Fibro is short for fibrous cement. If you would like to paint a fibro fence, use extreme caution. Most fibro surfaces built before 1980 contain asbestos. If your fence is old or you don't know much about its history, wear appropriate safety gear while painting. Once you prime and paint the fibro fence, any underlying asbestos will be rendered harmless. Choose primer and paint that is capable of expanding and contracting as temperatures fluctuate, or you may end up with eventual paint failure.
Things You'll Need:
- Roller Frame
- Roller Extension Pole
- 3- To 4-Inch Latex Paintbrush
- Nap Roller Cover
- Respirator
- Heavy-Duty Fabric Drop Cloths
- Acrylic Latex Paint
- Hedge Trimmers
- Acrylic Latex Primer
- Water Hose
- Edger
Trim vegetation away from the fence, using an edger and hedge trimmers.
Clean the fence, using a water hose. Wait two to four hours for the fibro fence to dry.
Cover the areas beneath the fence with drop cloths.
Coat the fibro fence with acrylic latex primer, using a roller. Smooth the wet primer, using a 3- to 4-inch latex paintbrush. Wait two hours for the primed fence to dry.
Wash the brush with water.
Coat the primed fibro fence with acrylic latex paint, using a clean roller. Smooth the wet paint, using the clean 3- to 4-inch latex paintbrush. Wait two hours for the painted fence to dry. Add another coat if the primer appears to show through.
Tip
A water hose is safe to use on a fibro fence, because the moisture prevents potential asbestos from becoming airborne.
Warnings:
- Wear a respirator throughout this process. Do not sand a fibro fence, as this may release asbesto fibers into the air. Never paint a bare fibro fence, or the paint will peel. Do not use a plain latex paint on exterior fibro fence, as it will not be able to expand and contract in varying temperatures.
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Writer Bio
Ryan Lawrence is a freelance writer based in Boulder, Colorado. He has been writing professionally since 1999. He has 10 years of experience as a professional painting contractor. Lawrence writes for High Class Blogs and Yodle. He has a bachelor's degree in journalism and public relations with a minor in history from the University of Oklahoma.
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