How to Mix Lime With Water for Bricks

Traditional lime mortar can be created with relative ease.

Lime mortar was a popular style of mortar commonly used by artisans and brick layers around the turn of the 19th century. You can still find this type of mortar in Victorian and older brick style homes. If you own a house of a similar style or if you are making home repairs, you can create lime mortar with a limited amount of difficulty. You will find that it has a pleasingly rough texture and appearance and is relatively easy to work with.

Things You'll Need

• Lime
• Portland cement mix
• Sand
• Cement mixer (optional)
• Masonry mixing tray
• Water
• Trowel
• Shovel
• Mixing tools
• Wheelbarrow (optional)
• Trash can with lid
• Gloves
• Protective eyewear
• Respirator mask

Instructions

1. Blend 2 parts lime with 1 part cement and 1/2 part sand in a cement mixer (for larger projects) or in a masonry mixing tray (for small projects). Stir the dry ingredients well to completely combine them. You can use a shovel to facilitate the mixing process.

2. Add 2 parts water to the blended dry mortar ingredients and mix well to completely combine. Test the consistency of the mortar. A proper blend will not run back together when you run a trowel through it. Adjust the ingredients as necessary.

3. Store leftover dry ingredients in a trash can with a lid. This will prevent moisture from seeping into the lime, cement and sand.

Tips & Warnings

• The amount of mortar you create will depend solely upon the type and scope of the project you are completing.

• Create only enough mortar for your project. Any excess will not last very long before it hardens and becomes unusable.

• Do not expose bare hands to raw lime. Wear a respirator and goggles while blending the mortar ingredients to prevent injury.

References

• Espirit Cabane: Lime Mortar Recipe
• Masonry Magazine: Brickwork Restoration-How to Work With Lime; Cantin; 2006
• Howard Hall Farm: General Guidelines for Working with Lime Mortar and Lime Wash