Make sure the area is well-ventilated, especially if you use a grinder.
Make sure that you choose a masonry-specific grinding disc. Be very careful when using the angle grinder. It’s easy to slip and cut into the brick. Before using the grinder on bricks you plan to use, it’s best to practice on an old brick or a cheap practice brick.
Remember to wear your protective eye wear and face mask, especially if you use an air compressor. You should also watch where the debris goes so that you don’t hurt yourself or others.
If the brick needs to be replaced, bring the old brick to the store. Try to match the size and color. You can do the same thing with a piece of the mortar. [6] X Expert Source Gerber Ortiz-VegaMasonry Specialist & Founder, GO Masonry LLC Expert Interview. 10 March 2020.
Mortar mixes come in different grades. M is the strongest and meant for walls bearing heavy loads. S is a little more flexible, N is for most walls exposed to the weather, and O is for interior and non-load-bearing exterior walls. If you don’t know what’s in your wall, you might need to guess based on the grading scale.
You may also purchase latex additive from a home improvement store and add a little bit to make the mixture stronger. Start with small batches. You’ll have an hour or less to use the mortar before it dries.
If the mortar begins drying out while you’re mixing and applying more mortar, lightly moisten it with a hose or misting bottle.
Let the joint mortar set up until it just gives when you press your finger into it, and then use the brick jointer tool to create the dimpled beveled joint lines. [18] X Expert Source Gerber Ortiz-VegaMasonry Specialist & Founder, GO Masonry LLC Expert Interview. 10 March 2020. If the mortar is too wet when you create the beveled joint lines, then it may just scrape out of the joints.
Take special care when using muriatic acid.
