Antique Brick Reclamation Process

The American Antique Bricks industry has been around for a long time. This should not come as a surprise to Philadelphians: Many of the city's iconic structures, like Independence Hall, have been constructed using clay-fired brick for centuries. America's entire northeast was ablaze with kilns that were baking the nation's foundations from 1732 to 1753 when Independence Hall was built. The best place to look for evidence of America's love affair with antique brick, also known as reclaimed brick, is the historic downtown of Philadelphia.

In more and more homes across Philadelphia, antique brick is being used because it evokes strong feelings of nostalgia. If you want an antique brick in your home, you can either buy them or reclaim them.

Clean 

A thorough cleaning is essential for the reclamation of brick. Mineral salt efflorescence buildup can be removed with a simple vinegar-water solution. You will need a stronger solution, such as CLR or a 10% muriatic acid solution, which can be found in hardware stores, if there are a lot of buildups. If your antique bricks have been stained by iron deposits, use a solution of 10% oxalic acid.

Strip Down

If your exposed antique brick is painted but you prefer the natural look, use heat (from a blow torch or heating gun) or a commercial-grade paint stripper to remove the old paint. After being loosened by heat, you can remove the paint with a wire brush.

Keep in mind that commercial-grade paint stripper is very abrasive, so you shouldn't use it unless you're wearing gloves, and a mask and the room has plenty of airflows. The paint stripper is also highly flammable. Lead may also be present in the paint you are removing; As a result, proper lead paint safety precautions should be taken.

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Repoint

A process known as repointing is required if the mortar on your antique brick is cracked or crumbling. After being repointed, the Wall Bricks will not only look better but also be stronger structurally.

During repointing, the existing mortar must be removed with a hammer and chisel, and a wire brush and water must be used to remove the final traces. Using a pointing trowel, fill in any gaps with brand-new mortar. When you first get started, begin with the vertical joints. When the horizontal joints are finished, move on to the next part to preserve the wall's structural integrity. After the mortar has dried, apply a masonry sealant of high quality to prevent water damage.

Paint 

Not all people choose to paint antique brick, but for some, the natural look is out of the question because the brick may be too damaged to fix. If you decide to paint the antique brick, you should wait about a month between stripping and repointing it to give it time to get rid of any corrosive chemicals and excess moisture.

When picking paint, go with latex or cement-based paint. The antique bricks will remain dry thanks to these paints, which allow for sufficient airflow to maintain their good condition.

Even if you don't like the natural look or the paint, you still have options. The application of a stain can blend in previous blemishes and slightly darken the color. Another option is a straightforward, colorless seal with a choice of low, medium, or high gloss. A seal will give the antique brick a slight boost in appearance while preserving its natural appearance.


Location: United Kingdom

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