Shelf project onto brick wall - advice

[johnmac]

Hi.Recently moved in to a flat and it has been full of surprises and I'll probably be a regular visitor to this site.

When stripping down the wallpaper in the Living room, I came across a hollow part of plasterboard.I pulled it away to expose a brick (outside) wall.The pointing of the brickwork crumbles quite easy.I have been told that as it is an old flat (approx 100 years old) it is limestone pointing and I should just repair the bad bits.What do I need to do before fixing plasterboard to the wall to cover the bricks?. I was told that I cannot fix plasterboard direct to the wall, but I cannot remember why or what to do. What is the best way of repairing the pointing?

DIY Novice!!

 

[mildmanneredjanitor]

Hi John,

don't mean to be defeatist here, but I think since you are a complete virgin it may be best to leave it to a plasterer. But, getting a tradesman in is a good opportunity to learn and pick up information. Watch the plasterer, ask questions and supply lots of tea!

But, if you are willing to have a go anyway... Without seeing it, it sounds like the best way, would be to use bonding coat plaster to bring the level outflush with the surrounding wall, then a thin skim of finishing plaster to achieve the finish.

Have a search to find out more (it's been covered many times) and probably better than I would explain it! I'm no plasterer!!!

Good luck
MMJ