How to render external brick retaining wall?

I have a project that I’m doing in our entertaining area. We have just layed new tiles outside and it has made the blonde bricks look even more dated, so we wanted to update it to a bagged rendered look.

I’m currently in the process of sealing the bricks with Dulux textured primer. I then intend on applying Dulux texture medium cover for a bagged rendered look.

I’m using a long haired roller and I’m struggling to get the textures primer into the deep mortar lines in the brickwork. Is there a better way of doing this and is it 100% essential to seal the mortar lines as well? They’re quite deep so there’s a lot for the textured medium cover to attach to?

Find more posts tagged with

Tools and Materials

Decorating

Painting

Comments

EricL

Hello @Filipp

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your brick retaining wall.

That sounds like a fantastic project, and updating those blonde bricks with a bagged render look will definitely freshen up your entertaining area. Since you're already using Dulux Textured Primer, getting it into the deep mortar lines can be tricky with just a long-haired roller. A good approach would be to use a brush first to work the primer into the deep joints before rolling over the surface. A stiff-bristled masonry brush or even a wide paintbrush will help push the primer into the recessed areas, ensuring better adhesion and coverage. Once that’s done, you can go back over with the roller for a more even application.

While it’s not always 100% essential to fully seal the mortar lines, it is highly recommended. If left unprimed, those deeper grooves can absorb moisture differently from the rest of the surface, potentially leading to uneven drying or variations in the final texture. Since the Dulux Texture Medium Cover is designed to adhere well to rough and porous surfaces, it will still grip onto the deeper joints but priming them properly will give you a more consistent and long-lasting finish.

If you’re finding the primer too thick to work into the gaps, you could also slightly thin it according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which might make it easier to spread. Another option is to apply a second, thinner coat once the first has settled into the surface. It sounds like you're on the right track, and with a bit of extra effort on the mortar lines, the final result should look seamless and professionally finished.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Child Item