium-power mini-wash, or a combined method.
Cleaning the roof with a brush or drill with an appropriate attachment is done while wearing a respirator and safety glasses.
In the domestic construction market, slate has remained one of the most popular materials for many years. Today it is used both unpainted (for country houses, for outbuildings and non-residential premises) and in painted form. Last option can add additional aesthetics to your home. However, if you decide to transform the roof of your house, you should choose the right materials. Let's try to figure out how to paint slate, which paint is preferable and why?
Let's start with the fact that most of our compatriots are firmly convinced that only wavy sheets are “slate”, but in reality, this definition get in and flat sheets from asbestos-cement crumbs.
What is the best paint for slate?
The modern choice of materials is huge, and this makes it possible to make the roof of a house truly individual. When choosing what to paint slate with, evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages of imported and domestic options and only then make a purchase.
Acrylic paint for slate
The list of undeniable advantages of acrylic or water-dispersed compositions includes:
§ Ability to fill small cracks and provide reliable protection against moisture penetration.
§ Hydrophobicity. Water easily rolls off the painted surface, which makes it possible to work with the composition on flatter roofs.
§ Reducing the load on the rafters. Occurs due to improved conditions for snow removal from slate.
§ You can work with acrylic paint at air temperatures from +5°C to +35°C. The drying process takes 1-2 hours; complete polymerization of the composition takes a day.
If you are looking for how to paint flat slate? Acrylic paint is best suited for these purposes. It provides the roof with maximum resistance to weathering and temperature changes.
Fast-drying enamel for slate
This option contains binder, which promotes the formation of a smooth film on the roof surface. A roof painted with such enamel is not only durable, but also has high water-repellent properties and is reliably protected from the destructive effects of ultraviolet rays.
Liquid plastic for slate
This synthetic composition is made on a polystyrene, bitumen or vinyl chloride base. The high popularity of this paint for slate is explained by the ease of its application, as well as its high elasticity, which eliminates the risk of delamination of the coating. Rubber paint contains pigments that prevent the color from losing its brightness for a long time. The only drawback is toxicity. The composition should be applied in special means respiratory and hand protection.
§ Polifarb/Akrofarb (Poland). This composition is created on the basis of dispersion paints, which ensures high drying speed, as well as color saturation and brightness.
§ Kilpi (Finland). This paint is perfect for slate, corrugated sheets, and metal tiles.
§ Eter Akva (Finland-Sweden). This material is resistant to alkaline aggressive environments, is water-soluble, and contains acrylate. It is used for coloring slate and concrete.
How to repair and paint slate
Old slate can last for quite a long time if you take the appropriate measures. Of course, this requires a lot of work, but it is still much cheaper, easier and faster than replacing the roofing material completely.
The slate can be restored. To do this, it needs to be washed, repaired and painted.
The first stage is not as simple as it seems. Rags and sponges will be useless here. And even with hard metal brushes it will be impossible to clean old slate, which has become covered with a layer of moss over many years. Here it is better to use something more serious. In particular, we can recommend a drill attachment in the form of a round stiff brush. Using this attachment, it is quite possible to clean the slate to a condition suitable for further work.
But washing will be even more effective high pressure. This tool is used in construction. It can also often be seen among car owners and in auto repair shops. Of course, it is better to use a construction sink, as it has more power.
You cannot skip the stage of cleaning old slate. The fact is that the materials that will be further used for its repair and subsequent protection should not be applied to the layer of debris. In this case, they simply will not be able to properly adhere to the surface and will begin to peel off after a few days.
Old slate often has nasty cracks. It used to be difficult to deal with them. But today new materials have appeared on sale that simplify the task many times over. These materials include bituminous two-component mastics.
If the task is not emergency slate repair to eliminate a leak, but you want to truly improve the quality of the old coating, renew it and extend its service life, then you should not buy and use ready-made mastics. It is better to use two-component ones, which are mixed in a suitable container before use and only then applied to the roof.
There are different types of mastics, and in order to perform slate repair work with their help efficiently, you need to read the instructions that come with them and, most importantly, follow all the recommendations that are set out in it.
After the slate is free of cracks, it is primed. Choosing primers for slate is not easy, since slate is made from a complex composition that may be incompatible with the primer. To play it safe, you can buy an acrylate primer, which is better suited for slate and other similar materials than others.
You can also prime the slate with paint. To do this, you just need to dilute the paint clean drinking water in a ratio of one to ten.
As for painting slate, rubber paint is recommended. It is plastic, easily adapts to any conditions, durable and strong. This paint will become reliable protection for roofing and will significantly extend the service life of slate.
Domestic slate paints:
§ Butanite (Russia). The composition contains polymer substances and mineral-silica additives. Butanite provides the roof with reliable protection from atmospheric influences and increases the frost resistance of the surface.
§ Polifan (Russia). The paint is suitable for working on slate, concrete, brick. To her undeniable advantages include durability, color fastness, wear resistance.
