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Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior brick sealing restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior concrete coatings. For info about who I am, please read my full bio here.
What is my Best Sealer for Brick Walls
Concrete Sealer Review has been a trusted resource for concrete sealer tips and reviews since 1993. In this updated article, I discuss the qualities to look for when choosing a sealer for brick walls. I want to hear from you if you have questions about the best sealer for brick walls! Feel free to leave us a comment with some pictures below.
Brick Wall Sealer
My Best Sealer for Brick Walls to Prevent Water Penetration
Bricks are used for many aspects of construction and are considered one of the strongest and longest-lasting building materials in history. They can be made of clay, concrete, stone, ceramic, or lime and sand. Like other exterior building materials, a brick wall should be sealed to slow the effects of weathering. When moisture is allowed to penetrate the brick, the damaging effects can cause cracking, breaking, crumbling, and efflorescence problems.
Sealing Brick Walls
Sealing a brick wall will lock out unwelcome moisture and protect the brick and mortar joints from damage. Unless you want to change the appearance purposely, the best sealer for brick walls is a non-gloss penetrating clear sealer. A siloxane-based formula like Masonry Saver Water Repellent or SuperSeal-M will penetrate most masonry brick walls deeply for optimal protection.
In my experience, the best sealer for brick walls should be breathable but will not promote peeling or flaking. Siloxane-based brick wall sealers have active ingredients that penetrate the brick pores up to ¼ inches or more. This not only protects the brick wall but also does not alter its appearance.
When choosing the best sealer for brick walls, avoid acrylics, silicones, and similar waterproofing sealers that linger on the surface. These sealers tend to trap moisture vapors and may promote efflorescence, mold, mildew, and other damaging effects.
Finding the best sealer for brick walls is the key to superb protection and increased longevity of all types of brick walls. I have found that regular maintenance, including cleaning and sealing a brick wall, will ensure it is a long-lasting building material that will not fail.
My Top Brick Wall Sealer Ratings
Super Seal-M Water Repellent – Best Overall Brick Sealer
SuperSeal M Sealer Review
SUPER SEAL-M is a water-based water repellent made of a special hybrid of Silane and Siloxane. It provides water repellency to porous construction materials such as bricks, stone, concrete blocks, mortar, and grout. The active ingredients in the SUPER SEAL-M Water Repellent Sealer are a mixture of particles of different sizes, some larger and some smaller, to fill different-sized voids. The active ingredients in SUPER SEAL-M Water Repellent can chemically react with the substrate, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- My favorite concrete water-repellent. It works great and does not cost a fortune.
Where To Find: SuperSeal M Concrete Water Repellent
Types of Substrates: Plaine Poured Concrete, Bricks, Brick and Chimney Walls, Masonry, Natural Stone
Coats Required: 1 coat
Coverage Per Gallon: 200 sq. ft
Application Tools: Pump Sprayer
Dry Time: 1-2 Hours
Manufacturer: Clemons Concrete Coatings
See My Review Article Here: Super Seal-M Water Repellent Review
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SuperSeal-M 1 Gallon
$64.99 -
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SuperSeal-M 5 Gallon
$214.99
MasonrySaver Heavy Duty Water Repellent – Best All-Purpose Concrete Sealer
MasonrySaver Heavy Duty Water Repellent
MasonrySaver® (Also known as “Defy”) All-Purpose Heavy Duty Water Repellent is a modified siloxane-based product designed to penetrate most masonry and concrete pores deeply. Unlike acrylics, silicones, and other waterproofing sealers that remain on the surface and trap water vapors, this masonry waterproofing product allows deep penetration of its active ingredient of up to 1/4 inch or more.
Where To Find: MasonrySaver (Defy) Heavy Duty Water Repellent
Types of Substrates: Plain Poured Concrete, Brick, Masonry, Natural Stone, Brick and Chimney Walls
Coats Required: 1 coat
Coverage Per Gallon: 75-150 sq. ft
Application Tools: Roller, Sprayer
Dry Time: 1-2 Hours
Cleanup: Soap and Water
VOC Compliant: Compliant in all States
Manufacturer: Saver Systems
See My Review Article Here: MasonrySaver Heavy Duty Water Repellent Review
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Masonry Saver (Defy) Heavy Duty Water Repellent 1 Gallon
Top-Rated Concrete Sealers, Water-Based Concrete Sealers, MasonrySaver Concrete Products, Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellent, Interior Concrete Sealers, The Best Concrete Brick/Block Sealers, The Best Concrete Water Repellents, MasonrySaver Paver and Concrete Products$65.95 -
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Masonry Saver (Defy) Heavy Duty Water Repellent 5 Gallon
Top-Rated Concrete Sealers, Water-Based Concrete Sealers, Interior Concrete Sealers, MasonrySaver Concrete Products, Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellent, The Best Concrete Brick/Block Sealers, The Best Concrete Water Repellents, Featured Products, MasonrySaver Paver and Concrete Products$219.82
Questions on Sealing Brick Walls? Please me Below.
