Can i add lime to a brick mortar mix of SAND,CEMENT and PLASTICISER?

Question

And what is the best type of sand to use....Building/Sharp?

Cheers

Stuart

Answer 1

Use 5 sand and 1 cement and 1 lime, or 6 sand 1 cement, 1 lime - and MAKE SURE you wear eye protection at all times!  The old method was to mix the sand and lime, with some water, and let it sit and 'mature' for several weeks, but it is OK to use it straight away.  Use a bucket to 'gauge' the materials, to get perfect consistent mixes of mortar, of even colour and strength.

Don't breath the lime dust, don't get mortar on your skin, - WASH OFF IMMEDIATELY IF YOU DO! LIME CAN QUICKLY BURN YOU FOR LIFE! - and keep your safety glasses or close fitting sunglasses on AT ALL TIMES when you are using the mortar.  I have had a mixer spit lime mortar into my eye, it gave me great pain, took about 90% of my vision away for a week, and I couldn't sleep for three nights.  Now don't go out and start mixing without your shades on, OK?

IS THAT PERFECTLY CLEAR?  Hahaha sorry, but you really DON'T want lime either on your skin, or in your eyes.

Answer 2

Yes it should be fine, but not to much plasticiser. Lime on its own acts as a plasticiser as it gives more body to the mortar. Be careful when using lime though, it can burn skin bad.  For laying bricks use the building sand. This sand is more workable with your trowel.

Answer 3

i dont see a problem with it but idont think you need to add it to the mix. if you are unsure try a small amount and see how it turns out.