One. Correct method for laying antique bricks
1、Preparation work
Clean the ground surface and establish a level plane, and mark the vertical and horizontal positioning lines. Before laying, soak the imitation bricks in clean water for one hour to ensure they are fully saturated.
2、Lay faux antique bricks
Remove the tiles from the water and allow the facing to dry completely before applying a 1:2 cement-sand mortar (or 1:0.15 cement-lime mortar) evenly to the tiled surface. Then, lay the tiles on the floor (or wall) with even pressure. Gently tap the tiles with a wooden hammer to level them and avoid air pockets. Also, use a level to ensure that the tiles are laid horizontally and vertically.
3、Post-application cleaning and repair.
After tiling, remove any excess cement from the grout lines and clean the surface of the tiles. once the cement mortar has partially dried, fill the grout lines. Finally, thoroughly clean the tiles. If stubborn stains persist, use vinegar or diluted salt to clean.
II. How to apply antique bricks attractively
1、Before installing faux antique bricks, it is essential to determine the appropriate method. Common methods for installing faux antique bricks include traditional layouts, as well as variations such as "grooved layout," "diagonal diamond pattern," and "arched layout." When installing faux antique bricks in traditional Chinese-style homes, it is crucial to select the most suitable method.
2、When installing imitation bricks, a gap of 3-5mm should be left according to actual usage. This is to prevent adhesion from detaching due to inconsistent expansion and contraction coefficients between the bricks, the substrate, and the wall/floor tiles.
3. Laying of imitation antique bricks for approximately 12 hours, and promptly use a wooden hammer to tap the brick surface. Inspect the bricks for any signs of voids. If a "hollow" sound is heard when tapping, it indicates that the brick has a void, and the brick must be replaced. After all bricks are laid, wait 24 hours before walking or washing.