Why Choose High‑Performance brick concrete sealers?
Without treatment, porous bricks can suffer from penetrating damp, frost damage, or organic growth stain, especially on exposed exterior walls. Over time, untreated surfaces absorb water, increasing the risk of efflorescence, trapping moisture, and damaging any existing cavity wall insulation or damp course.
Whether you're working with house bricks, brick patio areas, or full facades suitable for coating, using the right brick sealer makes all the difference.
Using a brick sealer With Paints, Coatings, and Monocouche Render Systems
Before applying any paint or coating system, it’s important to start with a sound, dry base. Pre-treatment with a water seal or masonry protection cream stops moisture from interfering with topcoat adhesion and performance. This is especially useful for brick or masonry surfaces exposed to rain, shade, or foot traffic—like a wall and brick patio.
Some products, such as Centrecoat All Surface Protector, work both as a breathable sealer and primer. Others, like Mapei Antipluviol or emperor masonry creme, offer a high level of water resistance with invisible protection, making them ideal for specialist bricks, natural stone, and heritage work.
For render systems, sealing before applying monocouche render systems helps stabilise surfaces and improves long-term durability.
Choosing the Right exterior brick sealer or interior brick sealer
Not all products labelled as a brick sealer deliver the same results. Here’s what to check when selecting a breathable brick sealer or interior brick sealer:
- Chemical structure and penetration depth – Look for an impregnating coating system that deeply penetrates, rather than forming a surface film.
- Water resistant vs. breathable – A breathable sealer protects against rain and splashing but still allows trapped vapour to escape, preventing trapping moisture.
- UV resistance and weathering – Especially important for exterior brick and high-impact areas.
- Surface average coverage and longevity – Consider the one coat application benefit of products like brick sealer to reduce maintenance over time.
We stock reliable solutions such as Fosroc Nitocote SN502, Bedec Dust Sealer, Tor ST Stabilising Sealer AK602, and Acothane LV Sealer — each suited to different masonry surfaces providing protection in exposed or damp areas.
Applying masonry cream or solvent free brick sealer: Best Practice
To get the best from your masonry cream, always follow these steps:
- Surface preparation – Remove loose material, dirt, or existing film forming coatings. Use an efflorescence remover if needed.
- Ensure dryness – Moisture inside the wall can compromise the sealer and lead to blotching or whitening.
- Apply with care – Use a paint brush, roller or low-pressure sprayer for complete saturation of the surface. Avoid splashing treated areas unnecessarily.
- Multiple passes if needed – Highly absorbent or damaged bricks may need a second application.
- Allow curing – Products must be fully cured before exposure to rain or direct sunlight, usually within 24–48 hours. Check individual technical data sheets for each product.
Always wear appropriate safety wear, clean with warm soapy water (if solvent free), and store sealed between uses. Be mindful of the treated and untreated areas when applying to avoid uneven absorption — this is especially important with food safe sealer and decorative finishes.
For joint treatment or edge filling prior to sealing, consider Elastofill Acrylic Jointing Compound. If you're working with dusty or weak surfaces, Tensid Impreg Dust Binder may be the right preparation solution.
Get the Right masonry protection cream or emperor masonry creme
Whether you’re protecting brick walls, treating a brick patio, or restoring concrete walls, we supply leading brands such as:
- emperor masonry creme
- Fosroc and Mapei systems
Each offers excellent masonry water resistant performance while preserving a natural finish and protecting against organic growth, dirt and UV degradation. These products also help reduce cleaning services and future cleaning costs.
Refer to each product description brick page for technical data sheets, surface average coverage, and stock multi buy price details. If you're unsure which sealer suits your treated surface, our technical team is here to help.
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between a water seal and a brick sealer?
A: A water seal is usually surface-level. A brick sealer penetrates into the material, offering longer-lasting water resistance and better results on porous bricks.
Q: Can I apply sealer over existing paint or coatings?
A: No — sealers must soak directly into brick or stone. Any existing paint will block absorption. Strip coatings or use a suitable impregnating coating system.
Q: How often should I reapply a masonry protection cream?
A: Most high-end sealers last between 8–15 years. However, regular checks help. If a previously treated surface starts to darken or an untreated area absorbs water quickly, it may be time to reapply.
Q: Will sealer affect the look of my bricks?
A: Many products, like emperor masonry creme, dry clear. Others may darken or change sheen slightly. Always test on a small patch to check for any visible change.
Q: Is breathability really that important?
A: Yes. A breathable sealer helps avoid problems like trapping moisture, which can lead to damage behind the surface. Good sealers are oil and water repellent but still remain breathable.