If you properly paint a concrete block wall it will last for years with little upkeep. Here are 5 basic steps to help you do the job successfully. Step 1 – Clean the Wall There are two basic types of finish on concrete block--smooth and split face. Regardless of the finish and whether the concrete has already been painted, the cleaning procedure is very similar. Begin by using a pressure washer. Don’t use more than 2000 psi on an unpainted wall or 2500 psi on a previously painted wall or you will damage the concrete or mortar. Plain water is fine for the removal of dirt and dust as well as loose and peeling paint. Add a bit of mild soap or laundry detergent to the stream for more difficult efflorescence (a whitish, crystaline substance) deposits and other oily stains. If that doesn’t work, use a scrub brush or hand scraper to manually scrape off any remaining stains and loose paint. Step 2 – Repair the Mortar Missing and damaged mortar must be repaired before moving onto priming.

Use a premixed acrylic mortar patch unless you want to spend an additional 2 days mixing and drying the mortar. Mend and repoint joints as needed. Step 3 – Prime the Block Wall Use acrylic block fill primer over either unpainted or previously painted concrete in order to seal its pores. Make sure to prime all mortar as well. The texture will determine the amount of primer and paint needed. Smooth face concrete requires considerably less primer; typically you can cover about 200 square feet per gallon of block fill primer on a smooth face, and about half that amount on split face. Step 4 – Caulk and Seal Before painting, make sure to seal all cracks and gaps. Any area large enough to let water in, which is usually 1/16 inch or larger, should be caulked. The best type of caulk to use in this case is elastomeric caulk. For caulking the expansion joints you’ll need to use a foam backer rod. Step 5 – Painting Concrete Block Now you’re ready to paint. The best type of concrete paint for exterior walls is also elastomeric while a 100 percent acrylic paint is a second-best option.

Make sure to apply 2 coats to achieve highest durability. The type of paint you select for interior concrete walls will depend upon the use of the room as well as its décor. Paint with a sheen or gloss will be easier to maintain, for example. Apply the paint to the concrete block with an airless sprayer and then immediately back roll it, working in sections along the length of your wall. You’ve now completed painting a concrete block wall and there’s nothing left to do but sit back, relax, and admire your handy work.Paint dresses up otherwise boring concrete walls. Cinder blocks, also called concrete blocks, are a durable but rather industrial-looking material for walls. Whether used for an outdoor garden wall or as an interior basement wall, paint provides one answer for dressing up the boring gray blocks. Concrete has a porous surface that collects and expels moisture, which can weaken or damage the paint. Proper preparation ensures an even paint application that will resist peeling and flaking.

Remove any flaking paint from the wall if it was previously painted. Use a power washer to remove dirt and any flaking paint; scrub stubborn areas with a wire brush. wedding decor company for saleAllow the wall to dry. christmas tree decorating lights tipsFill in any large cracks with an acrylic caulk. country living room decorating picturesSmooth the caulk into the crack and smooth the surface with a putty knife. cheap christmas lights bulkAllow the caulk to dry. christmas tree decorating ideas pictures

Apply a second caulk filling if necessary to make the cracked area flush with the surrounding cinder block surface. Spread a drop cloth on the ground in front of the cinder block wall. home decor store houstonTape off the ground or other surfaces surrounding the block wall along the base and edges of the wall so paint doesn't drip onto them. Paint the entire wall with a thin coat of a concrete sealer or concrete primer. Apply an even coat with a wide paintbrush. Allow it to dry for four hours or for the time indicated on the sealer label. Paint a thin coat of exterior latex masonry paint or exterior acrylic house paint onto the prepared cinder blocks. Allow the first coat to dry completely, which typically takes between four and eight hours. Apply a second coat after the first coat of paint is dry. /Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionWhat is the best paint for a masonry/concrete/cinder block basement?

The best paint for a masonry, concrete or cinder block basement is a waterproof coating that is formulated for residential use on interior masonry or concrete. Homeowners should select the acrylic paint, rubber coating or waterproof sealer that is most appropriate for their homes and the condition of the surface. What type of paint do I use for a bird bath? How should you paint cinder block walls? What are some products that remove paint from metal? Certain products, such as INSL-X Waterblock and Behr Premium Basement and Masonry Waterproofer, are rated to resist hydrostatic pressure, which makes them good choices for a home that is prone to flooding or heavy rainfall. HGTV recommends Rubberize It! for superior adhesion and waterproofing, especially in areas with very wet soil or flooding. TuffCrete manufactures acrylic-based masonry and concrete paints that may be painted or sprayed onto uneven surfaces, such as stucco or cinder blocks. Many manufacturers produce paints and stains in a variety of colors, while other coatings can be painted over once cured.

Before applying any coating to basement walls or floors, the homeowner should repair or seal all leaks, holes and cracks. In most cases, the product may be applied to dry or damp surfaces. New concrete should be allowed to cure for at least 30 days before application. Some waterproof coatings require a primer or sealant prior to application, and many products require multiple coats. Homeowners should ensure they have adequate ventilation and follow all manufacturer instructions while applying the products. How do you seal concrete block walls? Seal a concrete block wall by cleaning and patching the surface and then applying a waterproofing paint or sealant designed specifically for masonry. What are the differences between lacquer and enamel paint? The biggest difference between lacquer and enamel paint is that lacquer is a coating and enamel paint is a paint meant for coloring. Now, however, both lac... How do you paint a metal headboard? Painting a metal headboard requires paint remover, a sanding implement, primer, coating and either spray paint or another type of paint put into an aerosol...