A Cheap Way To Disguise A Cinder Block Wall
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A blank wall encourages creativity, so when youre thinking of ways to cover a cinder block wall, consider possibilities other than a coat of paint. Fabric, veneer and textured paint can make an interior wall a focal point. Exterior walls need disguises that stand up to the elements, but they can still be an attractive addition to the landscape.
Creating A Classic Stylish Interior With White
Lastly, let us close this post with this idea. Here, we will also see the pairing between cinder blocks and wood.
As you can see in the picture, the wall here is painted in white. It is an effortless choice to make since the color is neutral, and it works with everything. In this interior design, this hue even matches the minimalist value.
The thing that we think to be very fascinating is how the white-painted cinder blocks are paired with medium-stained wood materials spread all over the open space. The combination finally creates not only a stylish look but also a classic visual.
Another thing that also becomes a perfect match for the white cinder block walls is the beige color of the carpet flooring and the chairs. It brings coziness, while the dominant white color tends to make the room look bright and refreshed.
A Cheerful Exterior Touch With Colorful Mural On Cinder Block Wall
The first time we saw this idea, we were directly fascinated. Something like this would be a perfect, cheerful addition to home exterior design whether you are still single or with family.
The idea here is not merely just coloring the cinder block wall with paint. It is more than that because colorful murals are included in the design.
In the picture above, cheerful contemporary murals are the ones that you can see on the block wall. It is suited to the design theme of the house.
The possibilities for the designs and styles of the murals in such an idea are endless. You can create it on your own if you are into that or hire a professional if you wish to get the most excellent result since you cannot do the project independently.
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Only Paint What Is Clean And Dry
One of the best ways to ensure disaster is to paint a wall that is dirty and/or wet!
If your exterior wall is only dirty with a bit of dirt, cobwebs, and similar dry matter, it is probably sufficient to give the wall a thorough sweeping. Start from the top and work your way down. Be systematic so you don’t miss any spots, and make sure you get all the mortar lines in the joints between the bricks or blocks.
In many cases, exterior brick, concrete, and block walls have material on them that is harder to remove, such as mildew, lichen, bird droppings, and so on. In this case, the best plan is to spray the walls with a fungicidal wash, use a scrub brush to clean the dirtiest areas, then rinse it all off with a pressure washer. This is best done by a professional, as an inexperienced do-it-yourselfer can end up hurting somebody or damaging the surfaces.
After washing the exterior walls, give them a good amount of time to dry before painting. Since a pressure washer drives water into the pores, it may take 2-3 dry days before the walls are ready.
Applying The Primer And Paint
In most cases the primer and paint should be applied to concrete block with an airless sprayer and back rolled. This is a two-person operation.
Block Fill primer is thick and will require a powerful airless sprayer. A 3/4 gallon per minute sprayer and a 517 spray tip is the minimum required. Large professional units can be rented. Use a gas powdered sprayer on the exterior for added power and convenience.
The roller cover needs to be a thick nap and of the highest quality. Cheap synthetic roller covers become compressed easily and will be frustrating to work with. 100% lambs wool covers work best. Use 3/41 inch for smooth block and 1-1/2 inch on split-face block.
Apply a thick even coat and immediately use the roller to push the primer and finish paint into the pores of the concrete block. The goal is to produce a surface that is completely filled and sealed against moisture. This procedure works equally well on interior block surfaces. Back rolling is a great way to produce a better looking result even without the need for primer.
Spraying isnt always necessary, standard brush and rolling techniques can be used. Dipping and rolling will be slower and more labor intensive, but when painting the interior of occupied block buildings and homes rolling can be the best application method.
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Interior Cinder Block Wall Ideas
The cheapest, easiest way to disguise a concrete block wall is to paint it. Painting cinder block walls in the basement begins with a good cleaning. Let the wall dry and apply a coat of sealant to prevent water from seeping through the block and causing the paint to bubble or providing a damp environment for mold to grow. Look for a base coat labeled “concrete coating” from manufacturers like Rust-Oleum or Kilz. Experts at Epp Foundation Repair recommend letting the sealant dry for eight hours before applying a coat of masonry paint. Masonry paint is formulated to be waterproof and form a bond with the block.
Parging is a method involving applying a thin layer of plaster to the wall to smooth it out and conceal the grooves between the concrete blocks. Its a labor-intensive process but not one that requires special skills, making it a money-saving do-it-yourself project. Apply mortar or Portland cement to the clean wall with a trowel, smoothing it as you go. Backwoods Home Magazine explains that you should mist the part of the wall on which youre working before applying the plaster so it better adheres. Lay down a drop cloth or you may find yourself with hardened globs of plaster on the floor.
