How To Paint Cinder Blocks: Step By Step Instructions Of Painting Cinder Blocks

Cinder blocks, also known as concrete blocks, are a long-lasting and industrial-looking material for walls. No matter if you are using cinder blocks for an outdoor garden wall or as an interior basement wall, paint is the ultimate solution when it comes to enhancing the boring gray blocks. Concrete has an open & spongy surface that gathers together as well as expels moisture, which can wear out or damage the paint. Therefore, you need to do proper preparation, which in turn helps you to have an even paint application that will hold out against peeling and flaking.

Step By Step Instructions Of Painting Cinder Blocks

Cinder blocks are a common building material that can be extremely useful for both the interior as well as the exterior of a home. The majority of the cinder blocks come in a gray color, however, you can also paint the cinder blocks with a color scheme that will perfectly match the color scheme of your home. High-quality acrylic latex paint is considered the best option when it comes to painting the cinder blocks. In order to paint the cinder blocks, collect the certain items required for the process before going through the below-mentioned step by step instructions carefully:

Items Needed

Power Washer
Wire Brush
Acrylic Caulk
Putty Knife
Masonry Sealer
Paintbrush
Exterior Latex Or Acrylic Paint

Step By Step Instructions

Cleaning: First of all, peel off any flaking paint from the cinder block wall if in case it was earlier painted. With the help of a power washer, you need to get rid of the dirt and any flaking paint, clean the stubborn areas using a wire brush. Give the wall some time in order to dry completely.
Acrylic Caulk: Now, apply acrylic caulk in order to fill any large cracks. Smoothen the caulk into the crack as well as make the surface smooth with the help of a putty knife. Wait as long as the caulk gets completely dry. If needed, you can apply a second caulk filling in order to make the cracked area flush with the adjoining cinder block surface.
Protection: Lay a drop cloth on the ground, especially, in front of the cinder block wall. Tape off the ground or other surfaces adjoining the block wall through the base as well as edges of the wall so the paint doesn't drip onto them.
Concrete Primer Or Sealer: Now, it is time to paint the entire wall using a very fine or thin coat of a concrete sealer or primer. Put or spread an even coat with the help of a wide paintbrush. Give the primer at least 4 hours or the time specified on the primer label to dry.
Painting: Finally, apply a very fine or thin coat of exterior latex masonry or exterior acrylic paint over the primed cinder blocks. Give the first coat nearly 4 to 8 hours to dry completely, before going for the second coat of paint.

Tip & Warning

Due to the reason that painting a cinder block wall perfectly needs plenty of drying time as well as multiple coats, make sure to verify or establish the weather forecast for your satisfaction before starting the painting process to ensure you will have several rain-free days for the project.
Never use a regular paint primer rather than a masonry primer. Moisture in the cinder blocks can become the main reason for the paint to flake within a short time. A concrete sealing primer keeps away the moisture from draining out of the blocks as well as weakening the paint.