How to Paint Cast Stone

Cast-stone statues can give your home, yard or garden an Old-World look. Cast stone is usually made of plaster or cement, and when placed in a mould turns into stunning artwork. While you can purchase a cast-stone statue without paint to colour match it to a specific area, statues are often painted in faux bronze or even an aged green like the Statue of Liberty. The finished colour is entirely up to you.

Mix 1 qt. of water into 3 qts. of white distilled vinegar to create an acid solution for cleaning the statue.

Clean the entire stone surface with a stiff-bristle brush and the vinegar solution. You can expect some small pieces of stone to flake away. This is normal and helps to achieve a solid, long-lasting painted surface that will not easily chip away.

Rinse off the stone with a wet sponge or rag soaked in water. Allow the stone to air dry before continuing.

Place the stone onto dust sheets or place dust sheets around the stone if it is too large to easily move. This will prevent paint from getting on the ground around the stone.

Mix masonry primer with a stir stick thoroughly, then paint the surface of the stone with a bristle paintbrush. Apply the primer to the entire surface of the stone. Inspect the surface to make sure all hard-to-reach places receive primer. If you can still see the natural colour of the stone after the first coat, add a second coat of primer. Stone is porous and can suck up the primer. Allow 24 hours for the primer to dry.

Mix latex or epoxy-coated concrete paint with a stir stick thoroughly, then paint the surface of the stone with a bristle paintbrush. Cover the entire surface of the stone. If necessary, add a second coat. Give the statue 24 hours of drying time.