A Guide to Bagging Brick Walls

When it comes to the external finishes of a home, we are all familiar with brick, render and cladding. But have you heard of bagged bricks? This trend it making a serious comeback, and Houzz Australia Contributor, Rebecca Gross, is here to explain this affordable alternative, below.

When it comes to renovating or constructing a brick home, you may not always want to leave the brick exposed or render over it. Bagging brick is a happy middle ground that covers the brick with a more consistent surface while still allowing irregularities and imperfections to show through. Named for the hessian cloth bag traditionally used to apply this mortar, here’s a guide to bagging brick.

What Is Bagged Brick?

Bagging is the application of a mixture that smooths an external or internal brick wall, without concealing the irregularity and texture of the bricks.

Bagging can be done to protect the brick of a home while providing an aesthetic layer that may be left as is or painted over. In either case, the contours of the bricks and mortar joints will be clearly visible, as will any bumps and imperfections.

How Does Bagging Differ To Rendering?

Rendering is similar to bagging in that a mixture is applied to the brick’s surface. However, a rendered wall has a smoother surface finish than a bagged one, without any bumps or imperfections. Bagging, in contrast, highlights imperfections and has a textured appearance.

Bagging is almost always cheaper than a full rendering project. Another advantage of bagging is that, unlike rendering, it can be accomplished by a competent homeowner.

What Is Bagging Done With?

Bagging is done with a pre-mixed mortar made with cement, sand and a plasticiser, such as hydrated lime. In general, coarser sands are used for bagging and finer sands are used for rendering. Lime makes the mortar more workable and improves its ability to deal with heat and moisture once applied. Pre-mixed mortars, with or without colour pigments, are readily available for purchase.

Water is added to the mix, and the amount depends on how wet or dry you want the consistency to be. More water makes for sloppy mortar (wet bagging) and a thinner application; less or even no water makes for moist mortar (dry bagging) and a thicker application.

For a new brick wall, dry bagging can be done while the mortar is drying off; wet bagging should be done once the mortar has set. Wet bagging will give more of a ‘washed’ look. Oxides can also be added to bagging mixes to produce different colours.

How Is Bagging Done?

The mortar is used to coat the surface of a brick wall or other construction. A variety of application methods can be used, including the traditional technique of using a hessian cloth. Alternatively, the mortar can be applied with a soft-bristle brush, a sponge, a broom, a steel trowel or a wood float.

The brick surface will need to be thoroughly cleaned prior to any bagging mixture being applied and any patching will need to be completely dry. Immediately prior to bagging, a professional will wet the wall so the bricks don’t suck all the moisture out of the mortar, then start bagging from the top to the bottom of the wall.

Mortar can be applied using a hessian cloth with a circular smearing motion or using a soft-bristle brush, broom or sponge for different textures. An extra coat may be required to fill indented brick joints or for a thicker consistency.

What Finishes Can Be Achieved?

What you use to apply the mortar, whether it’s a hessian cloth, brush, broom, sponge, trowel or wood float, will influence the finish of the bagged wall. For example, a hessian cloth will give you a rougher effect, a sponge will result in a medium-textured finish, and a wood float will give you a smoother one.

The motion with which the mixture is applied will also influence the final look. A circular motion will produce a circular effect, and long up-and-down strokes will produce a more linear texture. A boxed appearance can also be created by using a mixture of horizontal and vertical strokes, or a Mediterranean-inspired look can be created with a swirling motion.

Ultimately, bagging will give you a textured finish, but how much comes down to personal taste.

Can You Paint Over Bagging?

For coloured brick walls with a Mediterranean appearance, pigment can be mixed into the mortar. Alternatively, for a traditional painted finish, the bagged walls can be painted over with acrylic semi-gloss or low-sheen paint.

Whether you want to go with on trend colours, or a timeless classic finish, our team at Hurst Homes guide your through the entire process including your selections to ensure you create your dream home. Just another reason why we are considered Waggas best builder. With over 30 years in the industry as a Wagga Builder you can trust Hurst Homes with your dream home. For a free no-obligation preliminary estimate contact us today on 0438 692 962 or fill out the contact us page on our website.

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