Masonry Finishes for Brick and Concrete | Ask This Old House

In this video, This Old House mason Mark McCullough teaches us everything we need to know about sealing, protecting, and beautifying masonry surfaces.
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Mason Mark McCullough discusses masonry finishes. After Mark explains when and the reasons why such a durable material needs sealing, he walks Kevin O'Connor through the process. He states it’s crucial to repair the masonry first, then he wets the walls and applies a detergent. Finally, he applies the sealer.
Concrete needs protection too
Concrete is a tough, durable material, but it also needs protection. After 30 or 40 years of exposure to the elements, it can wear down, become brittle, or absorb moisture. This includes brick, block, concrete, stucco, and similar materials. Protecting those surfaces with a product designed to seal the masonry is best.
The process is key
There is a process to sealing a masonry surface:
• It's important to make any repairs necessary, including repairing or replacing blocks or bricks and mortar joints.
• Wet the wall and scrub it with a detergent.
• Apply the stain or sealer with a sprayer or brush.
Don't seal patios or walkways
Sealing horizontal surfaces isn't the best idea, especially if folks will walk on them. When water can't penetrate the masonry surface, it sits on top and makes the surface slippery. In colder climates, the water will freeze and create a serious safety hazard.
Don't use paint to change the look
Paint isn't always the best option. Paint creates a barrier on the surface of the masonry surface, preventing any trapped moisture from escaping. This can cause the paint to chip, moisture to freeze and expand in the winter, and other situations that don't bode well for masonry surfaces.
Use a stain or sealer
Instead of paint, use a stain or sealer to protect or change the look of the surface. These products will penetrate the brick and protect it while still allowing the surface to breathe. For folks who enjoy the look of their masonry surface, clear sealer will do the trick. For folks who want a fresh look, go with a stain. Paint dealers can match any color sample so finding a stain to match should be a breeze.
Where to find it?
Mark and Kevin discuss masonry finishes for brick, stucco, stone, concrete, and cinder block. Mark doesn't recommend painting masonry. He explains that paint creates a barrier that doesn't allow the masonry work to breathe, resulting in a build-up of damage causing moisture. Instead of paint, Mark recommends using masonry stains which are available in a variety of colors.
Masonry stains [amzn.to/3cLAbmg] can be sourced online and in your local home center.
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From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment-your home.
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Masonry Finishes for Brick and Concrete | Ask This Old House
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[@cargogh]

Lime washed my 2000 SF house 3 yrs ago. A couple bags of plasterer's lime for less than $40. Great look. Couldn't be happier with results.

[@brie1987]

You did it yourself by hand in SF?

[@robertokeefe9815]

Just had MJM Masonry rebuild and seal my chimney and couldn't be happier

[@giancarlosr4191]

I’m so happy this video exist thank you

[@javiergalvan242]

Great information 👍

[@brantmacga]

Any chance you can have Mark make a video about parging (masonry coating) a CMU block wall?

[@unclethanatos]

It would be good to get information about negative side waterproofing e.g. DryLok, Xypex, Penetron (plus the various other solutions to block and mitigate moisture).

[@chrisstratton6293]

Great video. Could you make a whitewash with white portland, but with some mortar dye added to make a colored whitewash? Or would they dye run out in the weather?

[@goforce32]

Painted our cylinder block foundation (former house) 25+ years ago. No issues at all. Did it to our current house and still don't note any issues. I don't agree with having a hard rule against paint. There are always exceptions. Also, the "pros", at the paint store say don't use paint with a sheen. We did and it looks fantastic, and holds up to the elements- snow, rain, weed wacking (not an element ;-)). Love "This Old House"!!!!

[@user-to1xj5cc5m]

Did you use primer or just threw paint right on? Doing my own job

[@vickg]

Does the color top stain need a primer on concrete block?

[@brandonjentsch9117]

Should I seal the inside stones/bricks in a crawlspace/basement? Particularly if they are underground and I have no good way to get to and seal the outside part of those bricks?

[@clorindacordova4562]

Does this sealer leave a smooth finish on brick?

[@user-dj6mv1cy7c]

So if I stain my outside cinder blocks should I seal it afterwards

[@brianfong5711]

1:23 I think the black tape is covering the brand "BEHR"

[@JDCrae]

Surprised no mention of mineral silicate coatings. Oldest coating for brick and masonry in the world and still used today. Vapor permeable coating

[@loloholmes2793]

Just say Lime Wash. It also repels bugs

[@JDCrae]

@@loloholmes2793 Lime wash also works, but that's a different product than the one i am discussing.

[@vvsmixing]

@@JDCrae and this is why i read the comments. thanks im gonna look this up

[@ceciliacruz1720]

I want to remove old thick chipping paint from brick what materials or tools should I use to leave the brick to its natural state.?

[@netwt449]

So the sealer (on an older house) goes on BEFORE the stain( if you’re changing the color) ? THX for this video and info!

[@user-dj6mv1cy7c]

So should I exactly sealer cinder blocks before staining?

