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In their original state,cinder blocksare gray, dull, and lifeless.
But it only takes a little color to turn this utilitarian building block around.
Interiorcinder blockprojects like bookcases, shelves, tables, and desks take on new life when brightened with paint.
Luca Piccini Basile / Getty Images
Cinder block’s highly porous surface can bea bit tricky to paint.
Before You Begin
The key to successfully painting cinder blocks is priming.
Primer creates a uniform topcoat that’s free of pores.
Thoughoptional on other surfaces, primer is required on cinder blocks.
Use concrete and masonry bonding primer.
Do not use wood or drywall primer orself-priming paint.
After priming, you might use ordinary acrylic-latex paint tinted to the color of your choice.
Use interior paint on interior cinder blocks and exterior-grade paint on outdoor surfaces.
For highly moist surfaces like basement cinder blocks, purchaseelastomeric paint.
This durable, elastic paint works well on cinder blocks and other tough surfaces.
Even natural paint stripper is caustic, so observe the same safety precautions.
Paint in good condition can be painted over.Strip off the painteither with a petroleum-based or plant-based organic paint stripper.
Caulk, silicone, and any other materials that shed paint should be stripped off with the paint scraper.
Use the wire brush to remove paint from the pores of the cement.
Toremove white efflorescence, try scrubbing with diluted vinegar.
It’s vital that the blocks be perfectly dry to avoid trapping moisture behind the paint.
Cinder blocks that appear dry on the surface may still be wet inside.
Apply Primer to the Cinder Blocks
Small sections of cinder blocks can be hand-painted.
For large areas of cinder blocks, use a paint roller.
Pour the paint into a lined paint tray.
Soak the roller, then roll it out dry on the paint tray.
For mortared joints, follow up with a nylon or polyester brush.
Priming should fill in all pores.
If not, prime a second time.
The subsequent paint coat should be used for color, not for priming.
Paint the cinder blocks the same way that you primed them: rolling large areas or hand-painting smaller areas.
