Here are some tips for painting exterior bricks, cinder block, and other masonry surfaces:

1. Cleanliness is key: Before starting your project, make sure the surface you're working on is thoroughly cleaned of dirt, grime, cobwebs, and any other debris.

2. Remove old paint or sealant (if necessary): Use a power washer with a wide nozzle set to low pressure to blast away loose material. Then use an acid-based cleaner like muriatic acid or hydrochloric acid mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions to etch the surface before applying new primer and finish coat.

3. Prepare surfaces: Sand rough areas smooth using sandpaper up through 120-grit grit power sander attachment; vacuum dust away thoroughly afterward so no particles interfere with adhesion later down line...

4. Apply primers & coatings:

a) Use an exterior-grade masonry primer specifically designed for brick/block surfaces like Sherwin- lett's LUXA-TIP Latex-based Masonry Primer ($20-$30 per gallon), following manufacturer’s instructions carefully since application times may vary depending on environmental conditions (rainy weather delays best).

Allow recommended drying time before proceeding onto next steps...

5. Apply two coats of exterior-grade masonry paint or finish coat, allowing complete dryness between each layer.

6. Seal the surface with a high-quality exterior sealer to protect it from further damage and fading due to sun exposure, rain, snow etcetera depending on your local climate conditions.

Cinder block paint home depot