5 Best Paint For Cinder Block Walls In 2022

Are you frustrated with cracking, peeling, and molding paint on your cinder block walls? If so, then you’re at the right place.

Cinder blocks are one of the most popular and versatile building materials. However, they can easily get damaged by moisture as well as other environmental elements. Hence, the best paint for cinder block walls needs to be both waterproof and weather-resistant.

It’s easy to get confused while choosing paint for your cinder blocks as the market is highly saturated with numerous types of paints. Generally, water-based acrylic, latex, masonry, or epoxy paints are considered suitable for cinder blocks.

If you’re struggling to select a paint that’ll provide the most protection to your walls, don’t worry. We’ve discussed everything you need to know about cinder block paints including the top products, a buying guide, and tips on how to remove old paint. 

So, without further ado let’s begin.

Comparison Chart For Top 5 Paint For Cinder Block Walls

Best Paint For Cinder Block Walls Review

1. Giani Brick Transformations Kit

The right coat of paint can transform a plain cinder block wall into a piece of art. Looking for the best paint for interior block walls? Check out the Giani Brick Transformations Kit.

Getting all the tools with your paint makes the entire project much easier and  hassle-free. This Giani whitewashed paint comes in an 8-piece set including multiple lint wiping rags, drop cloth, paintbrush, painter’s tape, stir stick, and a detailed instruction manual.

As a result, you can transform your cinder block wall within the span of a morning or afternoon. On top of that, this paint doesn’t require any special prep work to be done before painting.

The most amazing feature of this brick transformation kit has to be its pigment. It has outstanding white pigment that is applicable over several brick colors. 

That’s not all, this paint gets absorbed within the cinder block pores and creates a more lasting bond. So, your walls stay vibrant and beautiful for longer. It’s perfect for changing the look of your brick fireplace or accent wall. 

Pros

• Durable acrylic brick transformation paint
• Effortless application with little prep work
• Covers up to 100 sq ft surface
• Features a highly pigmented formula
• Super absorbent to cinder blocks

Cons

• Has a bluish color cast

Product Speciality

Reinvigorate your cinder block walls with this water-based whitewash paint. Its superior pigment will brighten up your wall with just one coat and the application couldn’t be any easier. On top of that, you can customize the coverage you want by changing the water to paint ratio.

2. Giani Brick Transformations Whitewash Paint

Need a whitewashed paint that’s safe to use on your interior cinder block walls? The Giani Brick Transformations Whitewash Paint will be perfect for you.

The pungent chemical odor and VOC found in paints can be harmful to your family. But the Giani paint doesn’t contain any harmful odor. In addition, the VOC levels are extremely low in this paint. As a result, it is completely safe to use on your interior brick walls.

There’s more. You can achieve any kind of coverage from this paint just by changing the water ratio. Using less water will give you a more prominent white color along with lasting protection.

On top of that, it comes with an advanced formula specially made for cinder block walls. Therefore, this paint gets absorbed into cinder blocks with ease and gives you a seamless coverage

No one has the time to spend days on a painting project. That’s why you need to get this brick transformation paint. It cures in only five hours so you can finish multiple projects in a day.

Pros

• Long-lasting acrylic paint
• Provides low, medium, & full coverage
• Almost odor free
• Features really low VOC
• Suitable for several brick colors

Cons

• Not suitable for harsh weather

Product Speciality

The best thing about this paint is that it doesn’t contain any harmful odor and it’s low on VOC. In addition, it’s suitable for all your interior brick walls and fireplaces. The versatility, bright pigment along with safety assurance makes this one of the best paint for concrete block walls.

3. Diamond Brite 21050 Paint

Next, we have a brand that has been producing top-quality paints since 1990. It’s none other than Diamond Brite and their Diamond Brite 21050 Paint is no exception to the legacy. 

It is a semi-gloss paint that can be applied to brick, wood, plaster, drywall, masonry, vinyl, and more. So, you can give your brick walls, interior and exterior wood stairs, vinyl doors and other furniture around the house a personalized touch with this paint. 

Moreover, Diamond Brite incorporated a dry hide feature in this paint. Therefore, the paint gives more coverage as it dries as well as hides spots & imperfections.  

If you want a subtle shine on your brick wall, this paint will give it to you. The gloss is not only appealing to the eye but also grease and dirt resistant. Hence, you can easily clean the painted wall with soap and water. The spot coverage and effortless clean-up make it the best paint for cinder block basement walls.

However, one of the most convenient features of this paint has to be its surface coverage. You can cover over 300+ sq ft surface using per gallon of paint. So, the five-gallon pack will last you a long time.

