German/Mortar smear transparency in rain

[Daddy Manky]

Hi,

I have built a wall in garden from cheap modern bricks.

They are orange with random brown patches, but I wanted an "older" looking finish. I have applied a mortar wash, by taking very thin amount of Blue Circle Ready Mix mortar, and smearing it over the wall with a cloth - I then rinsed it off a little.

Once dried the result is great, orange colour has been toned down and it looks quite old. I am very pleased with the effect.

However, whenever it rains, the mortar wash becomes transparent and the original brick colour shows through. How can I stop this happening? Once dry again, the nice hazy wash re-appears.

But I would like to stop the mortar wash going transparent when wet.

Any ideas appreciated.

 

[KenGMac]

Daddy Manky, good evening.

Can I suggest that you try [on as inconspicuous area as possible] painting on some natural yogurt? the yogurt will "encourage" the formation of surface mould and a natural ageing process can be accelerated.

If your test area works, then apply Yogurt to the entire wall.

Ken.

 

[Daddy Manky]

Hi Ken,

Yes I have heard of this - but does it actually work? How long does it take? Be great to see some before/after pictures.

I was looking for a chemical fix for the problem - i.e. some solution to paint over my mortar to stop it absorbing rain water.

DM

 

[KenGMac]

Possibly worth a look?

Check WWW for Yogurt to age bricks, mixed messages? seems to depend on area you live in?

Also soot in water seems popular?

Or?

https://www.liquid-products.com/

 

[Daddy Manky]

Thanks again Ken for link to product.

However, for sake of others reading this - I am NOT looking to change how my bricks look again. I have already done that with a mortar smear and the results are great. My problem is that when it rains the mortar smear goes transparent. I am looking for something to apply over the mortar smear to stop that happening.

 

[KenGMac]

How about one of the proprietary external brick "water proofers" the sort of brush or spray on liquids.

May need to be done on an annual basis ?

Ken.