Exposed brick varnish? What is it?

[iproe]

Hey guys... does anyone know what thos brick varnish might be on the higher part of this wall? I've just exposed more bricks in my place and they are untreated and I would like to get them as close to this as possible.

I tried putting some pva primer (see small area I did circled in red) and whilst it darkened them slightly, it didn't darken the grouting enough. So I feel there's something else im missing here? Any ideas?

 

[iproe]

Here are pixs

 

[DiyNutJob]

Maybe stain them with cement? People always complain about those white stains.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Might be Thompson's water seal.

 

[foxhole]

Might Thompson's water seal.

Agree, I used a brick seal on exposed brickwork to prevent staining .

 

[Notch7]

Traditional method was 50% turps 50% linseed oil

maybe Danish oil or osma polyx oil would be the stuff

there are specialist brick sealers like drylok