Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Painting Concrete Block

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ArchStanton
07-04-09, 07:39 PM
Hello,

We live in Tallahassee, Florida, so it gets blistering hot. We have a single story block wall studio apartment that needs exterior paint. We have a color chosen called "Stone Brown." It is a dark brown. Will a darker color make it appreciably warmer in the building? So much that we should avoid it?

Thanks for your insights.


Pulpo
07-04-09, 10:40 PM
I would pressure wash it & forget about the paint. You'll be painting that thing forever.

marksr
07-05-09, 05:21 AM
I lived/worked in tallahassee back in the mid 70's. I assume this is painted concrete block. The 1st thing to consider before painting is the shape that the current paint is in, most importantly - is it chalky! Paint won't adhere to chalk. Pressure washing along with TSP [add bleach if any mildew is present] works best. If all the chalk can't be removed, add flood's emulsa bond to the 1st coat of paint.

As you know, dark colors attract heat so a lot depends on how much insulation your walls have. It wasn't uncommon for the older block homes not to have any wall insulation:eek:
What you might try is painting just 1 exterior wall [preferably full sun exposure] and see if it makes any noticable difference on the other side of the block.


ArchStanton
07-05-09, 10:19 AM
Thank you for the suggestion.

I lived/worked in tallahassee back in the mid 70's. I assume this is painted concrete block. The 1st thing to consider before painting is the shape that the current paint is in, most importantly - is it chalky! Paint won't adhere to chalk. Pressure washing along with TSP [add bleach if any mildew is present] works best. If all the chalk can't be removed, add flood's emulsa bond to the 1st coat of paint.

As you know, dark colors attract heat so a lot depends on how much insulation your walls have. It wasn't uncommon for the older block homes not to have any wall insulation:eek:
What you might try is painting just 1 exterior wall [preferably full sun exposure] and see if it makes any noticable difference on the other side of the block.