Q: You recently told a homeowner that colored plaster could be applied using a brush to decorate slump block, instead of trying to paint these blocks. Is this something a homeowner could do by himself or is it too complicated? I have slump block on the front of my house and the rest is stucco, and this technique sounded interesting.
A:Β This process is called βmortar washβ; it was very popular back in the 1980s when slump block was a trend as well. You can see some photos online by googling βmortar washing.β Builders would lay up a terra-cotta colored slump block wall and put on a mortar wash in a contrasting color. It didnβt need to be a βwashβ that completely covered the block; hit or miss coverage with the base color showing through was very popular; it may be about time for it to become popular again. Quality masonry contractors and painters do this kind of work if you donβt want to do it yourself.
For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com. An Arizona home-building and remodeling industry expert for 25 years, Rosie Romero is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning Rosie on the House radio program, heard locally from 8-11 a.m. on KNST-AM (790) in Tucson and KGVY-AM (1080) and -FM (100.7) in Green Valley. Call 888-767-4348.
