The Five Most Basic Tuckpointing Tips

Tuckpointing is a common technique of repairing bricks and mortar joints. In this restoration process, the damaged mortar between the bricks is replaced with tucking mortar.

Because Tuckpointing requires proper technique and time, it is best left to professional masons.

But, if not dissuaded by this and want to try your hand, here’s a few pro tips to keep in mind given by Tuckpointing contractors Wrigleyville. 

1.    The Perfect Mortar Match

Before you call or visit a local masonry, remember to chip some mortar sample from the existing brick work. This step is to ensure that the mortar used during tuckpointing is just similar to the original one.

2.    Getting an Appropriate Depth

At times when the mortar will be chiseled away, make sure that the solid areas don’t get removed. Just carve the mortar to a depth of about 1 inch. Anything done deeper than that can cause vulnerability and even handicap the structural strength.

3.    Establish Multiple Tuckpointing Layers

To ensure that tuckpointing is complete with an appropriate finish, always complete the work in multiple tuckpointing layers. As recommended by professionals, applying thin layers with this procedure guarantees a long lasting finish.

4.    Work On Smaller Sections

Because of the complicated procedure, tuckpointing process will produce tones of degraded mortar. However, if the technique is concentrated to smaller sections of mortar, the mortar produce will significantly be lesser and the work will conclude with a cleaner end.

5.    Clean Brick Faces

Even after adequate safety measures, brick faces can show prominent marks of recent mortar works. Therefore, it’s suggested to clean the strains on brick faces with a solution of muriatic acid and water in ratio of 1:10 respectively.  

  

Faux Painting and Your Kitchen

Faux painting is the easiest method to add dimension and texture to your kitchen.

Faux techniques are easy and the home owner does not need to hire a professional to do them. Sponging, stenciling and color washing are some of the common tools of faux painting. Painting contractors in Hinsdale will be able to advise home owners on the details of the desired effect. Let’s take a look at the various options available.

1. Stencling

Stenciling is one of the easiest and most affordable methods to create any effect on the kitchen walls. It takes little time and the final effect is very crisp and neat. The homeowner just needs to pick up a stencil of the effect he is looking for. Painting contractors in old town suggest that a practice run should be first done, before actually doing it on the walls. With a little patience and practice the kitchen can look more personal and bright.

2. Color washing

The technique is also known as glazing. The final effect makes the walls look aged and soft. It gives the best results on the walls, ceilings, furniture and small cupboards. To start with a water based wash is chosen for the effect. Now a thin glaze is applied on top of the base coat using a sponge. The effect looks like layers and gives more dimension to the kitchen. Contractors in Oak Park can be consulted before going ahead for the first time.

3. Sponging

Painting services suggest sponging for furniture and walls. Home owners who are looking for an effect with multiple colors go for this method. A natural sea sponge is chosen and the effect is created using the sponge in the hand. It is advised to use shades of the same base color.