§ Unisal (Belgorod). The composition contains acrylic elements and coloring pigments High Quality. This paint provides a coating that is resistant to UV exposure and the damaging effects of moisture.
If an already installed roof is to be treated, it will require preparatory activities. To do this, you should prepare a brush with metal hairs, an angle grinder or a drill with a special brush attachment, or a high-pressure car wash. The latter option will make the process less labor-intensive and highly efficient.
Using the above tools, we clean the roof from plaque, moss, etc. Next, we treat the surface with an antiseptic, which will prevent the proliferation of fungi and the appearance of plaque. The next stage is primer.
By carefully priming the slate sheets, you can be sure of maximum adhesion of the paint to the surface roofing material. In addition, the primer, by filling the pores, will significantly save the paint itself, and the roof surface will become more even.
Before painting directly, the slate must be checked for hidden serious damage by careful inspection. If some sheets are cracked, they need to be replaced. Simultaneously with checking the condition of the surface of the slate sheets, the reliability of their fastening and, if necessary, additional strengthening are checked. Then the most labor-intensive procedure is performed - cleaning and sanding the entire surface, which completely removes dirt and dark coating. This work is performed using an electric drill with a sanding attachment. Additionally, it would be a good idea to wash the slate with a powerful stream of water from an electric washer.
After cleaning, you must immediately cover the surface with a special antifungal primer, after which a liquid primer is applied to the roof. cement mortar(with the consistency of kefir). The solution must be applied with a brush (a roller is not suitable for this operation). After waiting for the solution to harden, the slate surface is primed again. The pores and microcracks are sealed and the process of applying paint can begin.
Choosing paint for slate
The selection of paint is carried out taking into account the result you want to achieve - a bright appearance with slightly worse durability, or vice versa, excellent performance with calm and discreet tones. In the first case, acrylic enamel is used, in the second, rubber paint or, as it is also called, liquid plastic. Both options have advantages and disadvantages.
Acrylic paint for slate
Acrylic enamel is water-based and fills microcracks well, protecting slate from destruction. It also has water-repellent properties, which is important, since rain, unfortunately, does not a rare event in our latitudes and its detrimental effect on the roof surface is most sensitive.
When choosing acrylic paint for slate, you must carefully read the instructions, as it indicates the conditions for its use and lists the surfaces where it should be applied.
Many experts recommend rubber paint for slate as a special composition that creates an elastic protective film on the surface, which prevents paint peeling. It is also good because it adheres perfectly to slate and is convenient to apply.
Rubber paint for slate contains special pigments that do not allow color shades to fade in the sun, so dull gray there will be no roof. A serious disadvantage of rubber paint is its toxicity, so increased attention should be paid to protecting the respiratory system and exposed skin when painting.
Slate paint Condor
Weather-resistant acrylic paints for slate Condor (KONDOR), produced in Belarus under a German license and having excellent characteristics, as well as a good price-quality ratio, have proven themselves well. Condor paints are sold in all construction hypermarkets and many stores for summer residents.
Slate painting
So, the roof is prepared, the paint has been selected, you can start painting the slate. And here an important question arises: is it possible to paint slate in damp and humid weather, will this not harm the quality of the work? It will hurt! It is better to paint in dry and warm weather.
Reviews from those who painted slate themselves say that work done on a warm spring day gives best results and the paint lasts longer after application in the spring than if it is done in the hot summer. For painting, use a roller, brush or spray; the paint is applied in two layers, with the first completely dry.
If all operations are performed correctly, the old-new slate roof will last for a very long time, and the paint will retain its color and will not crumble even after intense rainfall and temperature changes.
Slate preparation
The process of preparing slate involves cleaning it of any debris. It should be noted that this procedure often requires even new material, since there may be adhered particles of asbestos cement on it, which are invisible at first glance. To remove them, you can use a regular small spatula.
Advice! Before painting a slate fence, you should break through the grass that usually grows along it and interferes with painting.
If the slate has already been used, then it needs to be cleaned more thoroughly. To do this, you need to use a stiff metal brush, treating every centimeter of the surface.
Slate cleaning field, it should be wiped damp cloth to remove dust and small debris.
Padding
The next step is priming. For these purposes, it is best to use an acrylic universal primer.
Instructions for applying it look like this:
1. first of all, the canister with soil must be thoroughly shaken;
2. then the liquid must be poured into a container into which it will be convenient to dip the brush;
3. Next, you need to moisten the paint brush in the soil, lightly squeeze it against the walls of the container and then apply the liquid to the surface of the slate. The soil should be laid down in a uniform thin layer, so it is necessary to avoid drips and large accumulations of liquid in certain areas.
If you plan to paint flat slate, you can use a paint roller to apply the primer;
4. After the surface has dried, the procedure must be repeated again.
Advice! If necessary to cover with primer large area, you can use a spray bottle or spray bottle.
This completes the priming process.
