Paul, and Mike G: thanks. Paul, the answer is kind of both.... I applied most of the wash with the wall at 45 degrees, so I wouldn't end up with huge puddles in the deep recesses, then as soon as got to the bottom, I laid them down flat and put them out in the sun to accelerate the drying process....
For reference purposes: the 6 colors I put down on a piece of glass I use as a pallet for painting the block walls: All inexpensive acrylic latex paints from the craft store....
Burnt Umber, burnt sienna, Khaki, Pewter gray by Apple Barrel, Mississippi Mud by Americana, and Charcoal made by Ceramcoat....
Note: the "painting" was more of "stamping" method to apply irregular blotches.... never really dragged the stiff short bristle brush across the blocks...
The wash was made with the Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna craft paints and I also added the Woodland Scenics Burnt Umber Liquid Pigment Dye used and sold for coloring plaster/hydrocal cast rocks... Equal parts of the three pigments, and then at least 50% water to 50% pigment.
