.png)
More and more often, we opt for materials that not only look good but also make sense—eco-friendly, practical, and safe. Natural cork is one of them. But when the question arises—can it be painted?—things get a bit tricky. Not every paint will do the job, which is why we tested dozens of options ourselves, on our own cork. And we’ve found the best paint—one that preserves the natural quality of cork while giving it a durable and aesthetically pleasing finish.
Solid Coverage
Suitable for Cork
Durable
Easy to Apply
Decorative & Protective
For Beginners and Professionals
You probably have a few questions – let us answer them for you!
WHAT'S THE BEST PAINT FOR CORK?
The best choice is a latex acrylic-composite paint. But why this one in particular?
- Provides good coverage while still allowing the cork to "breathe" – it doesn’t completely seal its natural structure.
- It’s resistant to stains and dirt, making the cork easier to keep clean.
- It doesn’t significantly affect the cork’s acoustic or thermal properties – as long as it’s applied in a thin layer.
HOW TO CLEAN CORK BEFORE PAINTING?
- Start by removing any dirt or loose particles. The best way to do this is with a vacuum cleaner fitted with a soft brush attachment, or a gentle hand brush. You can also wipe the surface with a dry or slightly damp (not wet!) microfiber cloth.
- Avoid vigorous scrubbing, strong detergents, or harsh chemicals – cork doesn't react well to them. Don’t use cleaning fluids, alcohol, bleach, or similar substances.
HOW TO APPLY PAINT TO CORK?
- Prime the cork surface: Before painting, it’s a good idea to apply a primer. This reduces the cork’s absorbency, helps the paint spread more evenly, and cuts down on paint usage. Once the primer is on, allow it to dry thoroughly (follow the manufacturer’s instructions).
- Paint in thin layers: Once the primer has dried, you’re ready to paint. The paint will look better and adhere more effectively if applied in two coats. Be careful not to flood the cork’s texture—it’s better to apply two or three thin layers than one thick one.
- Use the right tools: Cork isn’t a perfectly smooth surface, so short- or medium-pile rollers work best, as they can reach into the material’s texture. For convenience, you can also use our ready-made cork painting kit.
- Between coats: Let each coat dry fully before applying the next. This helps prevent streaks, uneven coverage, and peeling. How long should you wait? Ideally, at least 4 hours.
In short: Prime → First coat → Dry → Second coat → Done! Still unsure? Don’t hesitate to get in touch (via email) —we’re here to help!
HOW LONG DOES PAINT TAKE TO DRY ON NATURAL CORK?
Under normal room conditions (around 20–22°C with good ventilation):
- Between coats: Wait at least 4 hours before applying the next layer.
- Fully dry: The paint is completely dry approximately 4 hours after the final coat.
Tips:
- Don’t try to speed things up with a hairdryer or heater—it can compromise the durability of the finish.
- If the room is cool or humid, drying may take longer. Give the paint a bit of extra time, especially before applying the second coat.
- After painting, ventilate the room well—it will help the drying process.
BRUSH OR ROLLER – WHICH IS BEST FOR PAINTING CORK?
A roller is definitely the better choice. Here’s why:
- It allows for even coverage without forcing too much paint into the cork’s structure. This helps preserve its natural appearance and properties by not clogging the pores.
- Using a roller is simply faster and more convenient—especially when working on larger surfaces.
HOW MANY COATS OF PAINT FOR CORK SHOULD I USE?
Usually, two thin coats are enough. One coat often doesn’t provide even coverage, leaving the surface patchy, while more than two coats risk clogging the cork’s pores. An overly thick layer can also start to peel over time and make the surface feel heavy and overloaded.
HOW MUCH CORK CAN ONE TIN OF ACRYLIC PAINT COVER?
With a standard two-coat application, one 0.9-litre tin is enough to cover approximately 5 m² of cork.
WHICH TYPES OF CORK SURFACES CAN BE PAINTED?
Paint adheres well to various types of cork, whether it comes in rolls or sheets. What matters more than the form is the surface texture. Fine-grain cork—with its uniform structure—is the easiest to paint and gives the most even result.
What about coarse-grain cork? It can also be painted, although it tends to absorb more paint. Keep in mind that the finish will be rougher—the texture of the material remains visible even after two coats. For many, that’s actually a plus—especially if you’re aiming for a natural, raw cork look.
HOW TO STORE UNUSED PAINT FOR CORK?
If you have some paint left over after your project, you can easily keep it for future use—just follow a few simple steps:
- Make sure the container is sealed properly: The lid must be closed tightly to prevent air from getting in.
- Store it in a cool, dry place: Room temperature is ideal—keep it away from radiators, damp areas, and direct sunlight. Don’t store paint in a humid cellar or a hot garage.
- Avoid freezing and extreme heat: Paint doesn’t cope well with temperature extremes. In winter, for example, don’t leave it out on the balcony.
Cork is a brilliant material—natural, warm, breathable, and insulating. But it has its own character—being porous and flexible, it can't be painted like an ordinary wall. That’s why we chose a paint that works with cork, not against it. Its composition and texture are exactly what’s needed. And because we’ve tested it time and again, we know it truly delivers.
#1 PAINT THAT WORKS
Cork paint is a versatile solution—it performs just as well in home projects as it does in larger-scale applications. If you’re planning to paint cork at home, you’ll have no trouble doing it yourself.
And if you work in construction or interior finishing, you’ve probably noticed that natural cork is gaining popularity. Clients love it—but they often want to change its colour or match it with the rest of the interior. With this paint, you can do exactly that—easily, and without compromising the material’s functionality. The cork still breathes, absorbs sound, and keeps its natural look.
#2 NOT ALL PAINTS ARE EQUAL
Cork is a flexible material full of micro-pores. That’s why it works best with paints that are elastic, thin-layered, and breathable. Acrylic-latex paints with a composite formula fit the bill perfectly—they create a durable yet permeable coating that doesn’t clog the cork’s structure, doesn’t interfere with its natural functions, and won’t peel over time. The result? A natural finish, excellent adhesion, and the material’s properties fully preserved.
By contrast, many standard wall paints—especially those from DIY superstores—lack these qualities. They form thick, rigid layers that simply don’t cooperate with the soft, flexible nature of cork. This type of finish clogs pores, blocks breathability, and is prone to cracking. Put simply: not every paint is suitable for cork—and it’s worth knowing that before you start painting.
#3 ECO-FRIENDLY, ON YOUR OWN TERMS
In a world where nearly everything comes with a green leaf logo and an “eco” label, it’s easy to lose track. Greenwashing is everywhere—labels may look promising, only for the ingredients to turn out to be mostly plastic and chemicals. Cork is the real deal. It’s natural, renewable, biodegradable, and harvested without harming the tree. At the same time, it’s durable, lightweight, and pleasant to the touch.
Its production requires less energy and doesn’t create waste that’s difficult to recycle. That’s a genuine advantage—not just an empty claim on the packaging. And what’s more, it doesn’t limit you—you can paint it, refresh it, and match it to your interior however you like.
| Volume | 0.9 l |
| Colour | White |
| Coverage | Up to 5m²/l with 2 layers |
| Type | Latex acrylic-composite |
Customers who bought this product also bought