Outdoor Concrete Paint Ideas
A new trend has recently emerged in outdoor design. It aims to transform the look of plain outdoor concrete surfaces into something more enticing, elegant, and practical.
Nowadays, many homeowners are looking for ways to make their house exterior stand out from all of the others on the block.
There are many different colors available that can best suit your outdoor concrete desires.
Painting is perfect for outdoor concrete surfaces like patios floors or driveways. You get all of the beauty of porcelain without any of the maintenance issues associated with it.
The right type of paint will cover up old stains and discolorations giving off a brand new awesome look for practically nothing.
Check out these Top 10 Outdoor Concrete Paint Ideas below:
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A Bold And Stunning Office Nook With Black Paint On The Cinder Block Wall
We found another fascinating example of how a painted cinder block wall can make a huge difference in your interior. Here, the hue used is black, which obviously brings boldness to the place.
In this industrial office nook, the black block wall looks more like something accentuating. The proof is that it is only on one side while the others are plastered and have a greyish white hue.
Do you know what we are actually trying to tell you here? Painted cinder blocks can be the right material choice for creating an accent wall because of the textured surface and the color selection you apply to it.
In the design example above, everything is just perfect. It contains a combination of textured surface and black paint that support the urban industrial interior theme excellently.
What You Will Need
- 3 or 4 Shoeboxes. These need to be lined with plastic. You will be using them as larger palettes while you paint.
- Four Paints. We suggest getting the same type of paint that you used to paint your cinder block wall, or to get no-primer paint for a quicker project. Choose paint hues that are close to a stone color. Greys, beiges, browns, and even pinks can work well here.
- Primer. If your paint type doesnt require primer, then you can go without this and skip the steps discussing it.
- A 3-inch Paint Brush. This is what youre going to use to paint the cinderblocks.
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White Grey And Green Cinder Block Wall Color Combination For A Fun Gender Neutral Indoor Kids Sport Room
An empty room with cinder block walls might look ordinary. However, if you paint it with fresh colors, it can be something extraordinary that you never expected before.
The spacious sports room for children above is an excellent example. The paint colors chosen for it are gender-neutral, with a combination of off-white, green, and light grey.
The paint color options do not only look refreshing and are suitable for boys and girls. It also om looking uncomfortable and cramped.
Best Lounge On The Block
Turn your backyard into a 1960s-style mod lounge using cinder blocks for large seating arrangement platforms. Carve out a corner in your backyard and start arranging and stacking the blocks into a bench-like structure for a midcentury vibe thats perfect for everything from an impromptu cocktail party to an afternoon of reading in the sun.
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Can You Use Regular Paint Cinder Block
Paint is often used to cover or decorate the exposed surfaces of building porous materials such as cinder blocks. While regular paint can be used on cinder blocks, it is not the most effective or long-lasting solution. In order to get the best results, it is recommended that a specialized paint be used that is specifically designed to adhere to masonry surfaces.
Do You Always Need To Cover Cinderblock Walls
Heres the thing about cinderblock walls that you need to understand: theyre pretty rugged in most situations. Thats why they are used in many different types of foundations, not to mention a wide range of projects that require sturdiness. While most people prefer to hide the fact that they look so industrial, there are moments where you might not have to cover those walls.
In many situations, the choice to cover those walls is primarily an aesthetic one. Unless the wall in question is part of your home, adding reinforcements and coverings isnt really required. Even so, you might end up getting a write-up from the local HOA if you dont cover up certain walls.
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Instructions For Painting Your Cinder Blocks
1. Lay down newspaper or a drop cloth before starting. If your cinder blocks are dirty, make sure to wipe them down and let them completely dry before painting. Place your cinder blocks on top of the newspaper and get your paint and brushes ready. I found that foam brushes work best with this project, they spread the paint nicely and are easy for kids to use.
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2. Using painters tape, create your designs on the cinder blocks. We went super simple and stuck with geometric lines. My 7-year-old daughter did this step on her own while my 5-year-old needed a bit of help. Depending on where your planters will be, you can choose to do all sides or just the sides that will be showing. Make sure to press the tape down really well so the paint doesnt bleed through.
Dont worry about measuring or making sure that their lines are straight, they will look amazing! My son only wanted to use tape on a couple of sides and his planter still looks great.
3. Once everyone is done creating their patterns out of tape, using one color at a time, let the kids paint in their designs. This part is fun! My kids loved choosing their colors and painting their cinder blocks.
After they have finished painting, you need to let the paint dry completely. The instructions on our paint were to let everything dry for 72 hours. You can take the tape off after a couple of hours or wait, I found it didnt make a difference.
