For flashing chases in brick. Used lead sealant a few times as seems a better choice than mortar. Never been totally happy with the finish tho, wet finger smoothing it tends to start getting it on the brick face unless you’re very careful, so game over. Anyone do this regularly and got any pointers? I guess I’m probably applying too much of it in the first place so nowhere for it to go when tooling it down.
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Any tips to get lead mate neat?
- Thread starter 23vc
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I’ve done a fair bit of lead pointing and had the same issue. I found it helps to use smaller amounts at a time and pack it in gently rather than piling it in. Keep a damp sponge or rag handy to clean any stray smears right away. Tool it down slowly, and try not to drag your finger across the brick, use a rounded stick or spatula if it helps.
ALWAYS use a big nozzle cut. Believe me, it's easier. With a big nozzle cut, you can often get good results without striking it after. Use wet fingers to tidy up the internal and external corners.
A bit of fairy liquid in with the water helps. Also a smooth, flat wet piece of timber just a bit wider than the joint can give it a flat pointed effect. Likewise, a soaked wide piece of dowel (or round off some timber) if you want half round but it should be dead smooth.
Cheers. I think my main issue is as soon as any of it makes its way onto the brick face (easily done, very soft stuff that likes to squeeze out and up when touched) it’s never coming off (sand faced bricks and very sticky mastic). Not such an issue if a bit goes on the lead as it wipes off. I’ll persevere with all the above advice!
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