My hearth mortar job was a failure,,,,Uggg!

[raybonz]

I agree with BG as this hearth is not exposed to the elements just like my inside chimney. I have never sealed that and there is no reason to do that and no problems in 25 years..

Ray

 

[charly]

It's looking great. Did you wipe it down with a muriatic acid wash?

This is a dry area so I would consider sealing optional. If you seal with a silicone compound it's non-combustible. Your call.

No, just kept sponging the bricks off with water. Is it too late to do the acid wash? What's up with doing that? After reading about it, I don't know if I want to use it indoors. Also I already have my wood trim on. I read you have to keep washing it down. Wondering if it will turn into a major mess trying to get all the acid diluted back out.

 

[bag of hammers]

I agree with BG as this hearth is not exposed to the elements just like my inside chimney. I have never sealed that and there is no reason to do that and no problems in 25 years..

Ray

+1 on not sealing. I beat myself up over this decision (to seal or not to seal) and ultimately left it alone. I have a dark porcelain field tile ("sandstone" finish) with small slate inlay and chocolate colored grout, and IMHO it looks even better after a few years of smoke and ashes. I think you mentioned your better half likes the "old school" look anyway? A very nice looking hearth, btw....

 

[BobUrban]

Looks great - I used water based poly to seal mine. Not for necessity - just asthetics. I used satin finish and just brushed it on with an old paint brush. Again, not necessary for function but I liked how it brought out a little shine. My bricks were road pavers and driven on for about 80+ years so they needed a little TLC.

 

[raybonz]

Looks great - I used water based poly to seal mine. Not for necessity - just asthetics. I used satin finish and just brushed it on with an old paint brush. Again, not necessary for function but I liked how it brought out a little shine. My bricks were road pavers and driven on for about 80+ years so they needed a little TLC.View attachment 78283

Bob that looks great!

Ray

 

[Pallet Pete]

Looks great - I used water based poly to seal mine. Not for necessity - just asthetics. I used satin finish and just brushed it on with an old paint brush. Again, not necessary for function but I liked how it brought out a little shine. My bricks were road pavers and driven on for about 80+ years so they needed a little TLC.View attachment 78283

Nice job Bob your giving me ideas.

Pete

 

[charly]

+1 on not sealing. I beat myself up over this decision (to seal or not to seal) and ultimately left it alone. I have a dark porcelain field tile ("sandstone" finish) with small slate inlay and chocolate colored grout, and IMHO it looks even better after a few years of smoke and ashes. I think you mentioned your better half likes the "old school" look anyway? A very nice looking hearth, btw....

Thanks for the positive feedback. I like the rustic look myself.

 

[charly]

Looks great - I used water based poly to seal mine. Not for necessity - just asthetics. I used satin finish and just brushed it on with an old paint brush. Again, not necessary for function but I liked how it brought out a little shine. My bricks were road pavers and driven on for about 80+ years so they needed a little TLC.View attachment 78283

Nice job also. No one knows all the work involved until you have some hands on. Just doing the joints, then striking them all and then washing all the bricks , a lot of work.

 

[charly]

It's looking great. Did you wipe it down with a muriatic acid wash?

This is a dry area so I would consider sealing optional. If you seal with a silicone compound it's non-combustible. Your call.

I'm wondering if your seeing the whitish bricks, that you mentioned the acid wash. These are old reclaimed bricks so they have been like that for who knows how many years. They were cleaned off with water and sponge before things got too dry. They just have that weathered look.

 

[dylskee]

That looks great charly! Feels good knowing you built it with your bare hands too, now get that beautiful Fireview on there and upload some more pics!

 

[begreen]

I'm wondering if your seeing the whitish bricks, that you mentioned the acid wash. These are old reclaimed bricks so they have been like that for who knows how many years. They were cleaned off with water and sponge before things got too dry. They just have that weathered look.

Yes, it's not clear from the picture how much of the whitish brick is from the dried mortar after wiping off the bricks. The acid wash would be to clear off haze left by the mortar. It can be done now without problems. Cleaning it off is a little hassle, but not a big deal. You can neutralize the acid after the wash with baking soda or lime. But if you like the look at it's current level then leave it.

 

[charly]

Yes, its not clear how much of the whitish brick is from the dried mortar after wiping off the bricks. The acid wash would be to clear off haze left by the mortar. It can be done now without problems. Cleaning it off is a little hassle, but not a big deal. You can neutralize the acid after the wash with baking soda or lime. But if you like the look at it's current level then leave it.

Our former used brick hearth pad had the same look, that was a manufactured pad.

 

[bag of hammers]

Looks great - I used water based poly to seal mine. Not for necessity - just asthetics. I used satin finish and just brushed it on with an old paint brush. Again, not necessary for function but I liked how it brought out a little shine. My bricks were road pavers and driven on for about 80+ years so they needed a little TLC.View attachment 78283

Aesthetics for sure. That's a very nice looking hearth. The road pavers are awesome. I like the step wall and the extra room to stack the inside wood on the same space. I kinda wish I had done similar.

 

[charly]

Just picturing what the Fireview will look like. Wish the stove was under the box!