RUN
RUN is a street artist and muralist known for large-scale figurative work. For the mural My Many Hands, he described the challenge of translating the transparency of a watercolor sketch into a thick masonry-paint technique.
Painting Surface
Cinder Block
Cinder block is a lightweight concrete masonry unit with a rough, highly porous surface. Its open texture readily absorbs both moisture and paint.
Cinder block paint compatibility
Masonry, elastomeric, textured, and latex coatings work well on properly prepared cinder block walls, while acrylic, spray, and reflective paint are better suited to smaller decorative or visibility projects.
| Paint | Compatibility | Preparation | Primer or ground | Finish | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masonry paint | Excellent on properly prepared vertical block | Allow new block and mortar to cure as directed; clean, dry, and address water entry first. | Product-specific; some masonry paints are self-priming, while porous block may need filler. | Match the product to above-grade, below-grade, interior, or exterior conditions. | — |
| Elastomeric paint | Excellent on suitable exterior vertical block | Make sure the block and mortar are cured, dry, clean, sound, and free of efflorescence or loose material; repair larger cracks first. | Prime porous, patched, chalky, or otherwise uneven areas as directed by the elastomeric system. | Flexible high-build exterior finish designed for vertical masonry rather than traffic surfaces. | — |
| Textured paint | Excellent with an architectural texture coating approved for concrete block | Remove dust, deposits, loose material, and moisture problems; repair damaged mortar or block before coating. | Use the compatible masonry primer specified for the texture system. | Decorative texture can create a more uniform appearance over the porous block surface. | — |
| Latex paint | Good with a masonry-grade formula | Repair defects and correct moisture problems; remove dirt, loose coating, and efflorescence. | Use block filler or a suitable masonry primer unless the coating approves direct application. | Choose an interior, exterior, or waterproofing product for the exact location. | — |
| Reflective paint | Good with a reflective coating approved for masonry | Remove dust, deposits, loose material, and moisture problems; let the block dry completely. | Use a masonry primer or block filler when required by the selected coating system. | Several light coats can improve the reflective effect on the rough porous surface. | — |
| Acrylic paint | Good for small decorative projects | Remove dust, loose material, and deposits; make sure the block is fully dry. | Seal or prime the porous surface when needed. | Use a compatible protective finish for handling or exposure. | Faux stone guide |
| Spray paint | Good for suitable decorative projects | Clean away dust and loose material; let the block dry completely. | Use a masonry-compatible primer when required by the product or surface. | Use a spray product rated for masonry and the intended exposure. | — |
Sources: Behr Masonry, Stucco & Brick Paint, Behr Elastomeric Masonry, Stucco & Brick Paint, Behr Pro Acrylic Texture Coating, Rust-Oleum Reflective Finish Spray Paint, KILZ Basement & Masonry Waterproofer, and Rust-Oleum surface guidance.
Painters who used cinder block
Explore painters in the PaintZeal reference whose documented work includes or closely relates to cinder block.
Kiptoe
Kiptoe, also known as Matt Dean, is an American mural artist, painter, and filmmaker known for colorful large-scale walls, character-driven visual storytelling, and videos documenting ambitious public-art projects.
David Alfaro Siqueiros
David Alfaro Siqueiros was a Mexican painter and muralist who deliberately embraced modern industrial materials and methods, including lacquer, enamel, pyroxylin, and automotive coatings, as alternatives to traditional easel-painting materials.
Keith Haring
Keith Haring was an American artist known for energetic outlined figures, public murals, subway drawings, vivid color, and an instantly recognizable visual language used to address social and political themes.