Pros

• Impressive dry hide quality
• Available in large quantity
• Superior protection from dirt
• Suitable on multiple surfaces
• Provides high surface coverage

Cons

• Requires primer for proper coverage

Product Speciality

Diamond Brite water-based latex paint offers plenty of amazing features such as dry hiding, beautiful subtle shine, and high endurance. On top of this, this paint comes in a 5-gallon pack so you can complete a ton of projects with just one pack. 

4. KILZ Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint

Another well-known name in the paint industry is KILZ. They have been producing top-quality paint and priming products for over 40 years. One of their best waterproof paint for cinder block walls is the KILZ Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint.

While painting exterior cinder block walls or exterior brick walls, you need to use paint that is highly waterproof. Because when water infiltrates the cinder blocks, they suffer from mold and mildew damage. But not with this KILZ waterproofing paint.

This paint has been specially designed for porous cinder and concrete surfaces. What’s more, they used advanced nanotechnology that shields the wall from water and keeps it completely dry all year long.

In addition, the 12 PSI water resistance helps prevent mildew infestation. That’s not all, you also get alkali and fade resistance from this paint. As a result, your walls stay vibrant white for a long time.

If you want a little more color on your walls, you can mix other tints with this paint. It holds up well to all mid-tone and pastel colors and gives your cinder walls a decorative look.

Pros

• Protection against mold & mildew
• Impressive 12 PSI water resistance
• Can be mixed with tints
• Dries in about an hour
• Available at an affordable price

Cons

• Requires significant prep work

Product Speciality

If you are looking for cinder block sealant paint, this one will be excellent for you. It comes with an impressive formulation that provides superior water, mildew, and fade resistance. So, your cinder walls will stay bright and protected during every season of the year.

5. KILZ PREMIUM PRIMER

Using a primer while painting cinder block walls is extremely helpful. Primer allows the paint to adhere better to the wall along with providing water resistance capability.

If you are in need of a primer that’ll hold up against the elements, the KILZ PREMIUM PRIMER is an ideal choice. It comes with a thick creamy texture that is excellent for covering the porous surface of your cinder walls.

Moreover, you can use it on the interior, exterior, and high-humidity areas without any worrying. The smooth finish seals the brick, masonry, drywall, and plaster surfaces effectively and provides outstanding mildew resistance.

Looking for a primer that will help in hiding imperfections too? This premium primer features high hide and stain blocking capabilities that are ideal for covering up small spots and stains effectively.

If you’re going to be painting in low ventilated areas such as the bathroom or the basement, having a low VOC primer is a must. And KILZ primer is almost entirely clean of harmful VOCs. Also, it has a really low odor. So, it is safe to use in both home and office spaces.

Pros

• Excellent stain blocking capability
• Prevents mildew infestation
• Protection against water damage
• Outstanding paint adhesion
• Low VOC and odor

Cons

• May ruin the paint brushes

Product Speciality

This superior-quality stain blocker primer offers outstanding hiding properties with prominent adhesion as well as water repellency. As a result, both your interior and exterior walls stay fresh and protected for years and years.

How To Choose Best Paint For Cinder Block Walls?

Picking out suitable paint for painting exterior cinder block walls can be somewhat confusing. These paints need to provide appropriate protection as well as coverage to your walls.

To find out the right paint, you need to consider some crucial factors. We’ve put together a quick buying guide to help you in choosing the finest paint for your cinder block walls.

1. Paint Type

Epoxy or masonry and acrylic latex are the most popular type of paint for cinder block walls. 

The first one is a water-based formula and is fairly easy to apply. Moreover, you wouldn’t need to follow any additional preparation before applying this paint. However, acrylic paint is not as durable as epoxy and will need retouch depending on how much abuse it faces.

On the other hand, epoxy paint requires a bit of preparation before application. However, the extra work is worth it as you’ll receive a more durable coverage that also provides weather resistance. What’s more, you can clean epoxy paint without causing it to fade or peel.

2. Finish

Cinder block paints are available in various finishes like matte, semi-gloss, gloss, and high-gloss. This entirely depends on your personal preference and how much shine you want on your walls. Nonetheless, the matte finish helps to hide spots, so they are considered better for outdoor walls.

3. Durability

This is extremely important to consider as you don’t want your newly painted cinder wall to start chipping immediately. Look for a paint that will last for at least a few years if not more. Applying a primer increases the lifespan of paints so check if the paint you’re choosing requires a primer.

4. Maintenance

Cinder block paints require maintenance to stay vibrant and long-lasting. Now, it depends on the paint you choose and what kind of maintenance it’ll require. Some paints can be safely scrubbed clean with soap and water while others require frequent wax and polish. 

Therefore, consider how much maintenance you’re prepared to take on while choosing the paint.

