Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

July, 2004

Painting Exterior Concrete Block

Q. We have a client who has an old building that they use as their place of business. The exterior block has been painted several times but never sems to last very long. What can we do as far as preparing the block for coating and what type of primers and paint should we use?

A. Since the concrete blocks have several layers of coating use a high pressure water washer to remove all soils and loose paint. Allow the blocks to dry for several days before any paint application.

The existing paint will provide a good base for the new paint application. Purchase a good quality acrylic masonry latex paint. Another consideration is to use a semi-gloss topcoat. Using the semi-gloss will reduce and for most part eliminate the accumulation of dust and dirt built up on the surface of the topcoat. The semi-gloss coating is easy to maintain and clean with a garden hose and light brushing.

Best regards,

Tom Burke