We have just built a set of internal steps out of reclaimed (from our building work) red bricks.

The bricks are in very good condition but are super soft (they are over 130 years old)

The face(?) of the steps, if caught, often creates red brick dust.

This is no issue other than having to vacuum more often!

What could I use to seal the bricks?

Would want to use a clear solution as the brick colour is lovely.

Thought about PVA but don’t want a gloss finish 😕

Any suggestions?

If your walking on them I’d think you’ll need something with a hard coat so a tough varnish, this would change the appearance.

Could get a matt or satin finish.

If they’re that soft then i doubt a varnish will hold them together for long.
Other than the fact they look pretty, why did you build something that gets hard wear out of something soft?

I take the the treads aren’t brick.

This is no issue other than having to vacuum more often!

…. and the fact that the steps are falling apart 😐