Best Sealer for Brick Walls Video
I HAVE A HOUSE THAT WAS BUILD IN 1965. MY HOUSE IS ON A SLOPE AND WATER IS GOING UNDER THE HOME. WHAT IS THE BEST WATER TO USE?
however I do have a French drain too. just don’t want any water entering through the brick
Sealers cannot stop water from going under the house.
New construction home. I used brick pavers for mudroom and in hallway. What can I use to make surface easier to clean and keep clean. I don’t want the matte look of brick to change. Thanks
Try Super Seal-M or Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellent.
I’m in Canada. I have a 90 year old house. I want to prep, prime and then paint the interior brick walls in the below-ground basement. They are in very rough shape as they were never designed to be “on display”. The mortar job is pretty messy. I would like to have a nicely finished wall when it’s painted. What is the best sealer I should use before I paint? Are your products available in Canada? Thank you.
You cannot seal before painting an interior wall. That would hinder the paint’s ability to adhere.
I need to seal an old brick wall that will be used in a food prep area. Board of Health wants to see it completely sealed and wipeable…. What is the best seal for this?
We do not know of an interior clear sealer that will build up on a brick wall 100% like this. You would need more of a clear coat epoxy.
Here’s a slightly different application. I have a goldfish pond (approx 7.5′ x 2.5′ x 3.5′ deep) with a brick wall above the back. We have water running down the brick and suspect that wicking is causing some water to leak to the outside of the pond. Would this product be appropriate for this application? (The water in the attached photo is turned off so allow the bricks to dry out.)
I do not think a sealer will work for this particular issue.
Problem: Chimney on 2nd floor has paint bubbling and peeling. There is an oder and moisture on the 2nd floor landing. Chimney is covered w/ 1-1/4″ paver, sitting on 4 brick corner posts. remaining open area is covered w/ 4 aluminum vent covers that allow approx. 140 sq in. of breathable space. Chimney contains 3 ‘newer’ flue liners at top. 4′ of exposed brick chimney in well-vented attic show no signs of moisture or effervescence. Chimney is active w/ 2008 circa gas furnace in basement, w/ hot air exhaust. Chimney extends 3′ above roof. Roof is new. roof flashing is… Read more »
A sealer will not work for your issues. You would need one of the last two options but we do not have any experience with that kind of work.
What is recommended for sealing brick that are under the ground level on a wall of a house. The water seeps through into baseboard. Suggestions on product to use to strop this.
A concrete sealer will not stop water from seeping through a foundation wall. You need a much more extensive type system to prevent water penetration. Nothing we use or review will work.
What is best for INTERIOR brick walls? The goal is to stop the crumbling and dust that keeps falling from the walls to the floor.
A concrete or brick sealer cannot stop the crumbling or dusting of brick walls that are falling apart. That is a structural issue.
I own an 1894 home with brick support columns in the basement. The brick that was used is quite soft, which I understand was not uncommon at that time. Is there a product that you can recommend to “toughen” the surface of these bricks somewhat?
Sorry but no, that is not possible to harden the bricks by adding a sealer.
Can the masonry saver vertical brick water repellent be used on painted wall? can the wall then be repainted?
No, you cannot add a sealer over a paint or paint over a sealer.
I have a 1911 house with a brick foundation. I have stripped the paint off the interior walls and am looking for a color enhancer/wet look product. Not sure if I want a sealer since I know the wall needs to breath. Thoughts?
Try Surebond SB-6000 wet look sealer.
Thanks for the recommendation. I looked at their website. Could I use SB 6400 for my interior basement walls since I am looking for a flat/matte finish?
The SB-6000 is flat with no shine. You could use the SB-6400 as well.
We’re in the process of renovating an old (built in mid- to late 1800’s) downtown building and have removed plaster to expose an interior existing brick wall. What product do you recommend to preserve the wall and to prevent brick and mortar dust from making a mess of our new floors and baseboards – preferable matte finish rather than glossy? Thanks.
A sealer will not stop dusting unless is a filming coating and that means it will create a shine. Try Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete Sealer.
I have a 40′ chimney that has a top half of exposed brick and a lower half with stucco over the brick. I live in MN and would like to seal the upper exposed half before winter. Can I use the same brick sealer on the bottom half of stucco as I do on the top half of exposed brick?
Just on the brick. Not on the stucco.
Why can’t the stucco be waterproofed?
Not with a concrete sealer. Will not react the same and may discolor it.
