Hi,I am planning to keep my brickwall as a splashback for my kitchen. There will be an induction cooktop. What is the best way to seal those bricks and make them splashproof from water, heat and oil? can they be painted? Thank you in advance.
Hi @Manish1,
Using the brick wall itself as the splashback isn’t the best option, especially behind an induction cooktop. Bricks are very porous, which means they absorb moisture, oil, and cooking residue. Even if you seal them, the surface is still uneven and the sealers tend to wear down over time with heat, cleaning, and grease exposure. Once oil and stains get into the brick or mortar joints, they can be very difficult to remove.
Painting the bricks also isn’t ideal. Most paints aren’t designed to handle constant heat, steam, and grease from cooking. Over time, the paint can discolour, soften, or become difficult to clean, and grease tends to build up in the texture of the brick and mortar lines.
That’s why splashbacks are normally installed over the wall surface. Materials like glass, stainless steel, or tiles create a smooth, sealed surface that’s designed to handle heat, water, and cooking oils. They’re also much easier to wipe down and keep hygienic.
If you want to keep a bit of the brick look, a tiled splashback would still be a better option. Tiles are heat-resistant, non-porous when grouted and sealed properly, and far easier to clean than raw or painted brick.
So while the brick can look good as a feature wall elsewhere, for the cooking area, it’s usually best to install a proper splashback over it to protect the wall and make cleaning much easier in the long run.
Regarding your question, I'm not aware of a product that would suit those requirements.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Thank you @MitchellMc . I am also considering to install a 700 mm wide splashback on the cooktop portion only.
Hello @Manish1
Installing a 700mm splashback just by the cook top would be the ideal way to do it, especially if you are wishing to preserve the look of the brick wall.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
@EricL Thank you. Is there any way I can waterproof those brickwall, particularly behind the sink? I am planning to use a waterproofing membrane over those exposed bricks just to make them moisture proof. Or can I paint it ?
I’d recommend using Crommelin 4L Water Based Brick and Render Sealer for the area behind the sink @Manish1. It’s suitable for interior brick and will give you a protective, water- and stain-resistant surface, which is ideal.
One of the main advantages is that it forms a surface coating, so it’s much easier to clean compared to raw brick. It will also slightly enhance the colour and leave a low sheen finish.
Another benefit is that you can paint over it later with a water-based paint if you decide you don’t want to keep the exposed brick look. It works well as a base for water-based paints, so it gives you flexibility down the track.
Overall, it’s a practical option without needing to go as far as installing a full waterproof membrane.
