Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

May, 2004

Painting Over Concrete Cinder Blocks

Q. I want to paint the exterior lower half of a garage made out of cinder blocks in the 50's. They have never had any paint. What is the prep and what type of paint do I use. Thanks.

A. Since the cinder blocks have been around for a while, clean them with a high pressure power washer. You may want to brush apply a heavy duty cleaning detergent. This will help remove the possible build up of dirt and soil over the past 40 years. Rinse the surface a couple of times and let it dry for a week or so, the longer the better.

Use a good quality exterior latex paint designated for cement surfaces. If you plan to use a paint roller for application, use a long nap roller to help penetrate the cinder block surface.

Best wishes,

Tom Burke