Raised Garden Bed Project With Cinder Blocks
If youve been wanting to grow plants, fruits or vegetables in your backyard, you dont need to break new ground. You can simply create a raised garden above ground using wood or even cinder blocks. Wood can age and deteriorate, so using cinder blocks is the perfect alternative. This raised garden bed is a great option if you dont have a large backyard or if you simply want to enhance your homes curb appeal.
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Minimalist Cinder Block Bench Set
This one is a gorgeous dining set in bench style with the minimalist look which will be adored by all the coming guest. Its finish combination of bright white and natural wood is so admirable.
The design of the bench and table is very simple which tells how easy it is to build this one at home.
So those are some most creative cinder blocks decorating ideas that you can try to make at home easily and cheaply. They dont need any tricky efforts and lots of bucks to create but the result is totally surprising.
Pick the one that matches the overall look of your patio or deck to create a nice harmonious look in your outdoor space. Also, always stay safe in executing any DIY projects that you are interested in, like wearing some safety gears.
Maximize With Molding And Paint
As expensive as it looks, Arts and Crafts-style wainscoting is easy to create with plywood, crown molding, and 1×3 boards. Here the trimwork and ceiling are painted warm white, while the drywall is coated in bright white. The combination makes this corner feel light and open, especially with natural light coming in through the above-grade window.
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+ Creative Outdoor Cinder Block Ideas And Projects
Cinder blocks have always been confused with concrete blocks. They are often used the way concrete blocks are used and that is the reason why cinder block outdoor ideas have become a trend over the years. Unlike concrete, cinder blocks are cheaper and smoother.
Although they are not as waterproof resistant as concrete over the years, they offer a classic touch to many outdoor ideas.
Cinder block outdoor ideas include building a cinder block fire pit, outdoor cellar shelves, cinder block benches for the garden or around the firepit, cinder block stepping stones or outdoor stairs leading to the patio or backyard, and cinder block planters .
Cinder blocks are easy to use and they can be done DIY and that is what makes cinder blocks a go-to material for outdoor ideas. They are also good accents to combine with other materials especially wood so you can count on them for customized designs.
Different Uses For Concrete Block Walls
Concrete block walls can be used in a variety of different ways. Their versatility to meet residential, commercial, or industrial needs is another great benefit. Here are a few suggestions on ways you can use concrete block walls for your property.
Security BarriersIf youre looking for a simple yet effective way to keep a place safer and more private, concrete blocks serve as great security barriers. You can use them for different types of special events, privacy for your backyard landscape, and to cordon off building sites.
Retaining WallsConcrete blocks are perfect for building retaining walls. They can keep water or unwanted landscaping materials away from parts of your building. Concrete blocks are lightweight and durable, making them ideal for builders to construct the walls.
Backyard Movie Theatre One creative use of concrete block walls is as a makeshift movie screen. By painting one side of the wall white, you can then project movies onto the wall, without the worry of having to maintain a cloth screen.
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Creative Cinder Block Wall Coverings
Embrace the blocks and grooves of a cinder block wall rather than disguising them with primary colors in the style of a painting by Dutch artist Piet Mondrian. Mondrians paintings feature vivid geometric blocks of color edged with straight lines. Use the grooves between the blocks as a guide but dont limit yourself to one block and one color. Paint sets of blocks one color to contrast with a different block or set of blocks to add variety.
If your cinder block wall is in a windowless room, create the impression of windows with light boxes. Either make your own frames or purchase photo frames that resemble paned windows. Add LED lighting to simulate daylight or purchase premade light boxes. Place large photos of outdoor scenery behind the frames to mimic the appearance of looking outside.
While not as much a disguise as a clever use of a concrete block wall on a garage or the side of a building, an outdoor home theater can become a neighborhood hangout or a spot for movie night under the stars. Paint the wall bright white and dress it up with a dark painted border. If you want to go all out, hang drapes in front of the screen made from fabric thats meant to be used outdoors, such as Sunbrella fabric.
References
A Unique Interior Cinder Block Wall With Multi Paint Colors
A painting project for cinder block walls should not always be done by applying even color that covers the whole surface. Sometimes, you can get creative by creating an abstract multi-tone visual as done by Nooks in Bloom that you can see in the picture.
The primary purpose of this project was to create an excellent backdrop for the space. You can also do the same thing when you wish to add something unique to your interior.
Since it is a multi-tone painting idea, there are several products used here. The primary paint color used in this project is an off-white hue known as Meeting House White 50YY 74/069 by Glidden.
The interesting thing is that the other two colors used to create the mixture visual here are actually leftover paints. The hues are maroon and off-black.
It is honestly fascinating. It seems to prove that you do not always need to buy everything required for the painting project. If you have some leftover paints, you can get creative and use them to save cost.
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