How to Cover Interior Concrete Block Walls
Concrete block walls, while durable and easy to use as a building material, aren’t widely known for their attractive looks. Cover interior concrete block walls with a layer of surface-bonding cement to remove the look of unfinished blocks.
Concrete block walls, while durable and easy to use as a building material, aren’t widely known for their attractive looks. Cover interior concrete block walls with a layer of surface-bonding cement to remove the look of unfinished blocks. A layer of surface-bonding cement also creates a clean surface that’s easily decorated further. In addition to creating a smooth surface, spreading the cement onto the block walls adds an insulation layer and increases waterproofing.
Things You Will Need
- pH-neutral cleaner
- Wire brush
- Joint repair sealant
- Putty knife
- Surface-bonding cement
- Bucket
- Sponge
- Trowels
- Concrete-curing blankets
Tip
Over time surface-bonding cement may develop cracks. Prevent cracking by using a concrete groover to cut a series of vertical lines into the covering to act as control joints. The joints give the surface room to expand and contract during temperature changes.
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Clean the surface of the block wall using a pH-neutral cleaner. Remove all dirt and debris from the wall and repair any cracks in the surface of the blocks. Clear out any cracks using the wire brush and fill the crack with the joint repair sealant, evening out the surface of the sealant with the wall using the putty knife. Allow the sealant to dry for 24 hours.
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Mix a batch of the surface-bonding cement large enough to cover 20 square feet of block wall surface, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Use a damp sponge to wet the surface of the wall slightly, and apply the cement to the wall using a steel trowel. Spread the cement using even strokes to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Use upward strokes when applying the cement and work in sections, leaving as few lines on the surface of the cement as possible. Cover the full 20-foot section.
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Wet a different trowel and use it to smooth the surface of the cement. Work over any lines left from the cement application to create a seamless wall covering.
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Repeat the application process, covering the rest of the block wall surface.
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Cover the surface when completed with concrete-curing blankets. Attach the blankets to the ceiling and drape them in front of the cement surface. Do not allow the blankets to touch the cement while it is still wet. Wait 48 hours for the cement to cure.
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Remove the blankets and allow the cement to cure completely for the amount of time suggested by the cement manufacturer.
The Drip Cap
- Concrete block walls, while durable and easy to use as a building material, aren’t widely known for their attractive looks.
- In addition to creating a smooth surface, spreading the cement onto the block walls adds an insulation layer and increases waterproofing.
- Clear out any cracks using the wire brush and fill the crack with the joint repair sealant, evening out the surface of the sealant with the wall using the putty knife.
- Mix a batch of the surface-bonding cement large enough to cover 20 square feet of block wall surface, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Wait 48 hours for the cement to cure.
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Larry Simmons is a freelance writer and expert in the fusion of computer technology and business. He has a B.S. in economics, an M.S. in information systems, an M.S. in communications technology, as well as significant work towards an M.B.A. in finance. He's published several hundred articles with Demand Studios.
Photo Credits
- concrete block background image by pcphotos from Fotolia.com
- concrete block background image by pcphotos from Fotolia.com
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