Wondering what paint to use for asbestos siding? We've got you covered!
In this article, you’ll learn the:
- Difference between latex paint and encapsulants
- Best paint for covering asbestos siding
- Right way to apply paint to asbestos shingles and siding
And more!
Everyone is trying to save money today by doing things themselves. This is an admirable goal, but there are potential complications.
When painting your siding, you may encounter asbestos and be curious about how you should tackle it.
Fortunately, there is paint for asbestos siding that will seal it in and protect yourself and your loved ones.
| Image | Product | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our Top Pick
| Our Top Pick | Fiberlock 7470 Fiberset PM Encapsulant
|
| View on Amazon |
| Best High End
| Best High End | Fiberlock 6421 ABC Encapsulant
|
| View on Amazon |
|
| Cinder Block Semi-Gloss Exterior Paint
|
| View on Amazon | |
|
| Child Guard Lead Encapsulating Paint Guard
|
| View on Amazon | |
|
| Kilz Latex Based Paint and Primer
|
| View on Amazon |
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
Updated On August 25, 2023
Fiberlock is the gold standard when it comes to covering up asbestos siding and preventing any potentially-harmful exposure to chemicals.
This product has been certified and tested by both the EPA and Underwriter’s Laboratories as a barrier solution for asbestos siding, making it one of the most-trusted names in the business.
Additionally, it is designed to mimic many of the same qualities, including texture, flame retardancy, and insulation as the underlying asbestos, making it a nearly-indistinguishable covering for your walls.
PURCHASE NOTES:
1) You won't see many reviews on Amazon because pros buy this from their paint stores with their corporate discounts. But, if you're like me, you prefer the ease and pricing of Amazon.
2) Note that this is a 5-gallon bucket, so the cost per gallon is quite reasonable.
Top 5 Best Paint For Asbestos Siding
In a hurry? Check out our Top 5 picks for the best paint for asbestos siding!
- Fiberlock 7470 Fiberset PM Encapsulant
- Fiberlock 6421 ABC Asbestos Binding Compound
- Cinder Block Semi-Gloss Exterior Paint
- Child Guard Lead Encapsulating Paint
- Kilz Latex Based Paint and Primer
You want to make sure you make an informed decision when buying paint to cover your asbestos siding. To do so, it’s important to know what options you have and how they work. Read on...
What Are Paints for Asbestos Siding?
Asbestos and mesothelioma are two terms people are becoming very familiar with.
Asbestos is an older material that was commonly used in siding and insulation for houses. It was a very effective insulation, but it has the unfortunate side effect of causing cancer. It has also been used extensively in fiber cement siding, which can make applying a top coat of exterior paint a stressful event.
Fortunately, it will not harm you unless the asbestos dust is stirred and breathed in.
Because of this, it’s important that all asbestos be treated carefully, especially when painting asbestos siding.
Instead of replacing asbestos siding on an old house, homeowners have the option of treating it with specialty paint that will prevent any exposure to the dangerous chemicals.
These paints seal the asbestos and prevent it from spreading as dust particles.
And that keeps your loved ones safe from harm and ensures that the siding will last for a while longer.
Fortunately, asbestos paint is also useful for changing the color of your siding so that your house can be updated without having to go through all the expense of buying brand new siding.
What are the Different Types of Paint for Asbestos Siding?
There are a couple of different options when you are painting asbestos siding. The two main types are encapsulants and latex paints.
Both types are latex-based, which is important because latex creates a permanent barrier that protects the asbestos from exposure and prevents it from releasing.
When latex-based paint sets, it bonds to form a latex polymer layer that is impervious to water, air, and sun.
The main difference between the two types of asbestos paint is their strength.
An encapsulant is a heavy-duty latex paint that binds much more solidly to create a permanent barrier.
Latex paint, on the other hand, typically requires a strong primer that helps create a more solid barrier.
They are both effective, but an encapsulant will last significantly longer.
Read More >> How to Avoid Lead Paint Poisoning
How Does Paint for Asbestos Siding Work?
Paint for asbestos cement siding works by creating a permanent, polymer-based barrier between the asbestos and the elements.
The danger of asbestos lies in the particles that escape and can be inhaled. Untouched asbestos is just as safe as any other siding or insulation.