Can stucco be waterproofed? If so what do you recommend?
Sorry but no idea. Not what we have experience with.
What Brand do you think is the best brick sealer?
We like the Masonry Saver Vertical Brick Water Repellent.
I live near Charlotte NC and my home was built in 2003. I had water penetrate the veneer on two sides and cause damage to my drywall. This was during Hurricane Florence. What brick sealer do you recommend that has the longest life and to be safe, how often to reapply?
Masonry Saver Brick Water Repellent.
Has anyone used the products ” Rain Guard” and what results did you get
We have never heard of it.
can I use an Olympic wood sealant on a brick wall?
No. Will not work.
We have a 185 year old solid brick home with original brick that was painted around the turn of the century. We are considering having the entire house scraped and then sealing it to protect the exposed areas of the brick. You know, to get that french provincial look. What sealer would you recommend?
Thanks in advance
For a sealer to work all of the paint must be removed. Try Masonry Saver Vertical Brick Water Repellent.
i have moisture in basement garage walls. can i seal them when wet?
No. Needs to be dry.
Which is the best for an outside 30yr old chimney in NJ. LastiSeal Penetrating Brick & Concrete Sealer Or the masonry saver product? I want to seal out moisture and prevent mold. Lastiseal also penetrates and lasts 10 yrs
Masonry Saver Brick Water Repellent.
Can you share why? Do you know the other product lastiseal?
Better price and lasts just as long.
We have a 1940s brick home. The brick at the corners seems to be somewhat damaged and we are getting water in the house causing peeling, etc. to the walls. What is the best product to treat/seal the outside corner bricks?
Try Masonry Saver Brick Water Repellent.
Our 25yo brick mailbox is leaking. What would you recommend using ?
Try Masonry Saver Brick Water Repellents.
Thank you 🙂
were almost finished with brick patio with side walk way and seating are with fire pit walkway and patio are all brick with seating area and fire pit natural stone almost looking like a brick. Which sealer we should used for it ? also im not sure if to used natural no gloss or semi gloss ? how often you need to resell this brick and if has to be done buy professional company or i can do it my selves ?
What sealer you would use depends on the appearance you desire. See this for more info on brick pavers: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/best-brick-paver-sealer/
Hello,
I have old Savannah brick in my kitchen and would like to seal it . I have cleaned the brick with salt and detergent and allowed it to dry. There is still some old paint remaining on the brick. I don’t want a glossy look. Just want to make it easier to clean . What would you recommend? Thank You!
Try Masonry Saver Brick Water Repellent.
We are converting the attic in our 1930’s home and have an exposed brick chimney running through the room. We’ve replaced the crumbling mortar and scrubbed the bricks clean and are now looking to seal/preserve it. What do you recommend for an interior brick sealant that will keep the bricks looking as vibrant as they do when wet?!
Try Surebond SB-6000 Wet look sealer.
I am purchasing a home currently under construction that has solid brick (12″ thick) walls. I just received a call from my builder that after an extended heavy rain he has noticed moisture on the exposed gable walls. The 3 foot roof overhang on the other walls seems to have kept them dry. He is concerned and alerted me because of my experience in the concrete business. As this is one of 8 similar homes in this cluster, he wants to avert any future problems. Also, I should mention that since the homes are not weathered in, conditioned air is… Read more »
Try Masonry Saver Vertical Brick Water Repellent.
Hi there. I have a 1969 brick house. I ready cleaned the brick and I want to bring life (color) back to this house without a glossy finish. I was thinking sb 6000 from looking at your past posts. What do you think? Also if it is sb 6000 I read you can apply it with a pump sprayer but in your opinion will that provide the best even application or do you recommend using a roller/ brush instead?
You could use the SB-6000 on the vertical brick but I would ask Surebond to confirm this and how best to apply.
How long will a sealer last on brick?
5-7 years is normal for a vertical brick wall. Try the Masonry Saver Brick Sealer.
Hello! We have a 180 year old farmhouse built with stone and lime mortar. What breathable sealant would be best to use on the exterior walls? Also, we would like to achieve a wet look without being glossy. Sincerely appreciate your advice.
Look at the Surebond SB-6000 for this.
Thank you. I will read up on it more.
which one is best to apply in the fall, northern brick wall. LAst rain about 5 days ago .
Masonry Saver Vertical Brick Sealer.
Your article states when dealing with the best sealer for brick walls, try to steer clear of acrylics, silicones, and similar types of waterproofing sealers that linger on the surface. These brick wall sealers tend to trap moisture vapors and may promote efflorescence, mold, mildew, and other damaging effects. What specifically do you suggest for outdoor brick steps (matte)?
Look at Super Seal-M or Masonry Saver Heavy Duty Water Repellent.
