STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS
(WALLS)

Step 1.

Dust down the prepared surface and remove any grease or dirt. Seal the surface with a suitable primer or waterproofing if required. Mark out level lines using a spirit level on the blank wall surface. The surface must be able to support 40kg per square metre.
 

Step 2.

Mix the tile adhesive to the desired consistency following manufacturer’s instructions. You can either apply the glue to the wall or alternatively butter the backs of the brick tiles. The adhesive chosen must meet or exceed ANSI 118.4 and ANSI 118.11 adhesion standards. Common adhesives used include LATICRETE 335 Super Flex and Ardex X17. Please note you must fully read the instructions of any adhesive used to ensure it is appropriate for your specific application.

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(for On Mesh System)

If using our range of brick tiles pre-stuck to mesh, then the glue must be applied to the wall first then the sheet of brick tiles is pressed into the glue. Depending on the type of glue used and your ability to handle the sheets, sheets can be cut down to smaller pieces if required. 

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Step 3.

Apply the first course of brick facings to the surface in the desired pattern, cutting in where necessary. Use spacers to space the brick tiles to the desired spacing. Note, brick facings do not need to be spaced, a dry stack look can be achieved by butting the brick facings up against each other.

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(for On Mesh System)

Spacing is required only between the sheets, tiles on the sheets are already spaced.

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Step 4.

Once all of the tiling is complete, the adhesive has dried and the facings are completely dry, brush down to remove all excess dust with a stiff brush. Do not rush this step, take the time to get the bricks completely dry and brush thoroughly from top to bottom.

 

Step 5. (Optional)

While many of our brick facings come with white scumming by default, for many it can be applied as an option. If adding a mineral white wash to your brick facings do so at this stage. 

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Step 6A.

(Only applies to Roman Pale Sanded Grey brick tiles, does not apply to any other brick tile types)

A second coat of weathering tint should be applied at this point followed by sealing.

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Step 6B. (Optional)

You may wish to add a first coat of sealant to protect the brick facings (this is optional – but recommended in kitchen areas to avoid any grease splashes or marks). 
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Step 7. Pointing or German Smear

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Pointing

Following the manufacturer’s instructions, mix the pointing mortar or pre-made grout to the desired consistency and colour. Add mortar into the pointing gun or pointing bag and apply the mortar into the joints. Once the mortar/grout has dried to a stage where it is no longer tacky to the touch, shape the joint using a jointing tool followed by dry brushing to remove mortar/grout dags. Never sponge the joints, this will simply spread a thin veneer of grout/mortar over the brick face.

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German Smear

The German Smear finish is a type of mortar wash (or smear). It involves troweling mortar onto a brick wall and then wiping some of it off to expose parts of the brick. We typically advise pointing first (as above) followed by the smearing​.

 

There is no right or wrong to the "German Smear" technique, its just personal preference - its always best to test batches of mortar and application styles on spare bricks before you start on the main project to determine the type of smeared finish you want.​ If you are not confident in how to German Smear, white washing is a  easier technique that produces similar results, you can learn about white washing here.

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Step 8. (Optional)

Once the area is pointed/smeared and dry, ensure the slips are clean, dry and free of dust. If sealing (optional), apply a final coat of sealer to protect the surface of the brickwork.

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IMPORTANT: RECLAMATION STYLES

Our reclamation style brick facings, which can be identified by the white scumming/german smearing on the brick surface (and the use of the term reclamation in their name), should not be wet sponged. During pointing, the excess mortar should be cut off with a trowel. Mortar dags and smears on the work face should be removed by dry brushing within 1-2 days. We advise that only white mortars should be used with our reclamation styles, this allows the mortar to match the colour of the white scumming on the brick facings.

The above advice is for pointing only, if using a smear technique feel free to wet sponge.

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Please be aware that as our brick facings are cut from genuine handmade brick when you get them they may be still wet or damp. The final colour will not become apparent until they have dried.

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TOOLS REQUIRED OR HANDY TO HAVE

• Brick facings of your choice

• Tile adhesive
  (e.g. LATICRETE 335 Super Flex, Ardex X17. Please note while these adhesives are suitable for many applications, it is important that you read the instructions for each adhesive to ensure the glue you choose is suitable for your specific application).

• Mixing Bucket

• Mortar or Grout - if using grout a wide joint grout such as ARDEX WJ 50 must be used.

• Pencil

• Tile Spacers

• Brick Jointing Tool

• Spirit Level

• Pointing mortar gun or piping bag (highly recommended)

• Sealant (Optional - Matt or Gloss depending on what look you want)

• Stiff Brush

• Tape Measure

• Angle grinder with masonry wheel

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IMPORTANT

* As with all building work, advice should be sought from qualified professionals if you are unsure of any aspect of brick laying, cladding or paving.