Unfortunately, asbestos never remains truly untouched because of nature. Sunlight and rain can help break it down, while air will move it around, causing residents to breathe it in and become exposed.
Latex encapsulants and paint will create an impermeable barrier that prevents water, sunlight, and air from contacting the asbestos. This prevents the siding from breaking down further and ensures that no more volatiles are released into the environment.
Beyond that, it also acts to keep the asbestos contained. By creating a barrier around the siding, it acts like a fence, preventing asbestos particles from escaping into the surrounding air. This protects passersby and residents from accidental exposure. Some of these paints can prevent asbestos release for decades.
And to state the obvious, refrain from sanding your asbestos siding before painting it. If you have any chipping, flaking, or loose paint particles to remove, scrape them lightly while wearing a respirator and other protective clothing.
Capture and dispose of the scraped paint in plastic that is then rolled up and taped shut before properly disposing in accordance with your localities' toxic waste regulations.
Read More >> How to Paint Your Home's Exterior
What to Look for in the Best Paint for Asbestos Siding
When you’re looking to buy paint to seal your old asbestos siding, there are a few main things to look out for.
First, you’ll want to buy a product that contains latex.
Depending on your budget, you can buy a latex encapsulant (which is the strongest option), a latex-based paint and primer, or a latex primer with a regular water-based paint.
It is vital that the first layer in contact with the asbestos siding is latex.
Another thing to consider is the longevity of the paint.
A stronger paint will last longer, preventing you from being exposed to asbestos for a longer period of time.
A heavy-duty encapsulant will provide the longest-lasting protection, potentially on the order of several decades depending on the exposure.
A simple latex primer with regular paint will likely need to be reapplied in several years.
You want to make sure your paint will hold up to any potential sanding or other type of disturbance.
Verify that the paint will not be damaged if you power wash it. This will be important for the cleaning and caring for the paint job in the future.
Finally, consider your color. Latex paint discolors differently than standard water-based paint.
Make sure to keep this in mind when you’re looking for colors for your paint job.
Read More >> What Are the Best Interior Paint Primers?
Reviews Of The Best Paint For Asbestos Siding
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking for a high-end, powerful option for your asbestos covering needs, ABC Asbestos Binding Compound is one of the most potent coverings in the industry.
It's designed to perfectly encapsulate all asbestos containing material and is rated as one of the best in prevention of exposure to asbestos fibers.
While it's the best choice for highly-critical applications, it may be a step above what a homeowner needs.
Pros
Cons
Pick #3: Cinder Block Semi-Gloss Exterior Paint
Cinder Block Semi-Gloss Exterior Paint is a base-level solution for asbestos abatement.
It's a latex combination exterior paint that can be used on masonry and siding.
Testing shows it should perform adequately to prevent exposure to asbestos during its rated lifetime, which is typically about 3-5 years.
And because it's a standard latex paint as opposed to a specific encapsulant for asbestos, you can find a wider range of colors and finishes, as well as sizes for purchase.
So when you want to paint asbestos siding a preferred color, this product is a great top coat.
Pros
Cons
Pick #4: Child Guard Lead Encapsulating Paint
Lead and asbestos are different compounds, but they are dangerous in similar ways.
Because of this, an encapsulant like the ones offered by Child Guard is an excellent substitute for a specifically asbestos-blocking compound.
Child Guard Encapsulating Paint is also known to hold up well to power washing, which makes it an extremely safe alternative.
Pros
Cons
Our Top Pick: Fiberlock 7470 Fiberset PM Encapsulant
Fiberlock 7470 Fiberset PM Encapsulant is our top pick.
We've given you some cheaper options in this guide, but if you really want to protect your home and your family, do it right with Fiberlock.
Final Thoughts On The Best Paint For Asbestos Siding
Asbestos is not something to mess around with. The fibers and dust from asbestos siding or insulation can cause serious long-term health issues.
The best choice for those who are unable to remove and replace the siding on their house is to use a proven encapsulant or paint that will prevent exposure to the harmful chemicals.
If you do it right, you will have lasting protection for over 20 years on your asbestos siding, which is potentially even longer than vinyl siding would have lasted.
Whether or not it’s a true encapsulant, make sure to use something that is latex-based and is rated for use on asbestos siding. Get it done right, and keep your family protected.
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