Give Your New or Old Bricks a Fresh, Rustic Vibe with This DIY Game-Changer
Keen to create that earthy, lived-in look that’s full of charm and character? A bagged finish is a seriously underrated way to transform your brickwork—and the best part? You can do it yourself!
Whether you’re working on a brand-new build or want to breathe fresh life into tired, old bricks, this technique is simple, affordable, and super effective.
🧱 What’s a Bagged Finish Anyway?
A bagged finish (also called “bagging”) is where you apply a light mortar mix over your bricks using a hessian sack, sponge, or cloth. It gives that beautiful, raw, and rustic texture—kind of like a halfway point between paint and full render.
You still get to see the brick’s personality coming through, but with a softer, weathered vibe.
💥 Why Bagging is a Winner
✅ Looks epic on new or old bricks
✅ Easy DIY with minimal gear
✅ Budget-friendly makeover
✅ You control how rustic or refined it looks
✅ Adds instant street appeal and texture
🔧 What You’ll Need
- Cement + sand mix (6:1 ratio) or pre-mixed mortar
- Water
- Bucket
- Hessian sack, sponge, or cloth
- Gloves, goggles, mask
- Stiff brush (for prep)
- Drop sheets or tape to protect surfaces
- Optional: bonding agent or oxide tints for custom colour
🔨 How to Bag Your Bricks (Like a Pro)
- Clean It Up
Scrub your bricks down—no dust, dirt, or flaky bits. A stiff brush or pressure washer works wonders. - Mix It Right
Your mix should be thick and sludgy—like porridge. Add a bonding agent if you’re working on older bricks for better grip. - Test Before You Go Wild
Do a little patch first to see how it dries. Tweak your mix until you’re loving the look. - Get Bagging!
Dip your sack or sponge into the mix and start rubbing it on. Circular, patchy, or smooth—it’s your call! Go light for a vintage feel or heavy for a bolder, creamy texture. - Leave It or Smooth It
Want it rough and raw? Leave it. Want a cleaner look? Lightly smooth it out with a sponge or trowel. - Let It Cure
Give it a few days to dry properly—especially if it’s damp or chilly. Keep the area dry while it sets.
🎨 Hot Tip: Add a Colour Twist
Mix in some oxides or go with a lime wash for a unique colour tone. White, off-white, or warm greys look stunning.
🏡 Real Talk from Premier Brick Customers
We’ve seen our Vintage Bricks absolutely pop with a bagged finish. It’s a clever way to blend old-school charm with modern vibes—and it works just as well on a sleek new build as it does on a reno.
🎁 FREE Brick Buyer’s Guide
Building soon? Don’t make decisions in the dark. Grab your FREE Brick Buyer’s Guide—it’s loaded with inspo, tips, and everything you need to make your brickwork shine.
👉 Email us here to request your copy and for other helpful resources! sales@premier-group.co.nz
Ready to Get Started?
Want bricks that look epic with or without bagging? Chat with our friendly team today.
📞 0800 22 22 98
📧 sales@premier-group.co.nz
🌐 www.premierbrick.nz
Written by Bernard Powell – Brick Consultant
Premier Group NZ