Hi – I have a 100 year old house with an exposed interior brick wall. Several bricks at the base or the wall are spalling and flakeing causing erosion. The bricks above 3 feet are all fine but I want to preserve the spalling bricks. No sealers that I have tried will bond to the interior terracotta. I was told to try marine spar to seal the damaged brick.
Have you heard of this and will this work?
Thanks!
Sorry but do not think this will work nor do we know of a solution to fix this scenario.
I have 4 interior exposed brick walls in my house. 2 in bedrooms and 2 leading up staircases. The red brick is from 1915 when the house was built. We are looking to have it cleaned, the holes filled with mortar and sealed with a matte finish. What sealant do you recommend for this project? Thanks!
Do you want a shine or no shine?
NO SHINE! i want it to be as matte as possible.
Masonry Saver Brick Water Repellent.
Thank you!
Masonry Saver Brick Water Repellent.
I have a beautiful old (45 years) brick hearth and wall. I want to clean the bricks gently and seal them before we have a new free standing natural gas stove installed. I don't want shiny bricks, just a natural look that will protect them for years to come. Advice on product?
Look at Masonry Saver Brick Sealer.
I have a new build 6 months old house and live in Ohio,USA. Can I apply the sealer this year in fall ? What is the best brand for non gloss brick sealer which is siloxane based ?
Yes, you can apply this Fall. Masonry Saver Vertical Brick Sealer.
Thank you ! This sealer will be good for how many years ?
TIA
4-6 Years.
This is a block concrete wall tan in color in Arizona.
Try the Masonry Saver for Vertical Brick Sealer.
Is there any sealer available in the market for bricks which will last for years ?
Masonry Saver for Vertical Brick Sealer lasts 5-7 years on brick walls.
Is there a low/no VOC alternative to the siloxane product. looking to seal a wall of interior bricks in a lower level condo.
Use Masonry Saver Brick Water Repellent for this.
I am hoping to remove the plaster from a bathroom wall and keep the bricks exposed (opposite the bath/shower, no water will directly hit the wall). What is the best sealant to use? I'd rather not have it too shiny but don't mind if there is a little shine.
Masonry Saver Brick Water Repellent.
I have a basement from 1903 with a foundation of stone & mortar and brick and mortar. There is efflorescence present and radon. Poured concrete floor. I want to reduce or stop the moisture & radon migration from entering the basement. What product do you recommend?
Located near Manchester, New Hampshire. Commercial dehumidifier present.
Not sure on this. Sorry but our experience is mostly exterior.
We have an exposed brick wall in our kitchen. We are looking for a sealant with a satin or semi gloss that will have a slight shine without being glossy. What would you recommend?
You could try Masonry Saver Decorative Concrete Sealer.
I have an exterior backyard masonry brick patio. I would like to seal it for a wet look with no gloss. If I seal it, could future mold from winter rains permanently stain the brick? Also, since the brick is porous, I want to make sure the bricks don't discolor to white as some homeowners have mentioned.
What would you suggest? And how often will I need to reapply?
Lorna, use the Supreme Shield SB-600. It will not turn white. Mold never permanently stains brick.
Does spar varnish have Silanes and siloxane chemical content? Please give a reply
No and you cannot use a spar varnish on concrete or brick.
CAN YOU ADD WHITE PIGMENT (PAINT) TO SILOXANE BRICK SEALER?
NO
I actually do like the wet look for an exterior brick wall. Any advice on the best choice for this?
What is the best way to seal a brick stoop and walkway? Can you use the same sealant on outside of brick chimney and brick on house?
Use a pump sprayer for applying the sealer. Look at Masonry Saver Brick Water Repellent. You an use it on the chimney and house brick.
Anyone have experience using RTV silicone rubber sealant?
I have a brick chimney which when I get a huge rain I get a few drops of moisture in the house. What do you recommend to seal to prevent this from happening
Try the Defy Brick Water Repellent
We have a metal building with a brick facade. The areas around the windows were not sealed when it was built and water is leaking in this area. Especially under the windows. When we ripped the sheet rock down, you see the back side of the brick. What is the best sealer for this purpose?
looking for a sealer for interior brick floors
What kin of bricks? What finish do you want on the bricks? Shine, wet look, no change?
I have tried using brick sealers and applied then as per the manufacturers recommendations but after about 6 months they turn the bricks an opac white. I heard from a Masson that a high grade marine spar varnish would be good to seal the bricks and gring back the color as well as give the bricks a wet look. I tried a test area several months ago and the finish looks as good as it did the day after I sealed the bricks. I also heard of other uses for varnish inside on church stone floors and fireplaces. Can anyone… Read more »
Varnishes will turn yellow, blister, and peel on outside areas.
Can you reapply over the products once it has dried for a few days?