5. Weather-Resistant & Waterproof

If you’re painting an outdoor cinder block wall, it is crucial to get paint that is weather-resistant. Otherwise, not only the paint will peel but also your cinder wall will get damaged.

Water is the main culprit behind damaged, peeling, and cracking paint. So, try to get waterproof paint as it can keep the water out as well as increase the lifespan of your cinder blocks. 

How To Remove Paint From Cinder Block?

Cinder blocks are generally porous and readily absorb paint. Hence, removing older exterior cinder block paint can be quite difficult. 

To help you we’ve described the proper steps for effectively removing paint from your cinder walls. 

Step 1: Preparation

Gather the necessary supplies such as paint stripper, paintbrush, scrubbing brush, drop cloth, wire brush, paint scraper, soap, etc. Also, get protective gloves and goggles as chemical strippers can be harmful to humans.

Place the drop cloth under the wall. Then, remove potted plants and other objects that might get damaged by the paint stripper. Finally, wear protective clothing and put on your goggles & gloves.

Step 2: Deep Cleaning The Wall

Before applying the paint stripper, you need to clean the surface thoroughly to remove dirt, grease, and grime. You can use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the loose dirt. Then, mix soap with warm water and use the scrubber to clean the cinder block wall.

Step 3: Apply Paint Stripper

You should let the wall completely dry before applying the stripper. Use the specific paint stripper recommended for cinder block walls. Also, make sure to spread a thick coat of stripper all over the wall.

Lastly, remember to get the chemical to the crevices and joints of the cinder blocks too.

Step 4: Allow The Paint Stripper To Set

If the paint is fresh, the stripper can work within 30 minutes. However, for older paint, you may need to wait anywhere between one to six hours. You’ll know the paint stripper has worked when all the paint has bubbled up and cracked.

Step 5: Scrape & Scrub The Paint

Start scraping the paint off with a flat paint scraper. Follow up with a wire brush to scrub off the remaining paint. You should continue this until no more paint is coming off. 

If the paint was water based-acrylic or latex, the paint stripper will get it off. However, for oil-based paints, you’ll need an extra step.

Step 6: Second Coat Of Paint Stripper

Apply a second coat of paint stripper to the cinder blocks. Then, allow the stripper to sit for a while. Scrub and scrape as earlier.

Step 7: Powerwash The Wall

Attach a 25-40 degree angled tip to your power washer. In addition, don’t increase the power beyond 2400 PPS and keep the nozzle at least six inches away from the cinder wall.

Now, wash away the rest of the stubborn paint from your cinder block wall with the power washer.

Step 8: Remove The Stripper

In the last step, clean the wall with soap and water to remove any remaining paint stripper. Some chemical strippers require acid solutions to be completely removed. 

So, use whatever solution is required to get the stripper off of your walls and let the wall dry. 

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

1. What Type Of Paint Should I Use On Cinder Blocks?

Answer: You should use masonry, acrylic, or latex paint on cinder blocks. Especially, the binders in masonry paint allow it to expand and contract with the cinder. As a result, the paint on your cinder walls stays protected from cracking and peeling.

2. Can You Use Regular Paint On Cinder Block Walls?

Answer: Not necessarily. If you prime and seal the cinder block walls properly, you will be able to use regular latex, acrylic, or masonry paint on them.

3. Can A Concrete Block Be Painted?

Answer: Yes, a concrete block can be painted. You should paint the concrete to protect them from moisture and other environmental elements. However, you’ll need to seal and prime the blocks before painting. 

4. Can You Paint Cinder Block Walls?

Answer: Sure, you can paint cinder block walls. In fact, it is encouraged to paint your cinder walls to make them last longer. But make sure to use durable high-coverage paint that is applicable to both smooth and split cinder blocks.

5. Do Cinder Block Walls Need To Be Sealed?

Answer: With time, the cinder block pores will become larger, efflorescence will begin to leak out, and tons of pinholes will develop.

The only way to protect your cinder blocks from deteriorating is by sealing them. Sealing prevents water from reaching the cinder and protects the wall from environmental damage.

6. Should You Paint Cinder Blocks?

Answer: Yes, you should definitely paint cinder blocks. Paint will keep out moisture and dirt. Hence, your walls will remain clean and damage-free for longer. 

What’s more, you’ll need to spend less time and effort maintaining the cinder walls.

Final Word 

Once you notice paint bubbles or mold damage on your cinder block walls, you should take proper steps immediately. Because the longer you wait, the more damage will occur. As a result, the paint job will become much more difficult and your walls might become irrecoverable. 

Painting the cinder block wall can make it more vibrant and cohesive to your decor. Our article has given you a complete overview of all the details you need to know to choose the best paint for cinder block walls. So, pick the paint suitable for your walls and give them a new refreshed look.