The more slowly this process happens, the stronger the resulting mortar is. Curing methods help to slow down the drying of the mortar, resulting in a stronger bond and more durable structure.
Things You Will Need
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Slow the drying of the mortar when working with brick by soaking the bricks overnight before using them. This technique supplies a reservoir of water in the pores of each brick that will seep into the mortar over time, prolonging its drying time.
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Keep the mortar wet by spraying it with a hose every few hours for several days. Set the nozzle to a light setting that will mist the mortar rather than a setting that will hit the mortar with a strong jet of water.
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Retain moisture in the mortar by covering its surface with a wet, absorbent material such as burlap or an old sheet. This method can be combined with Step 1 to keep the mortar consistently damp for days.
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Hang a piece of plastic over the mortar to keep the water that is in it from evaporating too quickly. This method can be combined with Step 1 by lifting up the plastic and lightly spraying the mortar underneath it every few hours.
The Drip Cap
- Curing is an integral part of the process of working with mortar, cement and concrete.
- This technique supplies a reservoir of water in the pores of each brick that will seep into the mortar over time, prolonging its drying time.
- This method can be combined with Step 1 by lifting up the plastic and lightly spraying the mortar underneath it every few hours.