Painting concrete block gives walls a clean, finished look while adding a layer of protection against moisture and surface wear. But standard latex paints do not bond to the alkaline, porous surface of block the way masonry-specific formulas do. The five picks below cover the best options for garage walls, basement interiors, exterior foundation walls, and retaining structures.
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| BEHR Premium Masonry Paint | Exterior block, weather resistance | 4.7/5 |
| Drylok Latex-Base Masonry Waterproofer | Damp basements, combined seal + paint | 4.6/5 |
| Rust-Oleum Concrete & Masonry Paint | Interior and light exterior use | 4.5/5 |
| Sherwin-Williams Loxon Concrete Primer | High-adhesion primer under any topcoat | 4.8/5 |
| Kilz Masonry, Stucco and Brick Paint | Budget interior block application | 4.4/5 |
BEHR Premium Masonry Paint — Best for Exterior Concrete Block
BEHR’s masonry paint is a latex-acrylic formula designed for exterior brick, block, and stucco. It offers good UV resistance to prevent fading and is formulated to flex slightly with temperature changes, reducing the cracking that affects more rigid coatings over time. The thick consistency fills minor surface voids in block and provides a uniform finish after two coats. It is available in a wide range of tintable colors at BEHR retailers and paint centers. For exterior applications where the block faces direct sun, rain, and freeze-thaw cycles, this is a practical choice at a reasonable price per gallon.
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Drylok Latex-Base Masonry Waterproofer — Best for Damp Basements
Drylok functions as both a sealer and a paint, which makes it a useful all-in-one product for basement block walls where moisture management matters alongside aesthetics. It bonds to damp concrete and block surfaces and dries to a flat white finish that can be tinted or left natural. The waterproofing properties resist seepage up to 10 psi of hydrostatic pressure, which handles most below-grade moisture without requiring a separate sealer coat. Two coats are needed for full protection. For a basement with occasional dampness and block walls you want to paint in a single product workflow, Drylok is a well-established and widely available option.
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Rust-Oleum Concrete and Masonry Paint — Best for Interior Use
Rust-Oleum’s concrete and masonry paint is formulated for interior walls including garage interiors, utility rooms, and basement block. It applies with a brush or roller and provides a mildew-resistant film once cured. Coverage is approximately 100 to 125 square feet per gallon on standard block, which is lower than smooth wall paints due to the porous surface — account for this when calculating how much to buy. Rust-Oleum is available in multiple neutral and light color options that work well for utility spaces. The drying time between coats is around two hours, making same-day two-coat application feasible.
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Sherwin-Williams Loxon Concrete and Masonry Primer — Best Primer
A dedicated masonry primer is the most important step for any concrete block paint job. Sherwin-Williams Loxon is a professional-grade acrylic masonry primer that penetrates block deeply, neutralizes alkalinity, and creates a high-adhesion base for topcoat paints. Any quality masonry or exterior latex topcoat applied over Loxon will bond far better and last longer than paint applied directly to bare block. If your topcoat is failing early on an existing job, the missing Loxon coat is often the culprit. It is a professional product that is available through Sherwin-Williams stores and online.
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Kilz Masonry Stucco and Brick Paint — Best Budget Interior Option
Kilz’s masonry paint is a no-frills option for interior block walls that need a clean coat without advanced waterproofing requirements. It applies easily, dries to a flat finish, and is priced lower than most competing masonry paints per gallon. Coverage on block is similar to other masonry formulas — expect around 100 to 150 square feet per gallon. It is not recommended for below-grade exterior use or for walls with active moisture. For a utility room, garage interior, or storage area where the goal is a clean white surface at a modest cost, Kilz delivers adequate results with straightforward application.
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How to Choose Concrete Block Paint
Identify whether the application is interior or exterior and whether moisture management is a requirement. For exterior walls or basement walls with any moisture exposure, choose a paint with built-in waterproofing or apply a penetrating sealer first. Always use a masonry-specific primer on bare or previously unpainted block to ensure adhesion. Calculate coverage based on the porous nature of block — standard estimates of 350 to 400 sq ft per gallon for smooth walls do not apply here. For exterior use, acrylic latex formulas with UV resistance perform better over time than oil-based masonry paints in climates with significant temperature variation.
For related reading, see best concrete basement wall sealers and best concrete block sealers. Learn how we evaluate paints and coatings at /methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use regular interior wall paint on concrete block?+
Standard interior latex paint is not recommended for concrete block. Block is porous and alkaline, and regular paint will not bond properly, leading to peeling and failure within months. Use a masonry primer first, then a paint specifically formulated for concrete or block -- or use a masonry paint that combines primer and topcoat in one product for better long-term adhesion.
How many coats of paint does concrete block typically need?+
Most concrete block surfaces need at least two coats of masonry paint for full opacity and coverage, plus a dedicated masonry primer if the block is unpainted or heavily porous. The porous surface of concrete block absorbs the first coat heavily, so the second coat is where you achieve the final color and protection level. Some highly textured or absorbent blocks benefit from three coats.