If you’re working on outdoor flooring, you could use a stiff-bristled broom, a hose, or a power washer to push debris off of the bricks.
One alternative to try is a mix of at least 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of baking soda with 16 cups (3,800 mL) of water. You could also use the same amount of vinegar or Borax in place of the baking soda. For very dirty floors, you may need to get a brick cleaner or trisodium phosphate (TSP) from your local hardware store. These cleaners are potent, so wear gloves and a respirator mask when handling them.
For outdoor brick flooring, you can spray cleaning solutions off with a hose. Remember that any stains left on the floor will get sealed in with the brick. However, moisture can prevent the sealer from working properly.
Painter’s tape is available online or at most hardware stores. It doesn’t leave residue on walls, and it’s very resistant against moisture.
Acrylic sealers are less likely to yellow than wax or polyurethane ones. They also don’t release toxic fumes, so they are easier to apply. If you choose another type of sealer, take safety precautions when using it indoors. Ventilate the area by opening nearby doors and windows. Also, wear a respirator mask.
The nap is the roller’s thickness. At the right thickness, the roller will be able to spread a consistent amount of the sealer into the mortar between the bricks. You could use a brush instead of a roller, but finishing the floor will take longer. Use a 2 in (5. 1 cm) nylon or polyester chip brush, for instance. Even if you have a roller, consider also keeping a brush on hand to reach corners and other tough spots.
Working across the width of a room is easiest. If you’re sealing a brick patio, for instance, start near your home and work toward the opposite end. Make sure the sealer applies evenly. Try pushing the roller back and forth across the floor a few times.
Push the roller back and forth across the brick a few times to spread out the coating and stop it from puddling. If you notice lots of puddles forming, use less sealer with each application. The brick turns darker as you add the sealer, so missed spots are noticeable. Finish covering these spots, but don’t neglect the spaces between the bricks. They can be easy to overlook.
While the sealer dries, keep the floor protected. Make sure everyone in your home knows not to go near it.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the sealer has plenty of time to set in. It always takes longer to cure than surface dry. Give it 24 to 48 hours to ensure it fully dries. The film seal can last 10 years or more. If you notice light spots or stains forming, then it may be time to refinish the brick with a new coat of sealer. Remove the old finish with a seal stripper before applying the new sealer.
Many hardware stores not only sell sprayers, but rent them out as well. You can look for them while purchasing a sealer there, or get everything you need online. If you are unable to find a sprayer, you could use a paint roller instead. Try using one with a 3⁄4 in (1. 9 cm) nap. It could also be brushed on with a 2 in (5. 1 cm) nylon or polyester chip brush.
To operate a hand pump sprayer, raise and lower the pump on the top of the machine. When it becomes difficult to move, press the trigger on the nozzle to spray the sealer. The easiest way to cover a floor is usually by gradually working across it. Go along its width instead of the longer sides unless you don’t have a choice. Add the sealer sparingly by moving at a steady pace. If you see the sealer puddling, move at a faster rate to avoid using too much of it in any single spot.
Note any spots that seem to absorb the sealer quickly. The brick will absorb it right away, appearing dull and dry compared to the rest of the floor. Apply a little extra there to keep the brick coated. Spots that have too much sealer, or puddles, have to be smoothed out. Remember where these spots are so you can come back to them.
Double-check that the floor looks well-covered and consistent before letting the sealer dry. Tight areas, such as near corners and baseboards, can be easy to overlook.
Let other people in your home know not to step on the floor while it dries. Lock the doors or hang signs nearby as reminders.
The exact amount of sealant needed varies depending on the floor. Watch for puddles. Puddled sealer shows that the bricks aren’t absorbing anything, so spray less of it or stop completely. If the bricks won’t absorb any sealer at all at this point, they don’t need the second coating. Most floors require 2 coats, but there are some exceptions.
Penetrating sealers are generally designed to last for 15 years. While not necessary, you could attempt to apply a fresh layer of sealer every year to ensure your floor is well-protected from damage.
