Brick Sealers: Alternatives to Sika Liquid Plastics K501

One of the most popular discontinued brick sealers we get asked for is Sika K501. K501 was a transparent sealer for brick, masonry and stone.

K501 was formulated to protect external wall substrates from the effects of wind and rain for up to 10 years. It was this guarantee to first maintenance that made the product so attractive to contractors and architects.

Unfortunately, Sika K501 was discontinued in 2018.

Why Use A Brick Sealer?

Did you know that by having wet external walls you run the risk of increasing the thermal conductivity of a masonry paint system? It can lead to a loss in the insulating capacity of the system by up to 25-30%! Therefore, a quality brick sealer will save your heating bills, keeping your house warmer for longer.

By sealing bricks on external walls to make them hydrophobic you are consequently making it difficult for moss or algae to grow on the substrate. This is beneficial for north facing walls or homes in exposed areas.

How Brick Sealers Work

When applied on a porous substrate, a brick sealer will penetrate deep down into the substrate. Brick sealers form a hydrophobic, water-repellent layer inside the pores and capillaries.

Brick sealers will also improve the self-cleaning effect of a façade. Coincidently, protection will reduce the capacity of moss and mildew from adhering to the material.

Once dried brick sealers are virtually undetectable, therefore preserving the original appearance and character of the substrate.

Alternatives to Sika Liquid Plastics K501

Although none of the suggested products have the guaranteed 10 year lifespan of K501, the products below are the best on the market.

Mapei Antipluviol W

Mapei Antipluviol W Brick SealersMapei Antipluviol W is ideal for the restoration treatment for damp rendered walls exposed to the eroding action of rainwater. This brick sealer is suitable as a protective layer on historical buildings of architectural interest.

Also suitable as a water-repellent treatment for walls, facing bricks and natural stone.

 

Theoretical Coverage:

  • Facing Bricks: 0.50 – 0.75 kg per m2
  • Conventional Render: 0.50 – 0.80 Kg per m2
  • Tuff Stone: 0.50 – 1.00 Kg per m2
  • Cementitious Smoothing Layers: 0.20 – 0.40 Kg per m2
  • Marble: 0.20 – 0.50 Kg per m2

Centrecoat All Surface Protector

Centrecoat All Surface Protector is a water based clear treatment for walls, floors and roof tiles, granite, stone, brick, sandstone, limestone, travertine, concrete porcelain, lime mortar, wood and many other substrates. It is suitable for both vertical and horizontal application.

This product will protect the surface from soiling and allows for easy removal of chewing gum. An environmentally friendly, non-toxic product that can be used in any situation or environment with a UV resistant finish that will not yellow over time.

Theoretical Coverage:

  • Architectural Concrete: 5m2 per litre
  • Block Paving: 5 – 8m2 per litre
  • Natural Stone: 2 – 5m2 per litre
  • Granite: 8 -16m2 per litre

Rust-Oleum Secco Super

Rustoleum Secco Super Brick SealersSecco Super is a polysiloxane, solvent based hydrophobing sealer. With a matt finish, this product will provide a breathable option for exterior brick sealing.

This brick sealer benefits as an economical alternative. However, this product isn’t suitable for horizontal surfaces. Suitable for porous external walls constructed from brick, concrete and cement.

Theoretical Coverage: 1 – 4 m2 per litre

How To Remove Brick Sealer

Maybe you have applied brick sealer incorrectly or do not like the appearance. Maybe you’ve put far too much on, making the surface shiny. Or maybe you have applied brick sealer to an incompatible substrate that needs to be breathable.

The best way to remove brick sealer from your walls is by using a quality paint stripper. For this, we would recommend Keim STS 7M. Keim STS 7M is a non hazardous stripper suitable for use on external walls. Apply the stripper liberally with a paint brush, then cover the area will plastic film. This will stop the stripper from drying out allowing the product to work for as long as possible. Leave from 3 hours to 30 hours depending on the thickness of the brick sealer. Then scrape or brush off the residue or use a high pressure hot water washer.

However, you might need more than one treatment so be carefully that all the brick sealer is removed.

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