Transform your interior or exterior spaces with the authentic appeal of brickwork using high-quality TBS Brick Slips from Henlow Building Supplies. These versatile, 20mm cut bricks offer a stunning aesthetic without the structural demands of traditional bricklaying. Follow this step-by-step guide for a professional and lasting finish.
1. Preparation is Key
Thorough preparation is paramount for a successful brick slip installation. Begin by clearing the work area, ensuring ample space to move and protecting surrounding surfaces with dust sheets. Remove any coving, skirting boards, or existing fixtures to achieve a seamless look; these can be refitted once your brick slips are installed. For electrical outlets and switches, carefully pull them out, ready for re-attachment later.
Critically, your wall surface must be clean, dry, and free from dust or debris to ensure optimal adhesive performance. Regardless of whether your project is internal or external, always prime the wall. This creates a stable base and maximises adhesion. For exterior applications, verify that your chosen adhesive is frost-proof. It's advisable to open and mix brick slips from different boxes to ensure an even distribution of colour variations across your project.
2. Mixing Adhesive and Planning Your Layout
Using a clean mixing bucket and a paddle mixer, prepare your brick slip adhesive (such as Instarmac Slipbond) to a smooth, lump-free paste. The consistency should be such that it holds peaks when stirred. Mix regularly during application to maintain consistency, adding only small splashes of water if necessary.
Before you begin applying slips, plan your layout. Determine your starting point – typically the bottom centre of the wall or external corners if applicable. Consider the average height of your slips and use a string line or a spirit level to establish a straight base course. This pre-planning helps avoid awkward thin cuts or overly large mortar joints at the top or ends of your runs.
3. Applying Brick Slips
Start applying the adhesive to the wall using a notched trowel, covering an area of approximately 1 square metre at a time, especially if you're new to brick slip installation. This prevents the adhesive from setting before you can apply the slips. For optimal adhesion, it's recommended to "dual glue" – apply a thin layer of adhesive to the back of each brick slip as well as the wall.
Firmly press each brick slip into the adhesive on the wall with a slight wiggling motion to ensure good contact. Insert 10mm brick slip spacers between each slip, both horizontally and vertically, to maintain consistent grout lines. Ensure that any slight curvature or creasing (which is a natural part of the manufacturing process for some slips) is facing upwards (like a "smiling brick"). Use a spirit level frequently to check that your courses remain level.
When you reach the end of a row or encounter obstacles like sockets, you will need to cut slips. An angle grinder, multi-tool, or even a brick bolster and hammer can be used. Continue applying slips upwards, row by row, until the entire area is covered. Once finished, use a stiff brush to remove any excess adhesive from the slip faces. Allow the adhesive to dry for at least 24 hours before moving on to pointing.
4. Pointing and Finishing
After the adhesive has fully cured, it's time for pointing. Prepare your pointing mortar (Instarmac Cempoint) in a clean mixing bucket, following the manufacturer's instructions for water ratios to achieve a workable consistency. A mixing paddle is highly recommended.
For a clean and efficient application, load the mortar into a handheld pointing gun. Fill it about three-quarters full and apply the mortar carefully into the joints, starting with the vertical joints, then the horizontal ones. Aim for a smooth and consistent flow.
Once the mortar has firmed up but is still workable, use a jointing tool to compress and smooth the mortar, ensuring there are no gaps or holes. After tooling, allow the mortar to settle further. For a final touch, use a stiff bristle brush at a 45-degree angle to gently remove any remaining mortar residue and achieve your desired finish. Leave a 10mm weep hole at the base of exterior brick slip panels to allow for moisture escape.
5. Aftercare (Optional but Recommended)
While not strictly necessary for all applications, applying a brick slip sealer (like TBS USP-100) is highly recommended, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, or exterior projects. Ensure both the adhesive and mortar have fully cured, and any natural salts (efflorescence) have presented themselves before sealing. This protects the slips from contaminants, resists moss and lichen, and helps prevent surface degradation. Periodically brushing your slips will also help maintain their appearance.
For all your TBS Brick Slip needs, including slips, adhesives, mortars, and sealers, trust Henlow Building Supplies to provide quality products and expert advice. Click to visit us online.