Expert: Joan Miller - 11/29/2010

Question
Brick company used Sherwin Williams water based stain to match new addition brick to old brick. They said it would last the lifetime of the brick. It does match very well but I keep thinking it will wash off. Is this a standard practice? I think we should have contacted a professional brick stain company rather than using the brick company recommendation.

Answer
I understand your concern for the quality of the method used in this situation.

The Sherwin Williams is considered a good product, but is often referred as a temporary solution to staining brick. In some cases it may last years, on the otherhand, depending how the application was done, and considering weather changes, these products often peel or wear off and need to be redone. The reason:  This product is silicone based, therefore keeping the brick from "breathing". If a brick does not "breathe", it's humidity level is not released, which later causes problems as such. (i.e. cracking, peeling etc.)

A professional brick stain company, such as the NAWKAW system, is often referred for staining brick solutions. Nawkaw Emulsion Color Treatment is a water-based, multi polymer formulation of resin solids, color pigments and specially formulated tint-base.  This product does not affect the quality of the brick and is guaranteed for 25 years or more.

Hoping this helps.

Joan Miller