How can I hide an ugly cinder block basement wall?




A plumber got our cinder blocks wet in an area and now the white splotches are worse than the plain cinder blocks. I understand it is a bad thing to paint cinder block as they needs to "breathe". What do I do then?
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You can stain them! Use a masonry stain. This allows the porous material to breathe while giving you a more esthetically pleasing appearance.
Take a look at this:
https://rainguardpro.com/2017/05/30/efflorescence-and-calcium/
You can paint cinder/concrete block. A lot of older basements were built with cinder blocks. A lot of people use Drylock if their exterior walls to prevent water seepage. You can use any paint you want once they are cleaned well. I have spray painted with a spray gun but a thicker nap roller and four inch brush will work.
These ideas might help:
https://www.hunker.com/13403168/ideas-for-finishing-an-interior-concrete-block-wall
This might help you also:
https://www.houselogic.com/remodel/painting-lighting/concrete-painting/
What about a large tapestry to cover it?
Hi Wendy, is this a basement where you have living space and want to look nice? You could do a wall of fabric. Get some tracks at Ikea and put up an entire wall of hanging curtain. I have seen this in magazines and it looks beautiful. Another idea is putting up a privacy screen that has pretty fabric on it or beautiful artwork that stands in front of that area. I also like Adriennes idea of a tapestry. Just throwing out ideas for you.
You could put up a privacy screen in front of it.
No you could paint them they come nice painted
Here is an idea: https://do-daddy.com/diy-cedar-fence-board-accent-wall/
Hope this Helps! Jeremy - https://pahjodesigns.com
You can paint the cinder block. Because it's a basement, look for a waterproofing or sealing type paint and then you can likely paint over that with a color of your choice.
You can always hang a curtain to cover the wall.
How about painting a background in a solid color and adding a mural?
What about painting a stencil?
We painted and stained concrete with a special paint made for it. Covers well and looks great, lots of color choices, too. The paint will give you a full coverage and the stain will give you a more translucent look.