I want to freshen up the look of a 22 year old slump block home. Sherwin Williams suggested H&C solid color water based stain. The block is a light tan and I don't want to change the color much, just spif it up. Anyone have experience painting or staining slump block?

 

i'm awaiting someone who can define ' slump block '

 

stadry -

Slump block are usually 16"(nominally) long and 4" high (6" high are also made) (nominally, usually in an 8" (nominal) thickness. They are usually slightly pigmented. The block are made wetter than normal and there are more fines in the concrete. They are made about 3/8" taller the normal and then "squished" down to the desired height with a plate and hydraulic pressure. The pressing causes the block to "slump" or bulge to provide an adobe appearance. Colors can be anything desired between gray to tan and even darker warm colors. - Ever been to a original "Taco Belle"(or similar)?

They look like big, warmer, pregnant brick.

The block takes controls and uniformity to make a product that appears somewhat random. In the past, there were plants that have only made them almost 24/7. I have seen plants that have made over 4,000,000 per year.

Dick

 

If it's what I think it is, H&C latex stain should do well. The other alternative would be to prime and paint.

 

When I lived in NM, the off-white variety were occasionally painted by people who wanted a change in color. It can be tedious work if the mortar joints aren't painted, too. I removed a load-bearing exterior wall faced with them on a house I owned, and they were more forgiving than conventional fired brick (less prone to chip or shatter if hit the wrong way with a mallet/brickset) when cleaning hardened mortar off of them.

 

I wouldn't want the job if the mortar joints didn't paint/stain too. I doubt anyone would want to pay for the extra labor that would entail.

If just 'coloring' the block, spray would be the preferred method of application but if you paint, then a roller or brush is required to work the coating into the block/mortar.

 

Here is a pic, this is the sunroom wall but entire exterior is like this. I was just going to paint/ stain grout too.

 

never heard the term, dick - THANKS ! no, have never been to an original taco bell NOR any of the newer style, either,,, bad enough we join friends for friday nite mexican food once a month

 

That block looks ok to me but painting or staining can end up creating a new maintenance task for you. No way to just clean it or something instead?