Exposing old brickwork has been a popular interior design trend for quite some time. It originated in the late 1900s, and has grown in popularity ever since.

During the ‘70s and ‘80s, its industrial look was often used in loft-style interiors and über contemporary décor. Later, during the 90’s through to today, the modern feel of raw brickwork has been softened somewhat by it being complemented with various organic undertones and materials.

However, while exposed brickwork can make a powerful architectural statement, it does come with its fair share of cons as well. Since the surface is far from being smooth, it tends to collect dust. Also, since the surface is relatively porous and difficult to clean, it can become a host for bacteria and allergens – this is definitely not the finish to choose if you do suffer from allergies.

Exposing old brickwork is an incredibly messy and time-consuming job, but once completed, it can really add that “wow” factor to any interior. Before you start however, it is important to determine whether the hidden bricks behind the plaster and paint are attractive enough to be exposed. Each home varies, but some walls will be built out of cement bricks, which are best hidden under plaster, or perhaps the builder didn’t build in a very tidy manner. As such, rather test to make sure the bricks underneath are worth exposing by creating a small test hole – remove the plaster and paint a from a small section of the wall using a chisel and sandpaper. It needn’t be a large area – 30cm by 30cm should do the trick.

Once you have determined that the bricks are suitable for an exposed brickwork finish, you will need to decide which wall you are going to expose. Make sure you identify any electric, water or gas lines, or any other obstacles in the wall. Try stay clear of walls that host these kinds of lines, as exposed brickwork does not offer the luxury of hiding any pipes, electrics or plumbing that will need to be chased in the wall – as such, choose a wall that is free from any such requirements.

The next step is to source the assistance of a professional who will be able to sandblast the plaster and paint off the walls. This is an exceptionally messy and dusty job, and so it would be wise to make some preparations before your contractor begins. Begin by removing all the furniture from the room in question, and for the furniture that cannot be removed, make sure that you conscientiously cover it in plastic to prevent any damage from the dust and debris. Also, remember to cover the floor from wall to wall in plastic in order to protect it and make cleaning up afterwards a little easier.

Once the walls have been adequately sandblasted, you will be able to see which bricks need to be replaced and whether the wall needs to be repointed. To repoint the brick wall, firstly cut out all loose and damaged mortar. You may find that some of the faces of the bricks have been damaged, and these should be replaced with new, matching bricks. Cutting out old bricks is best done with a plugging chisel or small bolster, or alternatively, very loose bricks can simply be raked out with a screwdriver or similar tool. Once this has been done, you can rake out the old joints using a wire brush. Then, using a mixture of sand and cement, you can repoint the joints flush with the surface, and then conclude with a matching pointing finish.

The last step in the process is sealing the newly exposed brickwork with a suitable sealer. Regarding exposed brickwork in wet areas, such as the bathrooms and kitchens for example, it is vital that the bricks are adequately sealed to protect them against damp conditions. Locally available Brick and Slasto Dressing is a great sealant to use – it is a solvent-based, UV-resistant clear gloss acrylic coating that has been designed to enhance and protect interior and exterior brick, slasto and ornamental stone. Remember to adequately clean and prepare the surface before application – all the surfaces must be sound, clean, dry and free from any dirt, oil, grease or any other contaminants.

Pictures courtesy of:

Design is Mine: www.designismine.blogspot.com.
John Miller Designs: www.johnmillerdesigns.co.uk.
Restyled Home: restyledhome.blogspot.com.

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