Ruth’s choice: BRICK WALLS
Consider stripping back your walls to the bare brickwork to reveal instant character – or cheat using brick wallpaper!
dd some bare faced chic to your home with exposed brickwork. Whether modern industrial or rustic country, you’ll need to be prepared to put in some hard graft to get the best results – but it’s worth it!
Are your walls suitable for stripping back to brick?
Deciding whether to expose brick depends on the age of your property. As a general rule, pre-1950s is best and the earlier the better. Exposed brick is a pretty bold statement - stick to one wall or a section of wall with natural start and finish points, such as a chimney breast or inside alcoves.
Stripping back brickwork yourself
This is a job you can absolutely do yourself. Drill a test hole in the plaster to check the brickwork is worth stripping. If it’s damaged or the colour isn’t your bag, refill the hole. However, prepare for serious dirt and dust - cover surfaces and seal doors. Work across the wall from left to right, hammering, then gently lifting the plasterwork off with a trowel or putty knife.
How to tidy up bare brickwork
First, remove loose cement or brickwork with a stiff brush, not wire, then vacuum. If the removed cement leaves cavities, repoint gaps to avoid drafts or an attack of creepy-crawlies. Make new cement look less obvious by dabbing on watered-down chalk paint.
Should you seal exposed bricks?
Sealing will alter the colour of the brickwork, which can ruin the original look. In some cases, sealing can also trap moisture inside the brick, which could cause problems. However, in moisture-prone rooms like kitchens and bathrooms, PVA or terracotta sealant is recommended to protect the bricks and improve hygiene.
Make a feature of an exposed brick chimney breast
IF YOU FANCY DOING THE JOB YOURSELF, PLASTERING WORKSHOP RUNS REGULAR BRICKLAYING COURSES IN BEDFORD,FROM £169