Impregnation | Sealer | Brick | Stone | Concrete | Render
What is an Impregantion?
Impregnation | Sealers
Impregnation and surface sealing systems play distinct but equally important roles in masonry protection. Understanding the difference is key to selecting the right solution for long-term building performance.
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An impregnation is a penetrating treatment designed to soak into the pore structure of mineral substrates such as brick, stone and concrete. Rather than forming a visible film on the surface, it lines the capillaries within the material with hydrophobic (water-repellent) properties. This significantly reduces water absorption while maintaining the natural appearance and vapour permeability of the substrate. Because there is no surface coating, the masonry remains breathable, helping to prevent trapped moisture, frost damage, salt movement and long-term deterioration. Impregnations are particularly suited to heritage façades and exposed masonry where appearance and breathability are critical.
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A sealer, by contrast, forms a protective film or layer on top of the substrate. This surface barrier can create a satin or gloss effect and often enhances colour while providing resistance to water and surface contamination. However, because it sits on the surface, a sealer may reduce vapour permeability to varying degrees and can alter the visual character of the material. Sealers are typically chosen where a surface finish, sheen, or enhanced stain resistance is required in addition to moisture protection.
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In summary, impregnations protect from within while preserving natural breathability, whereas sealers protect from above by forming a surface film. Selecting the appropriate system depends on the building type, exposure conditions, and conservation requirements.
Invisible Protection
Waterproofings are our core competence
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​Impregnations
Impregnation systems are designed to deliver invisible, long-term protection by penetrating deep into the pore structure of mineral substrates rather than forming a surface film. These advanced clear treatments reduce capillary water absorption while maintaining full vapour permeability, allowing the building fabric to breathe naturally. By lining the internal pore walls with hydrophobic properties, impregnation systems help prevent frost damage, salt migration, biological growth, and moisture-related deterioration without altering the appearance or texture of the surface. Ideal for heritage and exposed façades, they preserve the authentic character of masonry while significantly enhancing durability and weather resistance.
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Sealers
Sealers, in contrast, provide protection by forming a clear, continuous film on the surface of the substrate. This protective layer enhances resistance to water penetration, staining, and surface wear while often enriching colour and providing a subtle sheen or satin finish. Clear sealers are commonly selected where aesthetic enhancement and surface durability are priorities, creating a barrier that shields against pollution, dirt ingress, and environmental exposure. Depending on formulation, they may offer varying levels of breathability, making correct specification essential to balance moisture management with surface performance.
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Masonry
Masonry protection systems encompass both penetrating impregnations and surface sealers tailored specifically for materials such as brick, stone, concrete, and render. These clear protective coatings are engineered to address the unique porosity and exposure conditions of mineral substrates, reducing water uptake, limiting freeze–thaw damage, and extending the service life of façades. Whether preserving historic stonework or safeguarding contemporary brickwork, masonry protection solutions help maintain structural integrity, minimise maintenance cycles, and support sustainable building conservation through effective moisture control.
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Wood
Wood protection coatings are formulated to defend timber surfaces against moisture ingress, UV degradation, fungal attack, and dimensional movement. Clear protective systems penetrate or coat the timber fibres to stabilise the substrate while enhancing its natural grain and appearance. High-performance clear finishes provide elasticity to accommodate expansion and contraction, reducing the risk of cracking or peeling over time. Suitable for cladding, joinery, decking, and exterior features, these systems extend the lifespan of timber elements while preserving their aesthetic warmth and character in demanding environmental conditions.
Impregnation
Impregnations penetrate into the surface to ensure that there is excellent protection and permeability (breathability). It is important for renders like lime to have breathable protection so it does not affect the natural operation of the render.
Sealer
Protection for a floor can be a difficult task to decide on because there are so many options and factors to take into consideration.
Wet Effect
People want to protect their facades or flooring but they want to enhance or darken the surface. To do this you can add an impregnation that will give the surface new life and give long-lasting protection as well. Remmes Funcosil AS and USP 400 Colour Enhancer are two such products we stock.