Selection and preparation of paint
Before you paint flat slate or corrugated material, you need to decide on the paint. The best choice in this case is polymer water-dispersion compositions. Moreover, it is necessary to use paints that are intended for covering the roof or facade.
It should be noted that polymer compositions come in three types:
· acrylic;
· silicone;
· latex.
The most durable are silicone and latex paints, however, their price is very high - ~ 4000-5000 for a 10 liter bucket. Therefore, you can use acrylic paint, which is much cheaper, but is also quite durable.
As a rule, water-based paints are sold white and require tinting. This process consists of adding the required amount of tint of the desired color, which allows you to achieve any shade.
As a rule, stores that sell paint and varnish coatings have special tinting machines. They allow you to paint the entire batch of purchased paint in the same color of your choice.
Note! When painting a roof, you should purchase paint coatings not only for slate, but also for other surfaces. For example, anti-corrosion conductive paint Zinga is suitable for fencing and flashings. To paint chimneys, it is better to use fire-retardant metal paints Polistil.
If it is not possible to perform tinting when purchasing paint, you need to independently decide on the proportions of the color, painting first a small amount of composition. After this, the same amount of color must be added to all containers with paint and mixed thoroughly.
Painting
The final stage is painting, which is performed in the following sequence:
1. Before use, the paint must be mixed;
2. then it should be poured into a container into which it will be convenient to dip a paint brush or roller (if painting flat slate);
3. After this, the painting tool must be moistened with paint, squeezed lightly and applied to the surface. This stage is the most critical, since you need to ensure that the coating is applied in an even, thin layer, and there are no unpainted areas left;
4. When the paint dries, the procedure must be repeated again.
This completes the slate painting process. It should be noted that this operation can also be performed using a spray bottle.
Conclusion
The process of painting slate is quite simple and quick. However, it must be taken into account that the quality of the work done depends on the preparation of the surface. Therefore it is necessary to pay Special attention cleaning slate from dirt and priming.
Paint and primer for slate: Shikril Among the special paints and varnishes produced to protect slate is the acrylic paint Shikril, which is based on organic solvents. This paint is used for finishing not only asbestos-cement slate, but also concrete plinths, cement-sand tiles and other external surfaces requiring alkali-resistant painting.
1. “KILPI” - Finnish acrylic coating for roofs, which is produced by the well-known company Tikkurila. Used for painting tiles, slate, roofing felt, bitumen fiber boards and other materials. Valued for its special elasticity at very low temperatures. One liter of coloring solution is enough to paint no more than two square meters of surface. Finnish paint for slate 2. “DACHBESCHICHTUNG” - German coating for roofs, which is produced by DUFA. This semi-gloss paint is suitable for complete painting and partial repair of painted surfaces made of clay, concrete or slate roofing tiles. The paint coating freely allows water vapor to pass through, while protecting the roofing material from the effects of precipitation. Features a high degree of adhesion. If the base is professionally prepared, the paint layer can last for many years. One liter of coloring mixture is enough for 7 square meters of roofing. 3. POLIFARB – AKROFARB is produced by the Polish manufacturer of paint and varnish coatings “Debiza”. The paint is made on the basis of acrylic dispersion. It is used for painting not only roofs, but also facades finished with clay-cement slabs or slate. The applied coating dries in three hours. A liter of paint is enough to paint 5-7 square meters of roof surface. Slate paint shades
4. “AKRILAKMA-SLIFE” is a Ukrainian water-dispersed acrylic paint intended for work on slate. Produced by LAKMA in two color options: red-brown and brown. After painting, you get a smooth, uniform matte film that dries in just one hour. One liter is enough to paint 6 square meters of slate surface. 5. “UNISAL” is a Slovak water-dispersion paint for slate roofs, which is manufactured in Russia by the company “Kvil”, located in the city of Belgorod. During production, the technology of the HELIOS company operating in Slovenia is followed. It is valued for its high degree of hiding power, weather resistance and light resistance. Used for household and industrial painting of slate, as well as other asbestos-cement products. Can be applied by hand or by machine. The paint color range includes shades such as: white; brown; grey; oxide red; black; green. The time required for the coating to dry is no more than one hour.
1. Start by applying the first layer, immediately after the primer has dried. As a rule, about two-thirds of the total paint is spent on the first layer, since a clean surface absorbs it very easily.
2. After the first layer of paint has dried, a second layer, the so-called finishing layer, is applied on top of it. The second layer is applied more carefully and carefully. To apply it, you can use a brush or a device for spraying paint - a spray gun.
To paint the roof, a wide brush or broom is suitable, which will allow you to thoroughly rub the paint into all the flaws and cracks of the surface.
Methods for painting slate:
Painting with a brush
This is the simplest method from a technical point of view. But at the same time, it is very difficult to achieve a high-quality, uniform coating with a brush, since painting is done in strokes.
Pneumatic spray painting
It is NOT RECOMMENDED to use such sprayers for painting roofs. This is due to the fact that manufacturers do not recommend diluting the paint by more than 5%.
