Smear Tactics

No, I'm not getting into politics!

I smeared my fireplace!

When it comes to dog-hair-and-potato-peelings projects (projects that cost next to nothing, but are transformative) this project takes the cake. It cost $8!!!

Materials:

1 sack of mortar mix $5

1 big, thick peanut shaped sponge (like you use when washing your car) $3

old dish rags (had some)

plastic bucket (had one)

Directions:

1. Mix a small amount of mortar with the texture of pancake batter.

2. Moisten the brick. I used a dish washing sponge to just dampen the brick.

3. Using the peanut sponge, smear the mortar on the brick filling in the mortar lines and giving as much coverage to the brick as you desire.

4. After covering a small area (12" x 14") use your fingers to dig out the mortar lines as deep as you want.

5. Use the dish rag to gently wipe over the area, smoothing and getting the look you want.

There you go- $8 and 5 steps!

Tips:

1. The mortar goes on much darker than it will be when it dries and it will take 24 hours to totally dry.

2. You can use a  more expensive tinted mortar.

3. This is a messy project!!  Put something down to catch the mortar droppings.

4. Start up high and work your way down. I didn't and wished I had.

Before

After (with wall paint and panes removed from windows)

We're making progress!

Love ya'll,

Shelli

An idea not coupled with action will never get any bigger than the brain cell it occupied. ~Arnold Glasow