How to bag over glazed bricks?

[Pete48]

What’s the process for bagging over an exterior wall of glazed bricks?

Is there anything extra needed to make sure the bagging mix sticks?

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Pete48. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about bagging over glazed bricks.

Bagging over glazed bricks is generally not a good idea. The smooth, non-porous surface of glazed bricks makes it difficult for any bagging mix to adhere properly, even with extensive preparation and bonding agents. This can lead to the bagging mix peeling or cracking over time, resulting in a poor finish and potentially more maintenance issues.

If you're looking to change the appearance of bricks, it might be better to consider other options like cladding with cement sheeting and then bagging over that. 

If you were to attempt the project, I'd recommend the following:

First, you need to prepare the surface by thoroughly cleaning the glazed bricks to remove any dirt, dust, or grease. A stiff brush and a suitable cleaner like Selleys 1L Sugar Soap, work well for this purpose. After cleaning, rinse the bricks with fresh water and ensure the surface is completely dry before moving on. 

To help the bagging mix adhere better, you should roughen the surface of the glazed bricks using coarse sandpaper or a wire brush. This creates a better key for the mix to bond to. Next, a bonding agent, such as BondCrete, can be applied to improve adhesion. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and allow it to dry completely.

Once the bonding agent is dry, prepare a cement-based bagging mix, like the Dingo 20kg Mortar Mix. You can further enhance adhesion by adding a bonding additive like BondCrete to the mix, following the packaging instructions for the correct consistency. Apply the bagging mix over the prepared bricks using a brush or sponge, working in small sections to press the mix into the brick surface for good contact. Aim to create a thin, even layer, and for a textured finish, use a stiff brush to stipple the surface while the mix is still wet. Allow the first coat to dry completely, and if needed, apply a second coat for a more opaque or textured appearance. 

Remember your PPE, including a face mask, eye protection and rubber gloves.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[Pete48]

That’s fantastic information. Thanks Mitchell