- painting with a professional airless spray painting machine
Airless spraying is the ideal technology for applying paints in construction and renovation. Using a high-pressure pump (200 atm), paint is supplied through a special hose to the spray gun. In airless spraying technology, there is no need to dilute the paint, since such high pressure is quite enough to apply paint of any viscosity. When painting a slate roof with airless spraying, you can achieve a uniform and uniform coating.
Slate should be painted at a relative air humidity of 60% and a temperature of at least 15 degrees. At quality training surface and correct application, acrylic paint will serve you for more than 10 years.
Do-it-yourself painting of slate with your own hands will significantly save your budget for home renovations, since the services of professional craftsmen are not cheap. Having done the painting yourself once, you will learn how to paint slate no worse than experienced craftsmen.
The fact that the use of paints allows slate to achieve the desired color is understandable. But, in addition to the decorative function, coloring compositions also have more important properties. Let us remember that slate is a porous material, prone to the formation of microcracks. Water easily gets into them, which with the onset of winter cold turns into ice and begins to “tear” the fibers of the material. The same deforming processes occur when mosses and lichens grow in the pores. The problem of premature destruction of slate is solved by painting. Coloring compounds form a durable film on its surface, blocking access to asbestos cement to water and microorganisms. As a result, deforming processes are suspended and the slate gains additional years to its service life.
Painted slate, thanks to the paint film, becomes smooth. It does not retain atmospheric moisture and snow melts off easily. And if dirt accumulates on the roof, you can simply wash it off with water from a hose or car wash.
Another problem that can be solved by painting is the theoretical harmfulness of slate. The version that asbestos-cement sheets are not environmentally friendly came to us from the West and is successfully cultivated by many manufacturers of more expensive and modern roofing materials. Its essence is that slate during operation emits asbestos dust, which is harmful to the environment and human health. There is much evidence that this opinion is unfair, however, if this aspect bothers you, paint applied to the slate will completely block the possible release of asbestos dust and will 100% preserve your health.
Thus, staining slate allows you to:
· increase the decorative effect of the roof;
· give asbestos-cement sheets a color with the desired degree of matte (matte, semi-gloss, glossy);
· smooth the surface of the slate;
· protect slate from the growth of mosses and lichens on it;
· prevent the appearance of cracks;
· block the slate dusting process;
· increase the durability of slate by 1.5 times (subject to periodic renewal of the paint layer).
Type #2 - acrylic paints with organic solvents
These paints are not diluted with water, but with organic solvents. Contains: acrylic resin (synthetic latex), color pigments, additives, organic solvent (most often white spirit). The degree of matte finish of such paints depends on the resin content. The more it is, the more pronounced the gloss dried film composition.
Organic solvent paints are different:
· more durable film than water-dispersed compositions;
· high water-repellent properties;
· elasticity;
· lightfastness and long-lasting color intensity;
· pungent odor.
Solvent-based acrylic paints are presented in a small range on the market. Thanks to its excellent quality, matte paint “Eternit” from Polifarb (Ukraine), produced in red, brown and green, has proven itself among craftsmen. Due to its wear resistance, the color of this paint practically does not change even at the end of its service life. Another popular option is Shikril paint from KrasKo (Russia). It is easy to use and has a high degree of coverage.
Type #3 - organosilicon (silicone) paints
Organosilicon paints are rightfully considered the most reliable and durable for slate. They are suspensions of pigments and fillers in an organosilicon (silicone) binder. Due to the presence of silicone, this type of paint is characterized by increased elasticity, so some of them are able to bridge cracks up to 2 mm thick!
Properties of silicone paints:
· high strength;
· maximum elasticity, the ability to carry out “repair” work and seal fairly wide cracks in slate using a silicone composition;
· fungicidal and algicidal properties that prevent the proliferation of microorganisms (in the pores and on the surface of slate);
· high water- and dirt-repellent properties;
· the possibility of excluding the priming stage from the painting process;
· silicones are non-toxic, do not have an aggressive odor, and are fireproof;
· service life is 10-15 years.
Repeatedly tested for painting slate, KO-slate enamel, produced by the Kremniypolymer plant (Ukraine). It impregnates the top layer of slate, providing deep, long-lasting color. The company produces “KO-slate” in two colors – red-brown and green, but there is the possibility of custom tinting.
The same Kremnipolymer plant produces enamel OS-5103K (color green), intended for protective and decorative painting of many materials, including asbestos cement. The material has increased heat resistance, acid and alkali resistance, and resistance to chemical gases. Thanks to this, painting slate with OS-5103K enamel can be done at industrial enterprises.
Type #4 - alkyd slate paints
The composition of alkyd slate paints consists of alkyd resins, pigments, fillers in an organic solvent. Alkyd enamels, as a rule, dry quickly and form an elastic film that is not prone to cracking.
Properties of alkyd slate enamels:
· high moisture resistance;
· increased adhesion to slate;
· weather resistance;
· does not require the mandatory use of a primer before painting;
· durability – 5 years.
