Question about painting concrete blocks?

Here are the instructions for you: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/paint-cinderblock-wall-23561.html#:~:text=Paint%20the%20entire%20wall%20with,concrete%20sealer%20or%20concrete%20primer.&text=Paint%20a%20thin%20coat%20of,between%20four%20and%20eight%20hours.

It's my understanding tht you should use a masonry primer so that the primer and paint do not flake off from moisture. Regular Zinsser or Kilz will not work. The best type of concrete paint for exterior walls is an elastomeric paint but a 100 percent acrylic paint is a second-best option.

Here's a bit of information for you!

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/paint-cinderblock-wall-23561.html

That will be a beautiful upgrade. I hope you consider posting your project here for us to see once it’s completed.

Louise: maybe this will help

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHXBIwhgAjM

Hi Louise, these videos have alot of great information for you, I hope you enjoy them, and I found one to stucco as well!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RsEQ0-AN_A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_nr-Ipgvis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZXSB5Pm13M

Hi Louise, I hope this helps you paint your stone wall, I think it will be beautiful, please share a picture when you are done.

www.doityourself.com › stry › paint-a-concrete-block-...

Sep 21, 2009 - Use acrylic block fill primer over either unpainted or previously painted concrete in order to seal its pores. Make sure to prime all mortar as well.

A waterproofing paint will absorb and seal the pores. Then you can use any exterior paint. Follow Peggy Burnette's link instructions and your good.

https://www.menards.com/main/paint/interior-paint-stain/waterproofing-paint/c-8033.htm

No need for primer with the correct concrete paint.

Yes, use a power washer as prep before you paint the concrete. A power washer is the best for cleaning stone, brick and patios. It also will get any loose, peeling, debris off the concrete (if you have that) Check out my post:

https://karupp-did.net/power-washer/ for lots of before and after pics.

Then I wrote a post..... https://karupp-did.net/patio_painted/....you can use this paint for concrete!! It is fantastic paint and really soaks into the top layers of concrete. I go into detail on how to paint a concrete patio floor...I know this is a stone wall but the correct paint is what matters. With Sherwin Williams you could get different colors in this type of paint and do your blending to look like stone. You can pick any Sherwin Williams colors to tint this type of concrete paint. Follow the directions in the post. With this concrete paint you don't need a primer or sealer! Works great!

Since these blocks have moss growth and the mortar is cracking, due to location & hydrostatic pressure.

I would not block their pores with paint, as it will want to peel off over time.

I would pressure wash with bleach water and let dry.

Then I would use diluted concrete paint or use concrete dyes/stains as they will soak in and allow the blocks to “breathe”.

1) Yes, you do need a special paint. Although I would go with stain.

2) Clean with an etching cleaner and high pressure hose. It will take a week of no rain probably (depends on your humidity and temp) to dry enough.

3) You should be fine with either of those.

Also) You need to men the cracks before you do this. I would recommend getting the mortar that is in a tube, like caulking. It also has a couple of days dry time so this is a long term project.

I think you should document and post this as a project when it is completed. Good Luck!

here is some info that may help you out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuYAAUmRwn0

For your paint to adhere long tem, I'd suggest using a waterproofing type paint available for sealing basement walls prior to using a good exterior paint in the color of your choice. As always the prep work is the most important part, so don't skimp and not do the waterproofing first. I doubt your wall will ever be completely moist free unless you're in a drought, so waterproof is essential for the next layer of paint to adhere well.

We painted our outdoor concrete patio a few years ago. It still looks amazing. I know you'll be using several colors to get the look you want, but we were super happy with the paint- BM Floor and Patio. Here's what we did if you want to peek. https://www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com/2018/08/how-to-paint-concrete-patio-makeover.html

Definitely use masonry stain instead of paint if you really want it to last. We stained a wall very much like yours over ten years ago. It has been through snow, heavy pelting rain, and 105 degree summer heat - no flaking, peeling, or fading. Still looks like new. Paint will flake off, but stain soaks in. Use solid stain which comes off looking like paint but is so much better (in my humble opinion.)

Deb makes a good point! Stain will last forever. You could use two different colors of stain to get a stone effect, just like with a patio.

If you paint, use a sealing masonry primer tinted to your base color. Then follow up with your "stone effect".

I would LOVE to see how it comes out!

There is a concrete paint available in the home improvement stores ... What a great project ! Please share pictures after you complete that ...