How to Paint Cinder Block Walls in a Brick Design

Painting an interior cinder block wall in a brick design will change the look of a room or a basement instantly. Using the same technique on an exterior wall makes an outside area more inviting. Any cinder block wall can be painted as long as it's prepared properly. There are several steps in stenciling a cinder block wall, including letting paint dry between coats, so schedule your project for a weekend.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• TSP Power washer Bleach Caulk Latex block filler Paint brushes Sponge Brick stencil

1. 
    

   Prepare the surface. Clean it thoroughly with a heavy-duty cleaner like TSP (trisodium phosphate) and a stiff brush, or power wash it. Remove any loose chips if the wall has been previously painted.

2. 
    

   Clean any mildew with a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. Rinse as you go so the solution doesn't dry and leave stains.

3. 
    

   Caulk any cracks.

4. 
    

   Use a paint roller with a 3/8" nap to apply latex block filler. This seals the concrete and makes a smooth surface to paint.

5. Prime or paint the surface with the color you want the faux grout in your brick design to be.

6. 
    
   Advanced Beautiful Concrete patterns

   Tape a stencil of bricks to the cinder block wall as your guide. Use whatever color paint you want your brick to be. Paint the stencil with a small roller.

7. 
    

   Use a sponge to create texture in your faux bricks by making varying shades of color.

8. Let dry, remove the stencil and repeat until your wall is finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Stencils sets can be purchased complete with paint, brushes and sponges, or you can create your own with heavy-duty coated paper and a pair of scissors or a box knife. Your wall will look more natural if you create gradations in the paint color. Use latex paint on walls that are less than a year old; oil-based paint can be used on older walls.
• Wear eye protection and gloves when you're cleaning the cinder block. Don't work on a windy or hot day if you're painting outdoors. The paint may dry too quickly, reducing its lifespan.

Resources

• Brink Stencils
• Paint Quality Institute Painting Tips
• Cinder Block Painting Q&A