All the paints I used were leftovers of latex paint I had. I don’t know that I’d use chalk paint for this finish. Because to make chalk paint move and go a long way you use water. Either by thinning the paint beforehand or misting as you paint.
If paint is watered down, it will seep into all the nooks and crannies of your blocks reducing the textured effect. If you dry brush it on (no watering) you will get a nice textured effect but you will quickly use up your chalk paint on such a large surface. I think latex worked out well for this project.
What an incredible transformation! It’s inspiring to see how much creativity and effort you’ve poured into turning a simple cinder block wall into such an attractive and functional feature. I appreciate the step-by-step breakdown and the emphasis on prep work—it’s so helpful for DIYers like me who want to tackle similar projects.
As someone interested in retaining walls, I’m curious—do you think the techniques you used here could be adapted for a functional retaining wall that also serves as a decorative focal point? Are there any specific reinforcements or considerations you would recommend for retaining walls to ensure both strength and aesthetic appeal?
Hello and I apologize for my delay in responding!
Thank you for your kind words. I’m so glad you appreciated the post. As far as the structural aspect for reinforcing retaining
walls, I’m out of my wheelhouse, so it’s best I refrain from giving any advice. However, in regards to the aesthetics, if the
materials being used are of similar nature to cinder block, I would venture to say that yes, you could apply the same techniques.
Depending on the exposure to weather elements, you may need to add a top coat of exterior proof sealant.
I wanted to do the plaster tex but it is too expensive what are other alternatives that you know of?
Hi, I’m not sure if joint compound (https://amzn.to/3XrZZX1) could be a suitable alternative. It may at least add a level of texture depending on how you apply it. I know the plaster tex is a little pricey but it does tend to go a long way. Good luck with your project!
Love the wall. My wall is already painted a dark red, but would like to texture it like your wall. Any advice about the paint colors? Would you paint the wall another color to start? Or leave it and work with the red? Thanks.
Thank you Nancy for your kind words! I think you can definitely work with the red. With texture through paint layering it’s all about creating contrast. So I would add in some other colors in blotches alongside your red, maybe some lighter tones, like grays or light greens, whatever you like and then finish with your top layer in a lighter color like an off-white. If you use a top color that is dark also like your red, it’s going to be harder to get that exposed brick look as you risk everything just blending together. Hope that helps and good luck!
Great concept, fabulous look!! Thank you so much for sharing! I have just finished my third paint color and plan on painting one more before adding the texture. I am going to try the joint compound for the smear. I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Yay, that’s exciting! Let me know how it works out with the compound. I’ve had other people ask about it. Thanks for your input Janet!
This looks a lot like “German Schmear” often used on the exterior of homes built with brick. Check out this link or search “German Schmere” on Pinterest. https://welivedhappilyeverafter.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/DIY-German-Schmear.jpg
Yes, it is similar to a German Schmear or exposed brick wall. Thank you for sharing this pin. Her project came out dreamy! I did something similar on our kitchen wall (https://www.nooksinbloom.com/kitchen/). It’s one of my favorite projects in our house. Thank you for your comment Allison!
I bought white thinset mortarc to do my fireplace. Can i use that on the wall in my basement?
Hi Genene!
I used mortar for the exposed brick finish on our kitchen wall. I am not sure how it will look on cinder block but it seems to me since the blocks have texture like bricks that it could turn out really beautiful with the layering technique. If you have an inconspicuous area you could test it on, that might be helpful to make sure you like the results. I typically play with techniques until I get the results I like. Hope this helps. Good luck with your project!
Do you think this can be done on an exterior cinder block wall?
Hi! I don’t see why not. I would just double-check that the products you use are for outdoor use so they withstand the weather elements. But the aesthetic should look the same since it is cinder block also. Sounds like a beautiful idea! Good luck.
Hi! I absolutely love what you did to this concrete wall and am hoping to do the same to our basement wall. What type of paint did you use? A latex paint-and is it a satin or flat finish?
Thank you!
Hi Hillary! It was just some left over latex paint I had. And yes, the sheen was satin, but probably flat would work just as well for this look.
That is exciting to hear of your project! I’d love to hear how it turns out. Good luck! ~Jessica
I love, love, LOVE this look! My husband and I are looking for ways to up-do our cinderblock home (built in the 1940’s for the soldiers when they returned from war). I was wondering, has anyone tried this with exterior walls? We love the look, and the price can’t be beat when compared to stucco, but I’m nervous about the elements. Would this brand hold up with snow/water? If in a garage, or basement, how does it hold up to dampness?
Great job on this wall! It’s inspiring to know you CAN make cinderblock look good 😄
Hi Hayley! Thank you for your kind words! It really was a fun project and I was really happy with how it made such a difference on the wall. I don’t have the answers to your questions as I haven’t used this product on the exterior. But I LOVE the way you think. That is a creative finish for the exterior! I will tell you so far in our garage it has held up well to moisture. We don’t have air conditioning in this space and we do get a quite a bit of rain in Florida. However, I’ve only had the wall finished for a little over a year. Not sure the long-term results…I will try to reach out to the company with your questions and see what they tell me!
The company shared the following. I hope it is helpful! Good luck with your project.
Plastertex is an interior rated product only. We have exterior rated textures also. They would be Aquastone and Fauxcrete.
Both on http://www.fauxstore.com
Beautiful! I’ll be trying this on the cinderblock in my garage in the upcoming months. Been trying to find a solution to making the wall more attractive, and I think this is it. Will let you know how it turns out. Thanks!
Thank you! It really does make an unexpected difference to a block wall. Please do share how it goes! Good luck Janet.
Hi,
I absolutely LOVE this look and want to try to recreate it on 1 wall in my basement but I am wondering if you think it could be possible to get that same look using a white wash instead of purchasing the plaster. I cannot find the plaster anywhere except for the website you linked and it seems like a lot of money. Also wasn’t sure how much I would need size wise. Anyways, thanks for the inspiration and I hope that mine turns out as cool as yours is!!
Hello! Yes, this plaster unfortunately is on the pricey side. I just happened to have it because I had originally bought it for another project. I don’t know that a white wash (if you meant with paint) would achieve a similar look. Because of the plaster’s texture and thickness, it helps create dimension and depth needed to “expose” the underlayers of paint. I believe I used a little over half a gallon for this one wall. You may want to try a cheaper plaster. There is a second option I put in the materials list. Or, another option might be to use some white mortar (you may want to tint it to your liking). I used mortar to create our exposed brick wall/washed look on our kitchen wall and it came out very cool. Not sure if this helps you much! Good luck with your project. I’d love to hear how it goes!
Did you try the whitewash? I was thinking of doing the same thing as I am not comfortable working with plaster.
Hi! I did not try whitewash. Maybe something you could try out in a small area first to see if you get similar results. I’m not sure if whitewash would give you the same level of texture though.
I love it! I have been going crazy trying all kinds of different ideas to cover up cinder block walls in my retail location. Every wall. I need a wall to photograph rooms . I cannot wait to try this!!
Hi and thank you! Sounds like you have a nice size project on your hands but I’m sure it will look amazing once it’s all done. The good thing is it’s a super fast and fool proof technique. And the backdrop is really nice for photography. I wish you all the best with your project. How exciting! Would love to hear how it comes together.