[@BobAvery_]

what is the product?

[@vincent7364]

What if you already painted your bricks can you remove the paint to put the sealer

[@wheresthelotion6734]

Lol

[@Lotshman]

When they say seal, do they mean waterproof, or just sealing the look?

[@flat-earther]

I believe it means moisture barrier

[@fastsvo]

Does Drylock prevent brick and concrete from breathing?

[@johnaugust6414]

It depends. They make a Siloxane based formula which will chemically react with the brick and remains breathable. Stay away from the latex/acrylic ones IMO they don't breath and are not advertised to breath like the siloxane version.

[@selbalamir]

Good idea. Trap the moisture inside the building.

[@rlb3255]

So am I hearing correctly that Mark recommends NOT sealing a brick walkway, porch, deck etc?

[@brewcityb]

Thoughts on staining a red brick patio to change the color? I really do not like the red brick look

[@paul8699]

I'm about to buy a painted brick house. Should i attempt to strip it or just leave it?

[@shanew7361]

Don't buy the house lol have it sand blasted painted brick looks like 💩 after awhile flakes and peels

[@vrea77]

Won't chip or peel if you use good paint

[@vvsmixing]

guess depends how the paint looks

[@jesseanthony2900]

Is it painted or stained?

[@76biggdogg]

I want to stain brick ... Do I use concrete stain ?

[@MrAlexander336]

Wouldn't stone suck-in foundation sealer become slippery and crumble? Did Inca Masons use sealers on their stone foundations??

[@annhans3535]

A whole lotta of wood ash.

[@raulgonzalez2052]

Would the sealer not have the same effect as paint? Sealing prevents the brick and mortar breathing.... no?

[@PTOWN6000]

Did you get an answer to this somewhere? I like the look of just adding a sealant.

[@raulgonzalez2052]

@PTOWN6000 No, I have not. Would truly appreciate the guidance. Would like to keep and seal brick as it is. However, if paint has the same effect, then that will open options to new and different update. Appreciate your thiughts.

[@donc-m4900]

How about undoing the damage the previous home owner did? painted the field stone basement. Yes, it leaks when it rain. and how about removing the paint on the bricks (on top of the fieldstone) as the are 125 years old and I think they need to be repointed. (I would ask someone first about that)

[@flat-earther]

Allegedly there are companies with laser cleaners that can remove paint by burning it off without damaging the base material.

[@davidalearmonth]

I have a question. Ok so I'm hearing that you shouldn't paint brick because it won't breathe. But what about this sealant, does that stop it from breathing / trap in moisture? Thanks!

[@MandoFettOG]

He literally said in the video that it does not

[@davidalearmonth]

@@MandoFettOG I'll watch it again, but I didn't hear him say those words or clarify the difference.

[@timsedlak9494]

Nah it’s definitely a contradiction. I wouldn’t seal or paint any masonry besides underground and you typically tar seal that. I always felt like if you just seal any typical brick wall, if moisture were to ever get behind the brickwork it creates a barrier preventing any of it to ever escape from the front of the wall which is where brickwork is going to dry out from the sun, air and wind, etc.

[@PTOWN6000]

​@davidalearmonth did you ever get a good answer to this? I like the look of just a sealer on my brick, but don't want to risk sealing it up too much.

[@davidalearmonth]

@@PTOWN6000 No, I don't think I ever heard back.

[@peehandshihtzu]

Very environmentally friendly... Danger poison, LOL. :)

[@mikev.1034]

👍🤙🤘

[@mikesmith-lr8ec]

sure clean 600 is acid.. I have used it for years

[@adrabruzzese7610]

Masonry paint supposedly allows brick to breathe unlike latex or oil.

[@The305guy]

He who cannot be flapped

[@romuloromero2268]

Paint the outside brick? That’ll look hideous! He neeyto talk more about the clear one

[@Physign]

First comment 🖤

[@johnlebzelter4208]

Oh wow!! Let’s all throw you a parade. Before we do, why don’t you tell all your friends and family this exciting news?!! Oh wait, how excited are you to get your trophy and plaque? I think they will ship it to you soon. Go ahead, tell us all how excited you are!

[@AK-47ISTHEWAY]

Do you win anything for being first? Does This Old House send you a plane ticket so you can fly out to meet them? Or do you get to have your own dilapidated property featured on the show so they can fix it up for you?

[@peehandshihtzu]

I for one am genuinely happy for you Steven. :)

[@donc-m4900]

@@AK-47ISTHEWAY If I won, I would have to drive to Boston and deal with the traffic. I would not consider that a win.

[@Physign]

@@johnlebzelter4208 the fact that you’re that raging over a 9 year old enjoying a show and being happy says a lot about you 😂😂

[@patrickcline5944]

You didn't even discuss the products! Shame on you. What is the stain that goes on concrete block? Water based? Solvent? You can't stain it after the sealant. You never mentioned this. Disappointing video.

[@onetruesoldiervt3686]

You can add a additive to sealer for a non-slip on flat surfaces!! Rhino 🦏 grip is just one of those