Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Nov 24, 1999 05:47am | #1

   *
   I don't know what you mean by chimney blocks -- concrete block ? Parging the surface will greatly strengthen the wall and can be smoothed or textured for many effects. You can even plaster the blocks and get a very fine finish. Paint will not last is you have no vapor barrier. Most paint lifts from cement and wood because of water and vapor migrating from the back side. A polystyrene foam board can be attached (adhesive of framed connection), it will act as a vapor barrier, and then it can be parged and painted.

1. 
   Guest_ | Nov 24, 1999 06:18am | #2

   *Bud, I had good luck using Durabond to parge the block inside only. My block were high and dry, so this might not be for you. Knock off any hi spots in the mortar and hit the joints first with durabond 20,45,or 90(whatever you can do b/4 it gets hard.) Read the bag. It's a chem reaction, no tempering later. Next go horizontal with a 12" knife. Then next step do her verticle. Keep remembering that the real durabond is not easily sandable like the litewt. stuff. Make it look good. You should now be able to apply your final finish with the litewt. outta the bucket stuff. Make it smooth or knock it down. best of luck.

2. 
   Bud_Nicklason | Jan 04, 2000 11:41pm | #3

   *
   I am wanting to finish the exposed cement chimney blocks in a basement.Can they be painted or do I need to get more involved ?
   regards
   Bud