Repainting concrete bricks

[Smurf]

I'm wondering how to go about the following.

House is built from concrete block which was last painted about 1978.

Needless to say, the paint isn't in good condition. Some is fine, but in parts it has come off or bubbled where the mortar is between the bricks. In a few cases it has also come off around the edge of the bricks.

Two questions. Firstly, do I need to remove the old paint and if so, what is the best way to do it? Would a high pressure water cleaner do it? (I've got plenty of water).

And how to do the actual painting. I was thinking spray painting would be the easiest way? But do I need an airless or air type of gun?

And is there anything else I need to know before doing this? I've painted before but only inside with brushes and rollers so not really sure how to go about this one.:)

[echnidna]

You only need to remove loose or flaking paint.
So the pressure washer should work well

I'd use a brush and a lambswool roller (with a broom handle) and put it on as thick as possible without runs

[Smurf]

Thanks for the info.

Sounds like the pressure washer will remove the old paint OK so I'll do it that way.

Just wondering why the roller and brushes and not spray painting it though? I would have thought spraying would be quicker and easier? Or are the ordinary $120 or so spray guns not up to the job and need to spend $$$ to do it that way?

[pawnhead]

I used an airless to spray a whole hardiplank house ages ago now. Much quicker than a roller or brushes. You've got to watch overspray though. Make sure your neighbours car isn't parked too close, or that the wind isn't blowing towards you neighbours wall, etc. You may need to cover your windows and mask up. I just held a sheet of cardboard over mine, and touched up accurately against them with a brush.