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myHow to Mix Mortar
If you're struggling to mix the perfect mortar, check out this easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide. It includes images to show you how to mix mortar and a list of tools you'll need.
Table of Contents
What Tools Do I Need to Mix Mortar?
Below is a list of the tools that you will need to mix mortar yourself:
- Shovel
- Wheelbarrow
- Mud board
What Safety Equipment Do I Need to Mix Mortar?
Below is a list of the recommended safety equipment needed for mixing mortar:
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Dust mask
- Protective gloves
- Sensible clothing
What Materials Do I Need to Mix Mortar?
Below is a list of the materials that you will need to mix mortar:
- Lime putty
- Sharp sand
- Or pre-made mortar
- Room temperature water
How to Prepare for Mortar Mixing
Mortar is usually used as a binding material used to repoint brick walls on a house or other brickwork. It is a good all-rounder adhesive that is used when constructing walls for a house or a garden. It can also be used as a filler between bricks and stones that have been laid on a garden path.
To prepare for mixing mortar, you must ensure that you have all of the tools, materials, and safety equipment needed to effectively and safely complete the job.
Before you start to mix the mortar, you should put on your safety goggles and dust mask so that you are completely protected from the start.
Make sure you have your wheelbarrow and mud board ready so that the mortar can be mixed and transferred quickly.
How to Mix Mortar Yourself
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to mix lime mortar by hand. Although if you prefer to hire someone to do any repointing on your behalf, they will either use the same method or bring a cement mixer to use on site:
Step 1
Empty the package of mortar mix into your wheelbarrow being careful not to overspill it. If you are not using a pre-made mortar, then take the binding agent (for lime mortar, this would be a lime putty) and mix with sand prior to the next step.
Step 2
Add a small amount of water to the wheelbarrow. It’s important that you don’t begin by adding too much water as this can ruin the consistency and you will have to start again. You should focus on adding the water in gradually.
Step 3
Once you have added some water, use the shovel to lift the mortar mix over the water. Concentrate on lifting the back and sides of the mix over the water and fold it all together.
Step 4
Once all the water is mixed in, add some more water and repeat the above step. Continue to fold the mix over and combine it with the water and spread it through the mixture evenly. Continue adding and folding in water until it reaches the right consistency.
Step 5
Now, add some water to your mud board before transporting your mortar mix over to it.
Step 6
Check the consistency of the mortar mix on the mud board. If it is too hard, create a circle in the centre of the pile of mortar and insert some water into this central hole. Then start piling the mortar from the outside into the centre and continue this until the water is all mixed in.
Step 7
Continue to take the mix from the outside and move it into the centre to create the ideal consistency.
Step 8
Once the consistency is perfect, the brick mortar mix is then ready for use.
