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Plaster Cinder Block Landscape Wall

user-1181683980 | Posted in Construction Techniques on July 6, 2024 05:30pm

Hello! I have a 4’ tall, 110’ long cinder block landscape wall that I want to plaster.

I thought I hired the right mason to lay the wall after the concrete footing went in but it’s not plumbed or flush.

I’ve done so much research on how to address this so ended up buying a mini grinder and diamond disk that does a wonderful job at taking down the high points.

I’ve managed to get three masons to give me a mockup and bids but they want to charge $7,500-$9,500, with two of the mockups showing block mortar joints when wet. That will not work for me.

What steps does it require (in order please) to get this done appropriately? I’m going to attempt myself.

I do not want to use paint and it needs to be very white as I am lime-washing my home myself too. That costs a drill mixer bit and two $9/50lb bags of hydrated lime. They wanted to charge me $$$$ for that too and I’ve been taken advantage of so much in this year that I’ve owned the home that I’m going to take care of these projects myself!

The pic is how I want the plaster to look – matte finish.

I could not get my actual photos to take nor load.

Thank you,
Ema

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Replies

  1. mgmahan | Jul 07, 2024 12:52pm | #1

    Is there much stucco done in your area? You are going to need to find a good supply house. They usually carry both dry wall and plaster products. You can DIY the plaster, but you need help mixing and carrying the material. There will be a learning curve. Plastering the wall will take 2 coats. Brown coat and color coat. Brown coat is usually done with a sand cement mix but you can probably find premixed material.

    Tools you will need are a hawk, a trowel, a Darby and a float. Look for pictures on the internet. You can probably find some good videos on U-tube. You will need to get the first coat fairly smooth, You can't make any serious mistakes but it may take a while to get the hang of it.

    The color coat comes as a base and an added color. You won't need the color with a white base. LaHabra white is base 100. I think you will find this easier than the brown coat.

    Don't use lime to white wash your house. I assume it already has a stucco finish. What you need is stucco fog coat in pure white to match your base. Strain this twice through fabric mesh strainer socks available from your supply house. Then you can spray it on. A hvlp sprayer works well.

    Good luck. If you've got time and patience you'll save a lot of money. Post if you have any more questions.

    1. User avater
      user-1181683980 | Jul 07, 2024 01:32pm | #2

      Thank you so much for the information, and I’ve already started lime washing the home. It was red brick.

      E

      1. mgmahan | Jul 10, 2024 01:13pm | #6

        You need at least a week between the brown coat and the color coat. It might help to roll concrete glue onto the block before plaster. Try it and see if it helps. In over 50 years of construction I've seldom hesitated to get in over my head which is how I got to know many trades. I have plastered block walls and found it not so difficult. You seem ambitious enough to take this on.

        1. User avater
          user-1181683980 | Jul 10, 2024 01:57pm | #7

          You’re welcome to come on down and lend me a hand ?

  2. User avater
    Deleted | Jul 07, 2024 04:15pm | #3

    “[Deleted]”

    1. calvin | Jul 08, 2024 10:07am | #4

      mgmahan has been a poster and member of this forum for a long, long time.
      I’d be confident in his reply.

      1. User avater
        user-1181683980 | Jul 08, 2024 12:23pm | #5

        Thank you very much for the referral!

        1. calvin | Jul 10, 2024 08:41pm | #8

          You’re welcome!

          I worked referral only for over 25yrs. Customer, prequalified. Couldn’t have been better.
          People would ask for sub referrals. I didn’t just throw them out there. I didn’t like hearing “but you said”.

          Best of luck on your project! If you have time, come back with the final report.

          1. User avater
            user-1181683980 | Jul 10, 2024 09:02pm | #9

            Ok i will. Ty

  3. scopegranites | Jul 11, 2024 07:43am | #10

    A plastered cinder block landscape wall combines durability with aesthetic appeal, making it a versatile choice for outdoor spaces. Cinder blocks provide a sturdy foundation, while plastering enhances their visual appeal and weather resistance. This type of wall is ideal for retaining soil, creating terraced gardens, or defining boundaries in landscaping. The plastering process involves applying a layer of cementitious or acrylic-based plaster, which can be customized with textures and colors to complement the surrounding environment. Properly constructed and maintained, plastered cinder block walls offer longevity, low maintenance, and flexibility in design for outdoor landscapes.

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