How to Paint a Clay Tile Roof

Clay tiles, also known as terracotta tiles, can be found on the roofs of millions of homes. This is because clay roof tiles are inexpensive and can lend a stylish touch, evoking the look of a European villa or Mexican hacienda. However, these tiles usually come in the standard deep red brick color of the fired clay. You can paint these tiles yourself, but you have to follow different rules than you would when painting wood or other surfaces.

Things You'll Need

Trisodium phosphate solution
Garden hose with sprayer
Drop cloths
Masonry latex primer

Foam roller
Paintbrush
Latex

Instructions

- 1
  Clean out the gutters around your roof as well as the walls near your roof with a garden hose attached with sprayer.
- 2
  Attach the sprayer to a container of trisodium phosphate cleansing solution, and spray the entire area of the roof you intend to paint. This will clean the tiles and prepare them for painting.
- 3
  Wait for the surface to dry.
- 4
  Place your drop cloths around the roof, and cover any patio tables or other objects you don't want to get paint on.
- 5
  Apply a layer of latex primer to the tiles on the roof with a foam roller. Use a smaller brush to apply the primer in the narrow areas between the tiles.
- 6
  Allow the latex primer to thoroughly dry, which usually means allowing it to dry overnight.
- 7
  Apply another primer to the tiles, and allow the primer to dry overnight.
- 8
  Apply a layer of your latex paint, and allow the paint to dry. Apply more layers of paint until the desired richness of color is achieved.

How to Milk Wash Cabinets

How to Make Paint Adhere to Galvanized Metal

Painting