How to paint limestone walls?

[mncnash]

Can you paint limestone walls? Is there much upkeep if you did? 

[EricL]

Hello @mncnash 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's marvellous to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about painting your limestone walls.

Limestone is a porous surface and that means that if you paint over it, the paint will enter the pores of the stone and will become impossible to remove. The paints longevity will depend on its location and exposure to the elements. 

A good example would be a painted fence. If part of it is under the shade of a tree the paint on the fence will often last longer compared to the part of the fence that is exposed to full sun.

In order for us to give you comprehensive advice, would it be possible for you to post a photo of the location of the wall? This will give our members a chance to assess the wall's location and condition. We can then make recommendations on how to proceed.  

I also suggest having a look at these discussions - Can you paint reconstituted limestone blocks? by @kristian and How to clean paint and seal reconstituted limestone wall? by @Philr_10. 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[MTB]

I have a similar question. Wishing to seal and paint these walls to stop dust and obtain a standard colour on the wall.

[EricL]

Hello @MTB 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us.

Is this wall in a partially covered area or is it inside the house? If it is inside the house, then painting it should not be an issue as it will be protected from the elements. Please just keep in mind that once you paint the surface totally removing the paint from the limestone surface will not be possible. In regards to the dust, even though the surface will be painted, the extruded parts of the wall will still catch dust.

I also suggest having a look at these discussions - Can you paint reconstituted limestone blocks? by @kristian and How to clean paint and seal reconstituted limestone wall? by @Philr_10. 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[MTB]

It is fully internal kitchen walls. Thanks for your thoughts. Mike

[MTB]

Thanks again EricL.  Just to clarify about dust. Will painting help stop the wall disintegrating. It can shed dust and bits more than it actually 'collects' dust.

Small bits come off now and then around the base, if sweeping or chair knocks the wall.  Thanks, Mike

[JacobZ]

Hi @MTB,

Paint will help to seal the limestone and keep the dust from flaking off, but if it is structurally compromised, then it is not going to fix that. You'll have to use your judgment, as I can't assess the wall for you. 

I'd suggest giving the wall a good cleaning with a stiff-bristled brush to remove as much dust as possible and to remove any sections that are breaking off. If you can get the wall to a point where the surface is stable and sections are no longer coming off, then you should be fine to proceed with painting.

If the wall continues to flake off and degrade, then you may need to look at replacing or covering it with an alternative cladding.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob