Have you ever looked at a rough, gray cinder block wall and imagined a vibrant, welcoming room instead? Cinder blocks are strong and practical, but they often look cold and unfinished. Turning these utilitarian walls into beautiful interior spaces can feel like a huge puzzle. Finding the perfect paint is the key, but the choices can be overwhelming. You worry about peeling paint, poor coverage on those bumpy surfaces, or choosing a product that just won’t stick.
Choosing the wrong paint means wasted time and money, leaving you with a patchy, disappointing finish. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly which paints work best for cinder block interiors, how to prepare the surface for a flawless look, and what steps guarantee a long-lasting, gorgeous result. Get ready to transform that dull gray into the stylish backdrop your room deserves.
Top Paint For Interior Cinder Block Walls Recommendations
- This premium, interior/exterior paint is formulated to waterproof and seal porous concrete and masonry surfaces both inside and outside your home.
- Using nanotechnology, this paint forms a barrier to help stop water infiltration while an alkali resistant coating provides a long-lasting, durable and decorative finish.
- Apply this paint on properly prepped and cured above and below grade basement walls, masonry walls, retaining walls, cinder and concrete blocks, stucco and brick. Do not use on floors or on walls with active water leaks. Apply using a high quality 1/2"-3/4" nap roller, 4" nylon/polyester brush or an airless sprayer capable of delivering 2200-3200 PSI or greater using a .023"-.025" spray tip.
- Prime all uncoated, patched, chalky, and adjacent wood and/or metal surfaces with KILZ Premium Primer. For below grade application, fill all holes/cracks with hydraulic cement prior to painting. A minimum of two coats of this product are required for optimal results. Paint dries to touch in one hour and can be re-coated in 4 hours depending on humidity.
- This is a 1-gallon can of Interior/Exterior Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint, White, 1-gallon in white. Depending on surface porosity, 1 gallon covers 75 to 125 square feet per.
- Self-Priming formula - requires no sanding
- Mold & Mildew-Proof paint film - guaranteed for 5 years
- Resists dirt and moisture on film coating
- Finish is washable and scrubbable with soap and water
- Product contains a mildewcide to prevent the growth of mold and mildew on the paint film only
- This high-quality, acrylic latex water-base interior/exterior paint offers excellent hiding properties with great adhesion and water repellency on textured interior and exterior surfaces
- This self-priming paint offers a finish on properly prepared smooth, rough and textured masonry, drywall, stucco, and brick surfaces
- It is alkali-resistant up to ph 12.0, easy to apply, and cleans up with soap and water. This paint can be rolled, Brushed, or sprayed on
- This formula is designed to accentuate all textured surfaces while achieving a natural look
- This is a 1-Gallon can of KILZ interior/exterior concrete, brick, and tile paint with a flat finish. Covers 250-400 square feet per gallon depending on surface texture
- KILZ Stainblocking Ceiling Paint is a unique combination of stainblocking technology and a coverage/dry time indicator.
- This ceiling paint rolls on with a subtle pink color that dries to white in under an hour.
- Dries to touch in 1 hour. Recoat in 2 hours. For use on all interior ceilings.Use soap and water to clean hands, tools and spill. Multiple coats may be required for complete hide. For maximum stainblocking recoat after 4 hours.
- Spatter-resistant formula rolls on easily with low odor making it a great choice for any room. This paint covers approximately 250 square feet per gallon on porous surfaces and up to 400 square feet per gallon on smooth, non-porous surfaces.
- Apply with a quality nylon/polyester brush or a 3/8"-1/2" nap roller depending on surface texture. Can also be applied with a sprayer. See product packaging for complete application instructions. KILZ Stainblocking Ceiling Paint offers excellent coverage for minor to moderate staining. For severe stains try a KILZ Primer such a KILZ Original, KILZ Original Low Odor or KILZ 3 Premium Primer.
- 1) Water Based coating for sealing vertical interior and exterior concrete walls. Great for basement walls, foundations and retaining walls.
- Fast Drying waterproof paint for interior/exterior basement walls, cinder blocks, stucco and brick, and masonry.
- High alkali resistance – up to pH-13.
- Waterproofing paint keeps basement walls dry
- Paint only when surface and air temperatures are between 50 ° (10 °C) and 90 °F (32.2 °C).
- This high-quality, acrylic latex water-base interior/exterior paint offers excellent hiding properties with great adhesion and water repellency on textured interior and exterior surfaces
- This self-priming paint offers a finish on properly prepared smooth, rough and textured masonry, drywall, stucco, and brick surfaces
- It is alkali-resistant up to ph 12.0, easy to apply, and cleans up with soap and water. This paint can be rolled, Brushed, or sprayed on
- This formula is designed to accentuate all textured surfaces while achieving a natural look
- This is a 1-Gallon can of KILZ interior/exterior concrete, brick, and tile paint with a flat finish. Covers 250-400 square feet per gallon depending on surface texture
- Ames' Block & Wall Liquid Rubber is a specially formulated blend of adhesive, high strength elastomeric, liquid rubber for waterproofing concrete walls, cinder block, and more.
- Ames Block & Wall Liquid Rubber is an excellent coating for ICF (insulated concrete forms), metal, wood, concrete, and many other surfaces.
- Block & Wall Liquid Rubber Waterproofer will fill cracks and crevices up to ⅛ inch. Block & Wall is thick, yet easy to apply and has up to 1800% elongation. It is low odor and can be sprayer, roller, or brush applied.
- Ames Block & Wall Liquid Rubber is non-toxic, low odor, environmentally friendly, and made in the USA. Perfect for basements, foundations, and more.
