There are three main methods of sealant application. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the size of your installation project, the tools you have at your disposal, and how much time you are willing to spend sealing your thin brick project. Whether you are using a penetrating or topical sealant, you’ll want to carefully consider the specifications of your project before determining which method will work best.
Method 1: Using roller brush and paint roller tray
This is the most common method of sealant application, both indoors and outdoors for flooring and wall applications. This method is best for projects ranging from 100 sq ft to 600 sq ft. You can pick up the necessary supplies easily at a hardware store. Most sealants will recommend applying two coats and waiting for a minimum of 4 hours between coats to let the product dry.
Instructions: Supplies you will need: Towels Painter’s Tape Vinegar mixture (1 parts vinegar: 15 parts water for cleaning) Deck brush or microfiber mop or tile sponge for cleaning Paint tray Brick sealer Paint roller and handle Application steps: Step 1 - Cover carpeting and other flooring materials in adjoining doorways with towels so the brick sealer doesn't bleed onto these areas. Use painter's tape to protect molding and walls where they meet the floor. Step 2 - Scrub the floor or wall surface with a warm water and vinegar solution (1 parts vinegar to 15 parts water), using a deck brush, tile sponge or microfiber mop. Rinse with clear water. Allow the brick to dry completely before sealing. Step 3 - Pour the brick sealer into a paint roller tray. Use a film-forming sealer if you want a slight gloss on the brick. Select a penetrating sealer to minimize any color change to the brick. For more information on different types of sealers and their pros and cons read our How to Choose the Correct Sealant for you Thin Brick tiles article. Step 4 - Attach a paint roller to a roller pole. Dip the roller into the sealer in the tray and roll it up the tray grate to remove excess sealer. Step 5 - Paint the sealer onto the brick, beginning on one side and working toward an exit. Allow the sealer to dry completely, which can take four hours or longer. Apply a second coat and allow it to dry.
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Method 2: Using paint brush and bucket
This is a great option for smaller projects of 100 sq ft or less. You can use this method for both floors or walls although it’s easier to apply with a brush and bucket on walls. This is the cheapest method of sealant application and you can pick up the necessary supplies easily at a hardware store. Most sealants will recommend applying two coats and waiting for a minimum of 4 hours between coats to let the product dry. Instructions: Supplies you will need: Towels Painter’s Tape Vinegar mixture (1 parts vinegar: 15 parts water for cleaning) Deck brush or microfiber mop or tile sponge for cleaning Paint tray Paint brush with bristles (Recommend 4” or larger Application steps: Step 1 - Cover carpeting and other flooring materials in adjoining doorways with towels so the brick sealer doesn't bleed onto these areas. Use painter's tape to protect molding and walls where they meet the floor. Step 2 - Scrub the floor or wall with a warm water and vinegar solution (1 parts vinegar: 15 parts water for cleaning), using a deck brush, tile sponge or microfiber mop. Rinse with clear water. Allow the brick to dry completely before sealing. Step 3 - Pour a small amount of the brick sealer into a small clean bucket. Use a film-forming or topical sealer if you want a slight gloss on the brick. Select a penetrating sealer to minimize any color change to the brick. For more information on different types of sealers and their pros and cons read our How to Choose the Correct Sealant for you Thin Brick tiles article. Step 4 - Dip your paint brush into the bucket lightly and shake any excess off the brush. Step 5 - Paint the sealer onto the brick, beginning on one side and working toward an exit. Allow the sealer to dry completely, which can take four hours or longer. Apply a second coat and allow it to dry.
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Method 3: Using a professional sprayer
This is a great option for larger projects of 500 sq ft or greater. You can use this method for both floors or walls and it’s most useful when applying to outdoor spaces whether patios, sidewalks, walkways or exterior walls. This is the most expensive method of sealant application as the equipment will either need to be rented or purchased and ranges in price from $15-$100. Most sealants will recommend applying two coats and waiting for a minimum of 4 hours between coats to let the product dry. Instructions: Supplies you will need: Painter’s plastic or tarps for covering surfaces as needed Painter’s Tape Vinegar mixture (1 parts vinegar: 15 parts water for cleaning) Deck brush or microfiber mop or tile sponge for cleaning Towel tandard pump-up garden sprayer for water based film forming sealers or topical sealers and some penetrating sealers (Not recommended for solvent based sealers). OR Heavy duty solvent resistant pump up sprayer for water based and solvent based film forming or topical sealers (Not recommended for some penetrating sealers). OR Airless equipment and H.V.L.P. Sprayers for water based and solvent based film forming or topical sealers (Not recommended for some penetrating sealers). Application steps: Step 1 - Cover any interior or exterior surfaces that you do not want sprayed with painter’s plastic, tarps or painter’s tape for moldings or handles. Step 2 - Scrub the floor or wall surface with warm water and a warm water and vinegar cleaning solution (1 parts vinegar: 15 parts water), using a deck brush, large stiff-bristled brush or tile sponge. Rinse with clear water. Allow the brick to dry completely before sealing. Step 3 - Pour your brick sealant into your sprayer. Use a film-forming or topical sealer if you want a slight gloss on the brick. Select a penetrating sealer to minimize any color change to the brick. For more information on different types of sealers and their pros and cons read our How to Choose the Correct Sealant for you Thin Brick tiles article. Step 4 - If using a film-forming or topical sealant: Apply 2-3 thin, even coats. Do not allow sealer to puddle on surface. If puddles do take place, keep a clean paint brush nearby to immediately even out and smooth over wet areas. The first coat may appear uneven but by the second coat it should even out. Wait at least 4 hours between coats to allow the sealer to dry properly. Try to keep your application even and don’t forget to also seal the grout in between tiles as well. If using a penetrating sealer: Penetrating sealers can be applied more liberally than topical sealers. Still, make sure your coat is even and not to thick. Let the first coat dry for about 4 hours before applying the second coat. If there is excess penetrating sealer left on the surface after coating, remove it with a clean dry towel before allowing it to dry on the surface of your brick. For additional information about our brick tile options, please visit our Thin Brick products page. Feel free to email us at design@realthinbrick or call our main line.