Brick slips are a fantastic way to bring character and texture into your home, whether you’re renovating a kitchen, upgrading a bathroom, or adding a rustic feel to any room. However, to maintain their beauty and durability, it’s essential to consider protecting your brick slips with a quality brick sealer. At BrickSlips, we offer two types of brick sealers – Matte and Gloss.
With Matte being the more popular choice among our customers. In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about brick sealers, including why they’re beneficial, when to use them, and the best way to apply them for optimal results.
Why Use a Brick Sealer?
Brick slips, like natural bricks, are porous, which means they can absorb moisture, dirt, and grease over time. In areas such as kitchens and bathrooms where water splashes, steam, and high traffic are common, protecting your brick slip walls becomes even more important. This is where our brick sealers come into play. Using a brick sealer offers several benefits:
- Protection Against Moisture: The most significant benefit of using a brick sealer is that it acts as a protective barrier against moisture. Unsealed bricks in wet environments can lead to water absorption, which might cause stains, mildew, or mold growth. Applying a sealer creates a water-resistant layer, helping to keep your brick slip walls looking fresh and clean.
- Easier Cleaning: Sealed brick slips are much easier to clean and maintain. A brick sealer prevents dirt, grime, and grease from penetrating the bricks, making it simple to wipe away spills and stains. This is particularly beneficial in kitchens, where splashes from cooking oils and sauces can otherwise be challenging to remove.
- Enhanced Durability: Sealing your brick slips adds an extra layer of protection against everyday wear and tear. This is especially important in high-traffic areas or rooms that are exposed to frequent moisture. By applying a sealer, you can ensure your brick slip walls stay intact and maintain their appearance for years to come.
- Preserve the Look: Our Matte and Gloss sealers help preserve the natural beauty of your brick slips. While the Matte finish maintains a more subtle, traditional appearance, the Gloss finish provides a slight sheen that enhances the colors of the bricks. Sealing can slightly alter the tone and contrast of the bricks, so it’s a great way to highlight their texture and color in a way that suits your design preferences.
Do You Need to Seal Your Brick Slips?
While brick sealing has its advantages, it’s not strictly necessary. Many people enjoy the natural, unsealed look of brick slips, and they can certainly be left as they are if you prefer. However, in rooms with high moisture levels or where spills and stains are common, such as kitchens and bathrooms, applying a brick sealer is highly recommended. It not only protects the bricks from potential damage but also makes maintenance easier.
If you decide to leave your brick slips unsealed, just keep in mind that they may require more regular cleaning and could be more susceptible to stains and wear over time. It’s all about balancing the look you want with the level of protection you need.
When to Apply Brick Sealer
One crucial aspect of using a brick sealer is the timing of its application. It’s best to wait at least 2-3 weeks after the installation of your brick slips before applying the sealer. This waiting period allows any moisture in the mortar to fully evaporate, ensuring that no dampness gets trapped beneath the sealer. If possible, waiting even longer than 2-3 weeks is ideal, as it provides more time for the bricks and mortar to thoroughly dry.
How to Apply Brick Sealer: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying a brick sealer is a relatively straightforward process, but it’s important to follow a few key steps to ensure a smooth, even finish that provides the best protection. Here’s how to do it:
- Test First: Before applying the sealer to your entire wall, we highly recommend testing it on a single brick slip that hasn’t yet been installed. This allows you to see how the sealer will affect the appearance of the bricks, as it can subtly change their tone and contrast. Once you’re satisfied with the look, you can proceed with sealing the rest of your wall.
- Clean the Surface: Before applying the sealer, make sure your brick slip wall is clean and free of dust, dirt, or grease. Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any debris that might affect the adhesion of the sealer.
- Choose Your Sealer: Decide whether you want a Matte or Gloss finish for your brick slip wall. Our Matte sealer is more popular, offering a natural look that doesn’t alter the brick’s appearance significantly. The Gloss sealer, on the other hand, provides a subtle shine and can enhance the colors of the bricks.
- Application: Using a paintbrush, apply the brick sealer evenly across the entire surface of the wall, including the mortar joints. Make sure to cover every area to create a uniform protective barrier. We recommend painting the sealer on rather than using a roller, as it allows for better control and prevents excess sealer from pooling in the mortar joints.
- Second Coat: After the first coat has dried (refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for drying times), apply a second coat of sealer for added protection. This second layer ensures that the bricks are fully sealed and provides a more durable finish.
- Final Touches: Once the second coat has dried, inspect the wall for any missed spots or uneven areas and touch up as needed.
Tips for the Best Results
- Ventilation: Ensure the room is well-ventilated while applying the sealer to avoid the buildup of fumes. Open windows or use fans if necessary.
- Avoid Moisture: Make sure the wall and the room environment are dry during application. Any moisture can affect how the sealer bonds with the bricks.
- Long-Term Care: After sealing, periodically check the condition of the sealer, especially in high-moisture or high-traffic areas. Reapply as necessary to maintain the protective barrier.
Conclusion
Brick sealers are an excellent way to protect your brick slips, especially in areas like kitchens and bathrooms that are exposed to moisture and frequent use. At BrickSlips, we offer both Matte and Gloss sealers to suit your aesthetic preferences, with Matte being the more popular choice for its natural, subtle finish. While sealing isn’t a strict requirement, it provides numerous benefits, including moisture resistance, easier cleaning, enhanced durability, and preservation of the bricks’ appearance.
If you choose to seal your brick slips, remember to wait 2-3 weeks post-installation, apply two coats, and use a paintbrush for an even finish. By following these steps, you can keep your brick slip walls looking beautiful and lasting longer, no matter where you install them.
Ready to protect your brick slips? Explore our range of brick sealers today and give your walls the care they deserve!
