On my brick fireplace, the exterior mortar is very recessed between the bricks. I'd say by at least 1/2". I plan to paint the brick but first I'd like to bring the mortar a bit more flush with the brick. In my basement the previous homeowner left a bag of sanded grout. Could I get away with using this to fill instead of buying mortar? I hate to buy a huge bag of mortar when I'll never use it again. Also, if I can use the grout, the bag says for joint less than 1/8". The mortar joints are 1/4". Could I use this grout anyways since it's not needed for structural reasons, it would be purely decorative?

 

Grout and mortar are similar but used for different applications. Best to use the correct product.

 

"I hate to buy a huge bag of mortar..."
Really??? A 40lb bag of mortar mix is less than $4. Get the proper material for the job. Plus, I think you will be surprised at how much you need.

Make sure you watch some videos or read on how to tuck point brick joints. It's not rocket science but there are some techniques and tricks that make the job a lot easier. And, avoid the #1 rookie mistake... using your hands. Using a hock and trowel does have a learning curve but it is much faster and better to learn and do it right.

Have you opened the bag of grout? Is it still a free flowing powder or has it hardened into a solid blob or chunks? If it's solid you should throw it out.

 

Thanks for your reply! At the risk of sounding like a sissy, the 50# bags they sell at Home Depot are so darn heavy which is why I thought I could get away with the grout. I guess I'll just bite the bullet and get the mortar. I'll also look up some how-to videos. Thanks for the advice!

 

Yes, use mortar, The yard will load it for you. Maybe you can use it out of the bag without unloading the whole bag. Clean the bricks and mortar before you begin. There is enough dirt, soot, algae and other bond breaking contaminants to prevent a good bond to the brick and the existing mortar. It would help to add some concrete fortifier. Quick Crete makes one. I forget what they call it but it enhances the bond of the mortar to substrate. A wire brush is good for cleaning the mortar joints. Blast out the dust with a hose nozzle or an air compressor blower. Since you are going to paint, a little mud stain on the brick won’t hurt. Don’t leave gobs and blobs, though.

And I have to say this: Are you sure you want to paint. It is a lifetime commitment. OR if the area is not too large you could stucco it and get a totally new look.. I guess you can stucco it if it is a large area, too but that is hard work. Brick, once it is cleaned makes a good stucco base. Yes, I know more than you asked. The advice here is worth what you pay for it.

 

I appreciate the advice! And yes, I'm certain about painting it. It's a very old and very ugly fireplace and the brick is shaped really weird too, It does have this cool patterned brick in the middle but that will show through paint. I did consider stucco but for now paint will do and maybe down the road someday I'll try stucco. For now, I just want to get it painted and then build a surround the electric fireplace insert. I think it'll look much nicer as an off-white. The way it is now it doesn't go with anything in my house and is just a huge eyesore to me.

 

I would also consider giving it a full skim coating. You could cover the decorative piece to protect it. Then instead of the tedious job of filling all the joints you can just use a flat trowel and cover the whole thing. Still, I hate to see that art deco (?) style get buried.

Are you removing the insert?

Are you closing off and filling in the top of the firebox so the insert looks decent in the space?

 

Yes I have a few 2x4's to prop up the insert and there's a black frame that goes around the whole thing. I also though about adding trim pieces surrounding it and staining to match the rest of the woodwork.

I don't think I want to skim coat the whole thing. I think it will look better keeping the shape and texture of the bricks.

I know it's a pretty interesting style of fireplace, especially that decorative brick, but it just doesn't fit in the house anymore.