Mortar mix/recipe for internal wall?

[justanotherguy]

I read that, particularly with old brick/brickwork, it's bad to use mortar that was stronger than the old stuff, as it can eventually cause the face of the brick to crack off.

Question is, what would be a good mortar mix for repointing an internal exposed brick wall? Both strength and colour would be important.

Marcos

 

[stuart45]

The problem caused by a strong cement mortar really applies to external brickwork when it gets wet and then freezes, known as the freeze/thaw cycles.
For internal brickwork you don't have to worry about that, so think about what colour you want and whether the mix will leave bits of grit in your carpet.

 

[justanotherguy]

I'm guessing from your last comment you don't really approve

Question is, then, what's the least crumbly mortar mix...

 

[stuart45]

A 4/1 sand cement mix is quite strong and will hold together well. It also depends what colour you want. You can get white cement if you want it to look a bit like lime.
How are you going to finish the joints? recessed, flush, bucket handle, struck etc.

 

[justanotherguy]

So far as I know, struck is meant more for outside, so the rain drains off.

I think recessed is not all that suitable for old bricks, so it's down to bucket handle or flush. I expect the former, but I'll try a little section flush to see.

Thanks for the recipe

 

[Alastairreid]

Thanks for the recipe

never heard it called that before.........

 

[r896neo]

in my opinion the best joint for exposed original brick is to give it a very shallow rake and then brush it. Whatever you do keep it a nice dry mix though.