- 5 Gallon, White - Ames Block & Wall is packaged in 5 gallon pails - It is high in solids and dries to a nearly impenetrable tough elastic membrane that has up to 1800% elongation to resist cracking and peeling.
- Paint for Bathroom Wall: Perfect for High-Humidity Areas Designed specifically as paint for bathroom wall, it handles daily moisture exposure well—keeps walls looking clean even in damp bathroom environments. Works great on bathroom ceilings too, meeting your primary wet-space painting needs.
- Low VOC White Finish: Bright & Clean Look This white interior wall paint delivers a fresh, bright finish (matches "extra white" decor styles) with low VOC and low odor. Safe for closed bathroom spaces, no harsh smells during application.
- Washable & Scrubbable: Easy to Maintain Highly washable design lets you easily wipe away bathroom water spots, soap scum, and light marks—no need to repaint frequently. Durable finish stays intact even after repeated cleaning.
- Versatile for Most Indoor Surfaces Adheres firmly to bathroom wall materials like plaster, cement, and previously painted walls. Also works for other indoor spaces (not just bathrooms) but shines in high-humidity areas.
- Easy to Apply: Touch Dry in 1-2 Hours Simple to use with brush or roller—ideal for DIY bathroom renovations. Touch dry in 2-3 hours, recoatable in 4 hours. Clean tools with warm soapy water, saving post-project effort.
Choosing the Best Paint for Your Interior Cinder Block Walls
Cinder block walls are strong and tough. They often show up in basements, garages, and some modern homes. Painting these walls can change the look completely. But cinder blocks are tricky. They soak up paint easily. You need the right paint. This guide helps you pick the perfect paint.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for paint, look for special features. These features make painting cinder blocks easier and longer-lasting.
- High Build/Thick Formula: Cinder blocks have many holes and rough spots. A thick paint fills these gaps better. This means fewer coats for you!
- Alkali Resistance: New concrete or block walls sometimes leak chemicals called alkali. This can ruin regular paint. Look for paint specifically labeled as alkali-resistant or masonry paint.
- Moisture Resistance: Basements often have dampness. The paint should block water vapor from getting through the wall. This stops peeling and mold growth.
- Good Adhesion: Adhesion means how well the paint sticks to the surface. You need paint that grips the rough, porous block tightly.
Important Materials and Types of Paint
The material base of the paint matters a lot for cinder blocks.
Latex (Water-Based) Paints
Most modern paints use a latex base. These are easy to clean up with water. They dry fast. For cinder blocks, choose 100% acrylic latex masonry paint. Acrylic holds up better against the elements and moisture than standard vinyl latex.
Oil-Based (Alkyd) Paints
Oil-based paints stick very well. They create a very hard shell. However, they smell strong. Cleanup requires mineral spirits. They can also trap moisture inside the block if the wall is damp. Use these only if you are sure the wall is completely dry.
Specialty Masonry Coatings
These are the best choice for rough blocks. They are often thicker and designed to breathe while blocking water. Sometimes they are called elastomeric coatings. They stretch slightly if the wall moves, preventing cracks.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your finished wall depends on preparation and the paint itself.
Improving Quality
- Primer is Essential: Always use a masonry primer first. Primer seals the porous block. It stops the topcoat from soaking in unevenly. A good primer saves you money on expensive topcoats.
- Surface Prep: Brush away all dirt, dust, and loose debris. A clean, dry surface lets the paint stick strongly.
- Use the Right Tools: Use a thick-nap roller (like 3/4 inch or 1 inch nap). This helps push the paint deep into the block holes.
Reducing Quality
Using the wrong paint lowers quality fast. If you use cheap interior wall paint, it will likely soak in too much. This looks patchy. If the wall is damp, using a non-breathable paint traps water. This causes big bubbles and peeling paint later.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the space changes what paint you should buy.
Basements and Garages (High Moisture Areas)
These areas need tough, moisture-blocking paint. User experience here focuses on stopping damp smells and water stains. Look for paints that offer mold and mildew resistance. Elastomeric coatings work wonders here.
Interior Living Spaces (Bedrooms, Offices)
If you paint cinder block in a living area, you want good looks and low smell. Water-based acrylic masonry paints are great. They offer great color options and low VOCs (fumes). Users report these are easy to wipe down later if needed.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cinder Block Paint
Q: Do I have to prime cinder block walls?
A: Yes, always prime. Primer seals the porous surface so the topcoat looks even and lasts longer.
Q: Can I use regular wall paint on cinder blocks?
A: You can, but it is not recommended. Regular paint soaks in too quickly and may peel off if the wall has moisture.
Q: What is the best sheen for cinder block paint?
A: A satin or semi-gloss finish is often best. These sheens are easier to clean than flat finishes, which is good for rough surfaces.
Q: How long does the paint take to dry?
A: Most latex masonry paints dry to the touch in 2 to 4 hours. Always check the can directions for recoating times.
Q: What is the main difference between masonry paint and regular paint?
A: Masonry paint is thicker and built to handle the rough texture and higher pH (alkalinity) of concrete and block walls.
Q: Should I paint if the wall feels slightly damp?
A: No. Painting damp walls causes the paint to bubble and fail quickly. Fix any water leaks first.
Q: What roller nap size works best?
A: Use a roller cover with a long nap, usually 3/4 inch or 1 inch. This helps push paint into the deep pores.
Q: Are oil-based paints better than water-based for blocks?
A: Not always. Water-based acrylics are easier to use and breathe better. Oil-based paints stick well but can trap moisture.
Q: What VOC level should I look for?
A: Look for Low-VOC or Zero-VOC paints, especially if painting indoors. This means less strong smell during and after painting.
Q: How many coats will I need?
A: If you use a good masonry primer, two coats of topcoat usually provide full, even coverage on cinder block.