Limewash on dusty bricks ok?

[zaceverett]

I've taken the paint of a wall and most of the bricks have lost their face.

They appear dusty to touch but not crumbly.

Will it be ok to limewash on to these bricks if i give them a brush or do i need to put something on them?

 

[livias]

Should be fine. Make sure they are well dampened first

 

[Zebra]

Agree. Don't put anything on them first, it might affect the breathability. The limewash will sort the dust.

 

[Penners]

A bit of repointing would do the wall a favour, too!

 

[zaceverett]

Repointing was on the cards, previously bits had been done in cement which i've got to pick out.

Any advice on mortar, obviously lime. Ready mixed in a tub or bagged 25kg just add water?

 

[Penners]

bagged 25kg just add water

I'm afraid I'm no expert on lime potions, but to make a pointing mortar I think you need to add sand, too. I'm sure other more knowledgeable folk will be much more helpful on this.

 

[Sonyaclegg]

I buy ready mixed lime mortar. Much safer than me trying to get the ratios right!

 

[Zebra]

Ooh, don't get us all started on lime mortar mix ratios. What are you thinking though, NHL or putty?

 

[zaceverett]

I dont know putty or mortar?

I was hoping for some advice, any ideas.

The existing mortar does have bits or stone in it so its coarse not smooth, if thats any use.

 

[TheForge]

NHL 3.5, with some local coarse sand, about 1:3 would be a basic,cheap mix (obviously add water but not too much). You can adjust the ratios to give a stronger, lime rich mix if required. I've used anything from about 1:1 to 5:1 with no problems. You can add pozzollans like ash or brick dust to change the colour and sped the set. Matching sand to the colour of the existing mortar will help too. Putty will take a long time to fully cure in deep joints.