Things You'll Need
Broom or vacuum
Biodegradable concrete and masonry cleaner (optional)
Scrub brush (optional)
Painter's tape
Masking paper or plastic sheeting
Penetrating sealer
Paint roller with synthetic head or pump sprayer
Solvent-based masonry wax
Buffer
Heavy-duty buff pad
Medium-duty buff pad
Light-duty buff pad (optional)
Mineral spirits or paint thinner
A brick floor gives an interior space the rustic charm of a cobblestone road in a European village. Finish a brick floor with a brick sealant, then wax polish to prolong and uphold the masonry's durability and appearance. Seal new or unfinished brick floors to prevent moisture, dirt and other contaminants from absorption into the pores of the bricks. Wax the brick floor to provide both additional protection and a soft sheen.
Step 1
Sweep or vacuum all loose debris from the floor. Wash an older brick floor with a scrub brush, using biodegradable masonry cleaner that is not caustic. Mop the floor with fresh water to rinse, then leave the brickwork to dry.
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Step 2
Mask adjacent surfaces other than brick with painter's tape and masking paper or plastic. Paint the brickwork with a generous coat of penetrating concrete, stone and masonry sealer using a synthetic fiber paint roller or a hand pump sprayer. Leave the sealer to soak in and dry.
Step 3
Drop a bit of water on the floor. If it does not bead, apply a second coat of sealer and leave it to dry.
Step 4
Pour 1/4 cup of solvent-based brick wax in the middle of the most distant 4-foot square section of floor. Buff the wax using a mechanized buffer with a heavy-duty buff pad. Continue applying and buffing wax in 4-foot sections until the floor is finished.
Step 5
Buff the entire floor with a medium-duty buff pad. Apply a second coat of wax, buffing with the heavy-duty buff pad, only if heavy foot traffic is anticipated. Follow up again with a medium-duty buff pad.
Step 6
Buff the entire floor with a light-duty buff pad. If you desire a greater sheen than the medium-duty buff pad produced.
Step 7
Clean up equipment and materials, using mineral spirits or paint thinner.
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