Is there a substitute for plasticiser??--I have a few bricks to lay and don't want to go and buy a can full 
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Plasticiser substitute
- Thread starter scrumpyjack
- Start date
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Washing up liquid was (and sometimes still is) used as a plasticiser. I used it when I built my double garage and also the wall between me & next door. I built both ten years ago & I'm re-pointing them both this year.......
Buy some plasticiser, DON'T use anything else it can cause untold grief in the long run.
Buy some plasticiser, DON'T use anything else it can cause untold grief in the long run.
M
marsaday
can i ask on here if it is crucial to use plasticiser? what happens if it is not used.
You only need a plasticiser if the sand needs plasticising!
Not all sands need it to make it workable.
Lime also does this job.
I don't think I've seen any actual testing done to prove that washing up liquid is a bad thing to use.
There are walls/houses/extensions done with this , and I've not noticed any problems with the mortar after 20 odd years.
The only issue I can think of, is that many people put too much in. It only requires a very very small amount of concentrate per mix.
The main thing with brickwork is to give it a nice, proper, smooth ironed joint, and this gives the weathering protection
Not all sands need it to make it workable.
Lime also does this job.
I don't think I've seen any actual testing done to prove that washing up liquid is a bad thing to use.
There are walls/houses/extensions done with this
, and I've not noticed any problems with the mortar after 20 odd years.The only issue I can think of, is that many people put too much in. It only requires a very very small amount of concentrate per mix.
The main thing with brickwork is to give it a nice, proper, smooth ironed joint, and this gives the weathering protection
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There's salt in it, so it reacts with the cement if too much has been added - don't ask me the chemistry, I can't remember it. Too much also makes too many bubbles in the matrix, which adversely affects the strength.
The salt is also the reason thqat you shouldn't clean your reading glasses or your car with it, as it scratches.
But how much salt is in 1/2 a teaspoon ..... which is then mixed with 80kgs of mortar?
You probably get more salts when a bird poos' on the wall or a dog wees' up it and then rain soaks it in
Too much can apply to 'proper' plasticiser too - especially when you put the recommended dose in and it does not look very workable, so you then tip a load more in
I can see the concern on bubbles in the matrix though - especially if Agent Smith is on site
You probably get more salts when a bird poos' on the wall or a dog wees' up it and then rain soaks it in
Too much can apply to 'proper' plasticiser too - especially when you put the recommended dose in and it does not look very workable, so you then tip a load more in
I can see the concern on bubbles in the matrix though - especially if Agent Smith is on site
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