How Do You Stain A Cinder Block?
How Do You Stain A Cinder Block?
Cinder blocks are frequently used for external walls on commercial buildings, fences, and home foundations because they are exceedingly durable, easy to work with, and reasonably priced. The main disadvantage is the rough, unfinished look of the blocks. Coating the blocks with acid stain will improve their look.
The acid stain affects the color of the blocks in the same way that paint does, but the stain reacts chemically with the concrete to modify the color and composition of the block.
Run A Stain Test.
To check how the color turns out, test the stain you wish to use. Place the test sample on a piece of the cinder blocks that is not visible or will be obscured by furniture or another item, if feasible.
Scrub the test surface with a solution of 1 cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP) to 4 gallons of water. Allow the surface to completely dry before testing it.
When handling the TSP, use safety goggles and gloves. If you get any on your skin, quickly rinse it off.
Fill In Any Fractures In The Blocks.
Fill in any cracks in the blocks. Sweep any loose dirt out of the crack with a hard wire brush and vacuum it out. Fill the cracks using concrete patching compound, pushing it into the crack to fill it entirely.
With the putty knife, smooth the patch’s surface. Allow the compound to set for the amount of time recommended by the manufacturer.
Clear The Space Surrounding The Cinder Block.
Prepare the area surrounding the cinder block for cleaning and stain application. Remove any furniture or other moveable things from the vicinity of the cinder blocks. A tarp should be placed along the ground between the blocks.
Scrub The Entire Wall Surface.
Scrub the whole surface of the wall with a 1 cup TSP to 4-gallon water solution. Allow the cinder blocks to dry completely.
Mix The Acid Stain And Water.
In a 1:1 ratio, combine the acid stain and water. When mixing, use safety goggles and spray the acid stain.
Pour The Solution Into A Sprayer.
Fill a spray bottle halfway with the solution. Use a sprayer that is designed for use with acidic compounds and is free of metal fragments. The acid will corrode the metal, causing the stain to change color.
Stain The Cinder Blocks With The Stain.
Begin applying the stain on the cinder blocks on one side of the wall. When applying the stain, work in circular motions, moving clockwise and then counter-clockwise across the surface.
Brush The Acid Stain.
Using a medium-bristle brush, apply the acid stain on the cinder blocks in circular movements. Having a helper use the brush can make the procedure easier and faster.
Apply A Second Coat Of Stain.
To hide the brush strokes, apply another layer of stain over the area where the stain was brushed into the blocks. Repeat this technique until all of the blocks are stained. Allow the stain to cure completely overnight.
Coat The Cinder Blocks.
Coat the cinder blocks with a sealant suitable for use with the acid stain you applied. Allow the sealant to dry after applying it with a paint roller.
What Is The Best Way To Clean Cinder Blocks?
Cinder brick walls, whether indoors or outdoors, have a porous surface that can collect dirt and become discolored with time. Mold or moss may develop on the surface of damp-area blocks.
Scrubbing the blocks with water takes time and is ineffective since water alone may not penetrate deeply enough to erase stains. A heavy-duty cleaner designed to remove grime from concrete surfaces may restore cinder blocks to perfect condition. Here
Clean The Cinder Blocks With Water.
Rinse the cinder blocks with water to remove surface filth and dust. Remove any flaking paint with a 500-PSI pressure washer.
Mix.
In a pump sprayer, combine 1 cup of trisodium phosphate and 1-gallon hot water. Stir the mixture until the TSP is dissolved completely.
Spray The Cinder Block With TSP.
Wet the cinder block surface well with the TSP solution. Allow 15 to 20 minutes for the TSP to soak into the blocks.
Use A Brush To Scrub The Cinder Blocks.
Using a stiff-bristled brush, scrub the cinder blocks. Scrub over your head with a deck brush on a high wall.
Use Clean Water To Rinse The Cinder Blocks.
Clear water should be used to rinse the cinder blocks. Allow the wall to completely dry. If stains persist on the blocks, repeat the TSP application and scrubbing.
