Mixing brick mortar by hand involves combining the dry ingredients, then gradually adding water until the desired consistency is achieved. Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Gather Your Materials: You'll need dry mortar mix, water, a mixing tub or wheelbarrow, a shovel or hoe, and gloves. The mortar mix is typically a combination of cement, lime, and sand.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Pour the dry mortar mix into the mixing tub. If you are mixing your own from scratch, use appropriate ratios of each ingredient.
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Slowly Add Water: Gradually add water to the dry mix. It is crucial to add water slowly because you can add more water, but you can't remove it.
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Mix Thoroughly: Use the shovel or hoe to thoroughly combine the water and dry mix. Ensure that there are no dry pockets of mortar. The goal is a uniform consistency.
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Check Consistency: The mortar should be plastic and workable, sticking to the trowel without being runny. If it's too dry, add a little more water. If it's too wet, add more dry mix.
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Let it Slake (Optional but Recommended): Allow the mortar to slake (rest) for 10-15 minutes. This allows the lime to fully hydrate, improving workability. Add a small amount of water to re-temper it if needed after slaking.
By slowly adding water and thoroughly mixing, you'll achieve the right consistency for laying bricks.
