Paint a Block Wall
Painting a block wall can be a very simple job if the wall is in good condition, but if the wall is old and in need of some repair, this endeavor can become more complicated.
No matter what your situation or the condition of your wall, this article will show you turn that ugly gray wall into something clean and beautiful.
Instructions
1. First, scrub the wall with a stiff wire bursh to remove loose mortar, dirt, and debris.
If there are grease spots on the wall, use a detergent or degreaser (usually recommended on the back of the sealer) to clean these spots. If you do not properly clean the wall, the sealer and paint will not adhere properly.
Vacuum the dirt and dust from the walls. Vacuuming will clean the dirt out of the pores of the block.
If your walls have a white "crust", this may be due to a soluable salt found in the cinder blocks which has dissolved and created this white film. In order remove this buildup, you may need to wash the walls in a muratic acid solution. You can purchase this solution at any hardware store. Be sure to ventilate the area as much as possible and always wear the recommended protective gear, i.e. goggles, gloves, and a respirator.
2. After you have thoroughly cleaned the wall, check for areas that may require repair. In spots where the mortat is missing or the block is cracked you will need to use the hammer and chisel to open up the space. Make an undercut hole, or a hole that is wider on the inside than on the outside. This will insure that the patch holds when you are done.
Once you have completed this step, apply hydraulic cement to the cracks with a trowel, following the directions on the package to smooth over the patched areas. Be sure to allow recommended dry time before beginning the next step.
3. After the wall is patched, dry, and ready to go, apply the waterproofer or sealant. This is an important step in preparing a block wall for painting, especially in areas that are susceptible to moisture, because the blocks are extremely porous and moisture can wick through them very quickly. If moisture becomes trapped inside the block, your final coat of paint will not adhere well and will eventually peel off.
Typically masonry sealers go on thick, and many require two coats, so read the recommended coverage and be sure to purchase enough. These sealers create some serious fumes, so be careful when applying in closed spaces and be sure to wear a respirator.
4. Once the sealer has cured, you are ready to paint. Many people prefer to use a white basecoat primer, such as Kilz, before using a latex color. This is a great way to insure an even top coat, and I recommend doing this step. Painting the wall at this point is easy. I like to use a brush to paint all the grount lines first, then I go back with a thick knap roller to cover the rest of the wall.
If you have completed these steps with diligence and care, your painted block wall should last a very long time.
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