An example of high-quality alkyd enamel is “Quick-drying enamel for slate” from the company “Impulse” (Ukraine). It is characterized by very fast drying (at 20˚C the layer dries in 1 hour) and has no pungent odor. Available in the most suitable colors for the roof: red, brown, blue and green. Another alkyd-based product is “Roof Enamel” produced by Empils (Russia). In addition to high protective qualities, the paint has a wide tinting base consisting of 10 colors.
Type #5 - polymer paints “Liquid plastic”
They are a suspension of polymers (polyurethane, vinyl or polystyrene), pigments and additives in a solvent. After the composition dries and the solvents evaporate, the paint forms a thin plastic (polymer) layer with a glossy or matte surface on the slate.
Characteristics of “liquid plastic”:
· absolute moisture resistance (completely blocks the access of water to the slate);
chemical inertness
· high drying speed;
· environmental friendliness;
· fire safety (does not burn after drying);
· resistance to fading;
· application without preliminary priming;
· high frost resistance, as well as the possibility of application at low negative temperatures (down to -10˚C);
· durability of the coating – 10-15 years.
Reliable polymer paint Liquid Plastic is produced by Denalt (Canada). This paint is produced on an alkyd-polyurethane base, which gives the composition special strength.
Polymer paint PPG-1 produced by Komoil (Belarus) is another reliable choice. Its composition contains polystyrene, which, after drying, forms a protective and decorative coating various colors. The paint Ps-160 TM “Sticolor” (Ukraine) also has a polystyrene base. It is a weather-resistant enamel that forms an elastic surface with a glossy effect.
Variety of colors and tinting options
The most popular paint colors for slate are red, brown, and green. They appear in the range of most paints. At the same time, the color base of a particular material can include either 5 or 100 different colors and shades. But what to do if you want to paint the slate, say, light yellow, but the selected paint does not have such a shade in the range? Tinting will come to the rescue. Most paint manufacturers provide the ability to paint their paints in any tone corresponding to color catalogs - RAL, NSC, Symphony. Tinting at the enterprise is carried out using special equipment, using tinting pastes and paints.
You can also do the tinting yourself by adding tinting paste to the purchased paint and stirring the mixture with a mixer.
Slate coloring technology
The choice of paint and its color is a responsible process. But, unfortunately, even the most expensive and high-quality enamel cannot guarantee a reliable decorative and protective coating on slate. If you do not follow the painting technology, then the pigmented film will almost certainly behave unpredictably. For example, it will begin to crack, swell or crumble much earlier than the end of its service life (possibly even a few days after painting). Therefore, you also need to know how to paint slate correctly!
The process of painting slate is carried out in several stages:
Stage #1 - preparing the slate surface
The slate surface to be painted must be cleaned of dust, dirt, fungal and plant deposits, and unstable (or incompatible with the chosen paint) coatings.
Cleaning can be done in two ways: dry mechanical (manual or mechanized) and using pressurized water jets. Sometimes these methods are combined and performed alternately.
For manual mechanical cleaning, wire brushes are used to scrape off efflorescence, dirt, moss and lichens. The work requires considerable effort and accuracy, and the cleaning speed is very low. You can clean slate faster and better with the help of tools. To do this, put an attachment on a grinder or drill, which is essentially the same brush for metal. When the tool is turned on, it begins to rotate, cleaning off surface defects of the slate.
The second cleaning method is to wash the slate with high-pressure water jets, which are created by car mini-washes (Wagner, Karcher, etc.). In this case, the created pressure should be within 100-250 atmospheres. Mini washers that release water at a lower pressure will not be able to remove contaminants, while higher pressure mechanisms will destroy not only the defects, but also the slate itself.
Stage #2 - priming
To impregnate the top layer of slate, special compounds are used - primers. They are selected in accordance with the instructions for using the specific coloring composition. For example, organosilicon paint Ko-slate is combined with silicone primer KO-011S. However, organosilicon paints, as well as “Liquid Plastic” compositions and alkyd enamels can be applied without prior priming. Acrylic paints, on the contrary, require the use of a primer. These can be either special compositions (for example, Dupa-grund for Alpina DACHFARBE) or paint diluted according to the instructions. To obtain an impregnating primer for Alpina DACHFARBE acrylic paint, it is enough to dilute it with water to 10% of the volume.
The primer is applied to the slate in 1-2 layers using a brush, roller or spray gun.
Stage #3 - painting itself
Direct painting is done over the dried primer. As a rule, it is enough to apply 2 layers of paint, the first of which will be the base, and the second – the finishing. The base layer is the main one; it must carefully cover the entire surface of the asbestos cement, including the ends, corners, joints, ridge and corner parts. After the first layer has dried, paint it again. The task of the second (finishing) layer is to ensure that the painted slate receives a bright, uniform color, without streaks.
Treatment is carried out with a brush, roller or spray.
