How to Paint and Decorate Concrete Blocks

How to paint and decorate concrete blocks

• 1

  Clean thoroughly the concrete blocks with soap and water to removed all dust and dirt, with a scrub brush.

• 2

  Wear gloves and scrub the masonry cleaner into the blocks with the scrub brush. Efflorescence -- the white powder sometimes seen on concrete blocks -- will not come off with soap and water. To remove the efflorescence from the blocks, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the acidic masonry cleaner.

• 3

  Use a high-powered pressure washer to spray the blocks in a 15-degree spray pattern at 2500 psi. Hold the tip of the pressure washer nozzle approximately 12 inches from the blocks. Work in a horizontal pattern when moving the water spray.

• 4

  Apply a liberal layer of acrylic block fill primer using a high quality paintbrush. Your assistant should immediately use the paint roller to smooth the primer into the pores of the concrete block. Allow the acrylic block fill primer to dry according to the manufacturer's directions.

• 5

  Use painter's tape to adhere your stencil to the face of the block.

• 6

  Work with one color at a time to paint the design using smaller paintbrushes. Using a mini roller, which you can find in the art department of craft stores, push the paint into the pores of the block. Allow each color to dry completely before moving on to the next color.

• 7

  Remove the painter's tape and stencil when you have painted the entire design.

• 8

  Using a clear spray varnish, apply two coats according to the manufacturer's directions. Allow the varnish to dry completely before moving the blocks.