April 26th 2025
As a one-stop solution for construction materials in the UAE, we get asked many questions about substrates, durability, and how to make things look good while standing the test of time and our unique climate. One question that frequently pops up, especially when working with robust, moisture-resistant boards, is: Can you paint cement boards?
Let's cut straight to the chase because we know your time is valuable on the job site or during planning.
Yes, you can absolutely paint the cement board!
But, and this is a significant "but," it's not quite as simple as slapping a coat of emulsion onto a standard interior wall. Cement board is a powerful, versatile building material with distinct properties. Understanding these properties is the key to successful painting and ensuring a lasting finish. If you treat cement board just like drywall, you're setting yourself up for failure, and nobody wants that.
So, let's explore exactly what cement board is, why you'd use it, and the comprehensive steps you need to take to paint it correctly, professionally, and with a result you can be proud of.
Before we talk about painting it, let's quickly define what we mean by cement board. Often referred to interchangeably with Fiber Cement Board, this material isn't like the plasterboard used for most interior walls and ceilings. It's engineered to be incredibly durable, dimensionally stable, and resistant to moisture, mould, mildew, and even fire.
Compare this briefly to Gypsum Plasterboards. These are made from a core of gypsum plaster sandwiched between paper facers. They are excellent for most interior walls and ceilings, offering ease of installation, fire resistance, and a smooth surface for painting.
However, standard Gypsum Plasterboards are susceptible to moisture damage. While moisture-resistant gypsum boards exist, fibre cement boards generally offer a higher resistance in persistently wet or exterior applications. Understanding this difference helps explain why painting techniques differ.
Okay, it's tough and functional, but why add paint? There are a few common reasons:
So, while its primary function is often structural or as a tile substrate, painting it is an ordinary and necessary step for many visible applications.
Painting Fiber Cement Board successfully is 80-90% about your preparation before opening a paint can. Skipping or skimping on these steps is the most common reason paint jobs on cement boards fail – you'll see peeling, blistering, poor adhesion, or uneven colour.
Here's the breakdown of the step-by-step process you can follow while you paint cement board:
Before considering surface prep, ensure the Fiber Cement Board is appropriately installed. This means it is securely fastened to a sturdy frame. Often, for durability and stability, especially in areas requiring moisture resistance or where the board is acting as cladding, contractors use robust framing systems.
While timber framing is typical for certain applications, or simply due to preference or specific requirements, many professionals opt for framing constructed using GI Metal Components. These galvanised iron components offer excellent strength, are resistant to pests, and don't warp or rot like wood can in damp conditions.
The foundational step is ensuring your board is fixed to a solid structure, whether wood or quality GI Metal Components. An unstable board will lead to cracks in your finish later on.
Fibre cement boards can accumulate dust, dirt, and grime, especially if they have been sitting on a job site or installed for a while. You must start with a clean surface.
Unlike the simple joint taping process with Gypsum Plasterboards using paper tape and joint compound, finishing joints on fibre cement Board, especially in wet areas or exterior applications, often involves different materials for durability and moisture integrity.
Fiber Cement Board is hard. You don't sand the entire surface aggressively like you might with plaster. The sanding is primarily for smoothing the areas where you applied joint compound or patched fasteners.
Inspect all edges, corners, and where the Fiber Cement Board meets other surfaces (like door frames, windows, or wall materials). Fill any gaps or cracks using a high-quality, paintable, flexible sealant or caulk.
Acrylic latex caulk is often suitable for interior, non-wet areas. For exterior or wet areas, consider polyurethane or silicone-based sealants rated explicitly for those conditions and ensure they are paintable if needed (silicone is often not).
This step prevents moisture intrusion and provides a clean line for painting. According to the manufacturer's instructions, let the caulk dry completely.
This is where many people go wrong and where the properties of Fiber Cement Board truly demand specific treatment. You cannot apply standard interior or exterior paint directly to raw Fiber Cement Board.
For most applications on Fiber Cement Board, especially exterior or interior wet areas, a high-quality 100% acrylic latex paint is the recommended choice. Acrylic latex paints are flexible, durable, resistant to cracking, and stand up well to moisture and temperature fluctuations – essential qualities in the UAE climate.
Ensure the paint is specifically rated for exterior applications and offers good UV resistance for exterior use.
For interior wet areas (like bathrooms above the tile line), look for paints with mildewcide additives and good washability.
The choice of finish (sheen) depends on the desired look and practicality.
You need certain essential tools to do the job:
Then, you should follow the basic techniques:
Lastly, you need to focus on two essential factors:
Once the final coat is dry, inspect the surface for missed spots, uneven areas, or imperfections. Perform necessary touch-ups.
Having supplied materials for countless projects across the UAE, we've seen the results of both meticulous work and costly errors. Here are the common pitfalls when painting Fiber Cement Board:
Q. Do I have to prime the Fiber Cement Board before painting?
Yes, absolutely. Priming is non-negotiable. Raw cement board is alkaline and porous. A proper alkali-resistant primer is essential for paint adhesion, uniform colour, and durability. Skipping this step is the most common cause of paint failure.
Q. What kind of paint is best for a Fiber Cement Board?
A high-quality 100% acrylic latex paint is generally recommended for interior and exterior applications. Choose one rated explicitly for exterior use if applicable, ensuring it offers good flexibility and UV resistance suitable for the UAE climate.
Q. Can I use the same joint compound I use for Gypsum Plasterboards on the Fiber Cement Board?
For the interior, non-wet areas where Fiber Cement Board is used like drywall, you can often use setting-type joint compound with fibreglass mesh tape for joints and fasteners. However, for wet areas (bathrooms, showers) or exterior use, you must use alkali-resistant mesh tape and a thin-set mortar or bonding compound designed explicitly for cement board or wet applications to ensure moisture integrity and durability. Always check product compatibility.
Q. How long does the primer need to dry on the Fiber Cement Board?
Always follow the primer manufacturer's instructions. Drying times vary based on temperature, humidity, and air movement. In the UAE, surfaces dry quickly but allow sufficient time for the primer to cure fully, which might be longer than just being dry to the touch (often 24 hours is recommended before the topcoat, but check the specific product).
Q. Can I use a paint sprayer on the Fiber Cement Board?
A paint sprayer is an excellent tool for applying primer and paint to the Fiber Cement Board, especially on large, flat areas like siding. It provides a very smooth and uniform finish. However, proper technique, masking, and ventilation are required.
Q. Will painting the Fiber Cement Board make it waterproof?
No. Fiber cement board is highly moisture-resistant but not waterproof. Painting provides an additional layer of protection and seals the surface pores. Still, it does not turn the board itself into a waterproof barrier. In wet areas like showers, you still need a proper waterproofing membrane behind the board before tiling, and for exteriors, adequate flashing and sealing are crucial.
Q. How do I clean the painted Fiber Cement Board?
Once painted and cured, gently clean the surface with mild soap and water. Depending on the paint's durability, a gentle wash with a hose or low-pressure washer may be suitable for exterior painted surfaces. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
Now that you understand that you can paint cement board and, more importantly, how to do it right, you're ready to plan your material needs. Don't piece your project together from multiple suppliers. Get everything you need in one place, delivered reliably.
We invite you to explore FEPY. You'll find a high-quality Fiber Cement Board suitable for various applications alongside all the necessary Gypsum Plasterboards for your interior finishing needs. We stock a vast selection of paints and primers, too, so you can paint the cement board effectively.
Browse categories, compare products, and find the materials you need for your next build or renovation. We've got the quality, variety, and expertise to support your project every step of the way.