This simple technology will give slate color and high decorativeness, comparable to the beauty of tiles, bitumen or metal roofing. In addition, painting (with periodic renewal of paint) will provide reliable protection for the roof from exposure to environment and will increase its service life by decades.
And this type of sprayer requires highly diluted paint.
Slate, even in an unpainted state, is a material that is quite resistant to negative external influences.
It is distinguished by its low price, immunity to corrosion and ease of installation and repair.
But painting slate significantly increases its operational potential, although it requires additional costs and time. In this article we will look at what paint to paint slate on a roof and how to do it correctly.
The main disadvantage of slate is the possibility of moss and algae growing on it. Plant activity leads to an increase in pore sizes and the appearance of microcracks, which reduces the operational potential of the roof. The growth of moss also negatively affects the appearance of the roof.
Another disadvantage of slate is its fading over time. The material peels off and the original structure of the coating is destroyed.
Proper painting of a slate roof can eliminate these shortcomings. It will increase its moisture-proof properties and give it a pleasant appearance, prevent the material from peeling off, and the appearance of moss and fungi on it.
Asbestos is considered a carcinogen that is hazardous to health. Asbestos dust constantly emanates from unpainted slate into the atmosphere and poisons it, painting the material allows you to minimize this process and make the roof more environmentally friendly.
Initially painted slate can also be purchased from the manufacturer, but this is not as economical as performing this process yourself.
Paint functions
Asbestos fibers are not compatible with all types of paints. Oil and enamel products are least suitable for arranging a slate roof.. Simple enamel begins to flake off and hang down within a few months after application, but specialized enamels are actively used for arranging slate roofs.
How to paint slate? In addition to specialized enamels, the following types of products are used for coloring slate:
One of the best materials in terms of price, quality, simplicity and safety of painting is acrylic.
If the slate has already been in use for a certain time, then it is impossible 
start painting it without carrying out preparatory procedures.
It is necessary to clean it of accumulated plants, fungi, dust and asbestos chips– paint will not be applied properly to slate that has not been cleaned.
All cracks and breaks should also be repaired.
Small cracks are sealed with a cloth soaked in waterproof glue. Larger cracks need to be filled with mastic from dissolved asbestos, PVA glue and cement.
NOTE!
If the roof is covered with large and numerous cracks, large pieces of material break off from it, then There is no point in painting it; it is better to purchase and install new slate. It is not necessary to install a new structure from scratch; it is enough just to replace the sheets that have become unusable.
CAREFULLY!
All preparatory work is carried out in a respirator and glasses to prevent asbestos chips and cleaning materials from entering the respiratory tract and eyes.
The last stage of preparation is priming. It improves the adhesion of paint and roofing material. It should be applied with a roller or brush over the entire area of the slate. Some types of primers are additionally antiseptic.
Asbestos cement has high permeability, so almost any primer is suitable for it. It should be applied at air temperatures from 5 to 30 degrees above zero. The average drying time for the primer is 12 hours; after this period, you can begin painting.
Slate cleaning
Tips from craftsmen recommend painting slate in two layers. The first layer is the main one; 2/3 of the materials are spent on it. The interval between application of layers is from one to two hours.
Slate painting is carried out using brushes and spray guns. Spray guns speed up the process and make it more convenient. But you need to work on corners and other hard-to-reach places on slate sheets manually with a brush.
The best time for painting is warm and moderately cloudy days.
When low or high temperatures air, with it high humidity or under the scorching sun the work will be impossible. It is advisable that the weather be favorable the day after their completion.
Average paint consumption per one square meter when applied in two layers it is 100-200 grams, but you should always buy materials in advance, since situations cannot be ruled out when additional consumption will be required. Paint should be applied from top to bottom.
If the result of two-layer painting is not satisfactory, then It is possible to apply additional layers until the coating becomes smooth and pleasant in appearance.
Applying paint to new slate is relatively simple as the work can be done on the ground before installing the sheets on roofing pie. If the slate sheets are in an inclined position, then it will be difficult to achieve their uniform filling with paints and varnishes.
If slate is painted on the ground, then when lifted onto the roof, its coating can be scratched. To avoid this, before installation, only the first layer of paint is applied to the roofing pie, and the second layer is applied after the installation of the roof is completed - it hides the scratches that have appeared.
Slate painting. The article describes a method for preparing old slate for painting.
Many owners of private houses, especially those that were built in Soviet times, you can see slate on the roofs. Indeed, slate is a very durable and high-quality material that lasts 50 years or more if it is laid well. The only thing that spoils its appearance is long-term dirt and mold. Moreover, the slate itself is in quite good condition and can still serve. Don't dismantle it because of dirt. To solve the problem, there is a good solution - repairing and painting the slate. And we will tell you how to do this in the article.
Very often, instead of replacing old roofing material, people prefer to renew it. It would seem that this is certainly more profitable from a material point of view and less hassle. But, however, often repainted old slate begins to peel off after winter. Why is this happening?
