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What Do I Use to Paint Over Concrete Blocks to Add Color and to Waterproof?

Gray concrete blocks, often also called cinder blocks, do not make cheery and bright walls or fences. They can be painted any color, however, in the same way that drywall or wood can be painted. The big difference is that the type of paint used must not trap the moisture that is present inside concrete.

  1. Primer

    • In most cases, concrete blocks should be primed before painting. This seals the porous surface of the block and helps the paint stick to its surface. Primer also prevents stains or previous colors of paint from showing through the new paint. In order to ensure adhesion and a long-lasting paint job, compatible types of paint and primer should be used together. For example, latex primer should be used with latex paint, elastomeric primer with elastomeric paint and oil-based primer with oil-based paint.

    Latex

    • Latex paint is affordable and durable. It is flexible enough to endure the expansion and contraction of concrete block through temperature changes. It also allows the concrete to breathe enough that moisture will not quickly deteriorate the paint. Latex is also easy to work with since it mixes readily and cleans up with soap and water. In addition, latex paint spreads well with a brush, roller or sprayer, making it simple to cover concrete blocks. Although standard latex paint can be used on concrete block, paint designed specifically for concrete or masonry will last longer.

    Elastomeric

    • Elastomeric paint is ideal for concrete block and other porous surfaces. It fills in small cracks and expands with temperature changes. It is also breathable, so moisture within the concrete will not damage it. On the other hand, elastomeric paint is more expensive than many other types of paint. It is also very thick, making it more time-consuming to apply. It can be brushed and rolled on to concrete blocks, but does not always flow well through paint sprayers.

    Oil-based

    • Oil-based paint is not ideal for concrete block. Although it holds up well outdoors and is excellent for covering up stains and discoloring, it also locks moisture into concrete. Over time, this moisture will build up and cause the paint to begin bubbling. Eventually the paint will crack and peel. While this can happen with other types of paint, it is likely to happen much sooner with oil-based paint.

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Fences & Walls
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  6. What Paint to Use on the Inside of Concrete Walls?
  7. What Kind of Paint Do I Use on Concrete Steps?
  8. What Kind of Paint Do I Use on Outdoor Concrete Floors?
  9. What Can I Use to Lighten the Paint Color on My Wall?
  10. What Happens When You Use Paint Thinner on Concrete?
  11. What Concrete Blocks Do You Use to Build an Outside Fireplace?
  12. What Color Paint Trim to Use With Gray Walls

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