Surface - Fibre Cement Sheet

FC Sheet is a widely used building product for lining interior and exterior walls, ceilings and eaves. FC Sheet is commonly referred to as ‘Fibro’ and should not be confused with early versions of the product that contained asbestos fibres.

Fibre Cement products are commonly used on exteriors of buildings as they will not burn, are resistant to permanent water and termite damage, and, when installed as directed, are resistant to rotting and warping. Fibre Cement products are manufactured from a mixture of wood fibre, cement, sand and water.

Note: For interior FC Sheet, see instructions for plasterboard in the previous topic.

All surfaces must be clean, dry and free of dust, debris and oils prior to painting, including jointing compounds. Where the FC sheet has been plastered, plaster joints must be sanded with 180 to 360 grit sandpaper so that the surface is smooth and flat. Brush down or wipe the surface with a damp cloth to remove dust.

The following accessories can be recommended for fibre-cement sheet paint projects:

• Hand Sander
• Pole Sander
• 180 - 360 Grit Sandpaper
• Medium Fine Sanding Block
• Exterior Filler
• 10mm to 15mm Nap Roller
• Filling Blades
• Mesh Tape
• Dust Masks
• Rags
• Goggles
• Gloves
• Step Ladder
• Scaffolding

Painting FC Sheet in a dark colour where it can be exposed to direct sunlight, may result in the substrate cracking due to heat expansion. Where FC Sheeting is used to line a ceiling (e.g. verandah ceiling), and the joints have been plastered, recommend an oil-based undercoat to seal the joints in the FC sheet. This will help to prevent moisture damaging the paint system.

The Australian Standard AS/NZS Guide to the Painting of Buildings specifies only two coats of a quality acrylic exterior topcoat is required for exterior FC Sheet. It also states that additional prepcoats, topcoats or both may be required depending on the substrate colour, texture or porosity. For this reason we recommend a 1 x Prepcoat and 2 x Topcoat system as best practice. 

A quality primer sealer undercoat is recommended. 

This table is a guide only, there are many other products offered by a variety of brands that may also be suitable.

Note: All prepcoat products shown are suitable for both walls and ceilings.

A quality, 100% acrylic topcoat is recommended.

This table is a guide only, there are many other products offered by a variety of brands that may also be suitable.