Simply covering the slate with paint is not enough. To ensure that the applied paint does not begin to peel off the slate, it must be prepared. The process of preparing slate for painting will require no less effort than changing roofing material, but cheaper. It is quite difficult to properly prepare slate for painting without removing it from the roof.
High-quality paint for slate is also of great importance, reviews of which can be found from neighbors who have done similar repairs, or even easier, read on the Internet. Let's briefly say that the paint must be frost-resistant, not crack, and it is advisable to be environmentally friendly. Read the instructions on the can and don’t buy too cheap paint, it will peel off in three months.
Successful repairs and a beautiful roof!
Asbestos slate is gradually losing its position in the market building materials. The reason is its nondescript appearance. In this article we will consider the topic - how to paint a slate roof, what paint to use to make this roofing material presentable. Topics will be discussed regarding the benefits of painted slate roofing, as well as the types of paints used to paint slate roofing structures today.
The first reason is indicated - plainness. Keep up with the slate in terms of design design It is difficult to clean ondulin, corrugated sheets, metal tiles and other roofing coverings. There is only one way out - to cover it with paint. This will not affect the cost of the roofing structure, because slate is the cheapest material. Having painted it, we cannot talk about high costs for paint per 1 m2.
In addition, the paint and varnish materials that are used to paint slate roofs today are not in short supply, their variety is quite wide, so there will be no problems with the choice. The dyeing process itself is simple. One worker is enough for a team of craftsmen to paint the roof of a large house.
The second reason is protective. Slate is a porous material. Over time, microcracks form on its surface. What this entails is probably not worth explaining. But we need to pay attention to this point. In winter, water penetrates into cracks where it freezes. Ice simply breaks the asbestos fibers, thus reducing the strength of the material itself.
The same applies to the process when mosses and lichens grow on slate. With their roots, they penetrate deeply into the body of the slate, widening and deepening the cracks.
Therefore, painting is a protective layer that will not only become a barrier to water, but also an insurmountable barrier for plants. The film formed on slate from dried paint is very durable. In any case, she will be able to cope with the loads described above for several years. This means that a roof covered with slate will last longer.
The third reason is the harmfulness of asbestos. Several decades ago, propaganda against slate began in the West. It also moved to Russia, and was supported by manufacturers of more expensive building materials. Although it has long been proven that this is just propaganda to give other roofing materials the opportunity to be present and sold on the market. But if this aspect haunts you, then with the help of paint you will solve this problem.
So, let’s summarize why painted slate is better than unpainted slate:
Increase decorativeness roofing structure.
Using a certain type of paint, you can give slate matte or gloss.
Make a surface smooth without pores or cracks.
Don't give it a chance to grow mosses and lichens.
Install protection from the appearance of asbestos dust.
Increase lifetime. Painted material will last 1.5 times longer.
A roof, even one covered with paint, requires special treatment. It is subject to all known natural stresses, so the choice of paint must be approached with special care. That is, it must withstand sunlight, changes in humidity and temperature, and mechanical stress. At the same time, it should adhere well to asbestos-cement slate.
That is, you cannot paint slate with whatever paint comes to hand first. Here is a list of suitable colors:
acrylic;
silicone;
alkyd;
enamels called "Liquid Plastic".
Let's look at each variety separately and determine their technical characteristics, as well as their pros and cons.
This is the most extensive line of paint and varnish products with intense color and varying degrees of gloss (from highly glossy to highly matte). This category of coatings is divided into two groups:
water based, they are also water-dispersed;
based organic solvents.
Composition: latexes, also known as acrylic copolymers, pure water, pigments and various additives that improve the quality of paint (antifreeze, biocides, etc.). It should be noted that the percentage of water in the paint is no more than 15%. It functions as a diluent and solvent.
Here are the advantages of acrylic water dispersion material:
This environmentally friendly material , which under the influence of natural loads does not emit harmful substances into the atmosphere;
high adhesion to any building materials, including slate;
high hiding power, within 200-300 ml/m2;
ease of application;
sustainability to precipitation;
This non-toxic material;
high fire resistance, because the base is water;
not necessary add chemical solvents;
dries within 1-2 hours;
paint layer increases frost resistance slate;
increases waterproofing properties roofing material;
service life – 5 years.
In the group of water-dispersed acrylic paints there is a subgroup called “rubber”. These are all the same components, only the structure of the material is thick mastic. It is applied to the roof in a thin layer, which, after drying, forms an elastic flexible film, very similar to rubber. Hence, in principle, the name.
On our website you can get acquainted with the most . In the filters you can set the desired direction, the presence of gas, water, electricity and other communications.
The film is not only elastic, but also very durable. At the same time, it covers cracks up to 1 mm wide well, preventing them from expanding later. Mastic has high adhesion to porous surfaces. And it is one hundred percent waterproofing coating. It is represented on the market in a fairly wide range. It is available in cans and buckets labeled “Rubber Paint.”
