How to Paint PermaCast Columns

Columns adorn a number of architecture styles.

PermaCast columns come in both square and circular designs with a variety of styles, but they all have one thing in common: all PermaCast columns are ready to be painted as soon as they are installed, and require little preparation before painting.

1. Rinse the column surface with a hose or by rubbing the column down with a rag or cloth dampened in clean water. This rinsing will remove dust, dirt or other contaminants from the surface. These contaminants can ruin the way paint sticks to the columns.

2. Prime the column’s surface with a thin coat of exterior latex primer. Apply the primer with a paintbrush or roller. Allow the primer to dry completely before continuing.

3. Apply a thin layer of exterior latex paint to the column with your paintbrush or roller. Allow this first coat to dry completely before applying a second. Apply at least three thin coats of paint for full sealing.

Tip

If you decide to use an oil-based paint, use an oil-based primer as well. Apply only thin coats of paint; it is much more effective to apply multiple thin coats than one thick coat. Consult specific product instructions regarding drying time for paint and primer. This time may vary depending on your chosen product.

Warning

Do not paint the PermaCast columns with dark colors, as these colors can attract excess heat, dirt and other problems that can damage the columns. HB&G Manufacturers define “dark colors” as any colors that fall between zero and 56 on the L* color scale, on which zero is black and 100 is white.