mortar and paint on a sandstone foundation

[bja105]

Our house has a sandstone foundation, looks like the native field stone. It is a dark and scary place to women and children. My goal is to put a laundry room down there. I want to paint the walls, ceiling, and floor white, to brighten things up, and help us keep it clean.

I was in a home a couple of years ago where the landlord was doing something similar. He was scraping out the old mortar, refilling the joints, and putting a smooth coat over everything. That was then primed and painted. It was a lot of work, but the result was worth it in making it a useful space.

I don't remember what kind of mortar, primer, or paint he was using. does anyone have a suggestion?

What about paint or sealer for the concrete floor? I figure any paint for the floor joists and under side of the upstairs floor will do.

[bja105]

Would this be a good application for whitewash instead of paint?

[Glacialtill]

Look into Drylok. I've used it on a couple different jobs and years later is still holding up. It's basically a water-proofing/sealing product.

http://www.drylok.com/formulas/latex...-waterproofer/

If you need to repoint, do that first. Old mortar is usually lime based as opposed to portland concrete so check that out. Here's a start:

http://www.oldhousejournal.com/magazine/1484