Acrylic paint for this type of slate roof is not diluted with water. For this purpose, solvents of organic origin are used, most often white spirit is used. There are also matte and glossy paints, which differ from each other in the amount of acrylic resin added to the composition. The higher its percentage, the higher the gloss of the material.
How does this variety differ from water-dispersed:
colorful film applied to slate stronger;
higher water-repellent characteristics;
increased elasticity coatings;
for a long time holds original color.
The disadvantages include a pungent odor that gradually disappears, a slightly higher consumption - 250-350 ml/m2, drying time is longer - within 10-24 hours. Here you can add not the widest range presented on the modern market.
Silicone paints consist of pigments and silicone binders that give paint and varnish material special strength and elasticity. Therefore, silicone-based paints are rightfully considered reliable and durable coatings, and not only for slate. Only they can close cracks up to 2 mm wide.
So, what are the advantages of this type of paintwork:
increased strength applied layer;
maximum possible elasticity;
added to the paint supplements, which prevent the formation of colonies of harmful microorganisms on roofs;
high waterproofing quality;
high dirt-resistant properties;
silicone paints can be applied to the slate of the latter;
high fire safety;
This non-toxic material;
life time within 10-15 years.
The only negative that should be noted is the high price compared to other types.
On our website you can find contacts construction companies, which offer construction services for small architectural forms. You can communicate directly with representatives by visiting the “Low-Rise Country” exhibition of houses.
Composition: alkyd resin, pigments and organic solvent. It should be immediately noted that this type of paint and varnish product belongs to the category of quick-drying ones. After 30-90 minutes the paint dries completely. The applied layer is quite elastic. No cracks form on it throughout its entire service life. And the term is not the longest - only 5 years. Although this is a normal indicator for a roof.
To the advantages of alkyd paints we add high moisture resistance, good adhesion, and ease of application. Using them, there is no need to coat the slate roof with primers. And another important advantage that many craftsmen have highlighted is the ability to tint white alkyd paint.
The video shows the process of painting slate:
“Liquid plastic” got its name for a reason. It consists of suspensions of various polymers. This can be PVC (polyvinyl chloride), polystyrene or polyurethane. Each of them is the main paint and varnish product. This also includes pigments, additives that improve the quality of paint, and solvent. It turns out that after applying the paint layer, the solvent evaporates from it, and the polymer dries and hardens, forming a thin layer of plastic on the slate roof. In this case, the surface may be either glossy or matte.
Advantages of this material:
absolute moisture resistance;
dries out within half an hour;
one hundred percent environmental friendliness;
material inert to chemistry;
plastic - material incombustible;
paint can be applied without preliminary priming;
doesn't lose its design qualities under the influence of sunlight, precipitation and wind;
highest frost resistance, you can apply paint to slate even at a temperature of -10C;
life time– 10-15 years.
So, we examined those types of paint and varnish products that answer the question posed by the topic of the article - how to paint slate on the roof. Now let's move on to the section on how to properly paint a slate roof.
It should be immediately noted that even the most expensive and high-quality paint chosen for the design of slate laid on the roof is not a guarantee that the applied coating will withstand its allotted service life. The most important point is a competently carried out painting process. It is divided into several stages, the sequence of which must be strictly observed.
First of all, the slate laid on the roof must be prepared. That is, the slate roof is being cleaned. This is done in three ways:
Mechanical. To do this, use scrapers, brooms, brooms, brushes and other identical hand tools and devices. With their help, dust, dirt, debris, and small vegetation are removed from the slate surface.
Hydraulic. To do this, use a stream of water under high pressure. You will need a long hose, a nozzle, a pump and a container of water (you can connect the pump to the water supply).
Combined. They combine the two previous methods, which is more effective, especially when old slate coverings are prepared for painting.
At this stage, the roofing material is primed. Usually it is selected according to the technical characteristics of the paint. It is better if the primer and paint are from the same manufacturer. As mentioned above, some slate paints can be installed without prior priming.
If a primer is necessary, it is applied to the slate with brushes, rollers or a spray gun. The latter option is simpler and more convenient to apply, and also more economical. It is better to apply the primer in two layers, ensuring that the first one dries well before applying the second.
This process is no different from priming. It is carried out with the same tools. The material is applied in two layers, the first must be dried before applying the second. The first layer is considered the base layer. With its help, all irregularities and defects in the roofing material are covered. Therefore, it is very important to paint the joints, corners, slate ends, as well as ridge and gable elements.
The second layer is already the finishing (painting) layer. It is with its help that the color design of the roofing structure is created. It is this layer that creates a bright, uniform color; there should be no streaks or smudges left on it.
The video shows how easy it is to paint slate on a roof with a brush:
So, we looked at the topic - how to paint old slate on a roof, and how to do it correctly. As you can see, the paints that can be used to paint slate roof structure, a lot. Each has its own pros and cons, but they all have one quality - they tolerate natural stress well. This means that slate roofs painted with these paints will delight you for many years.
