How To Paint Faux Rock Panels

Faux rock panels offer decorators and homeowners a way to bring an outer surface to an interior space. These panels add texture to the room, but with age often looks worse for wear. A new layer of primer and paint can update the look of these panels, saving you from having to completely remove them. It even conceals the fake look of the rock, leaving rock textures intact but subject to paint. The rock to paint over rock begins with thorough cleaning.

Instructions

Match color paint for your faux rock panels to your interior design scheme and color palette for the room. While the tile is traditionally red, you can choose a different color to paint over the faux rock. Painting over rock panels with a different color can actually make faux panels look more real, as most faux rock panels have a fake look at them. Tape the ceiling, side walls and along the floor to protect these areas from paint overlays and holidays. Apply target tape along the edge of the rock panel where it adjoins the ceilings, floors and walls. Put a tarpaulin, plastic sheet or drop cloth to the floor. Mount color supplies.

Thoroughly clean the surface of the rock panels. Vacuum rock panels with the brush and hose attachment on your vacuum. Remove all dust and debris from the surface of the panels. Rock panels have several small recesses and holes on the surface where dirt and dust often dissolve. After vacuuming, combine 1/4 cup liquid detergent or detergent in one liter of warm water. Swish the mixture to create solder. Clean the entire surface of the panels with a clean cotton cloth. Use a small brush or toothbrush to clean the grout areas. Rinse with a clean cloth dipped in clean water. Refresh the rinse water frequently. Allow the tile to dry completely before painting.

Dab the surface of the faux tile panels with a rigid cloth to remove lint and debris left by the cleaning process. Apply a primer coat to the surface of the faux rock with a rope with a nap designed for structured surfaces. Paint the primer on the surface by applying the roll in the form of a “W” along the wall. Paint over “W” with the roller until the color fills. Work in 3-by-3-foot sections. A thicker nap on the roller makes the color come into all cracks and fissures in faux rock. Choose a light primer when the final paint comes from a neutral color family, such as tan, beige or eggshell. Use a bonding primer to attach to the tile surface. Let dry. Paint over primer when it has thoroughly dried according to the same method used to prime the rock panels. Apply the paint to the rock face with a roller or brush, which may take longer.