Old Pointing in Uncovered Fireplace for Edwardian Chimney Breast

[Newhomeowner82]

Hi there,
I recently stripped the plaster off our Edwardian chimney breast which uncovered a large fireplace. The pointing, as expected, isn't very attractive and we'd like to tidy it up. It looks like a cement based mortar. There was a problem with efflorescence nearer the base of the chimney breast...not sure if the cement mortar had anything to do with that? Anyway, just wondering if anyone could suggest how best to approach the job? Rake it out and fill with lime based mortar? It's quite patchy in places, not looking that tightly packed in at places. Also, there are a couple of bricks with sizable chunks of corner missing. Any ideas on how to restore the corners in the brick colour? Cheers V much!

[stuart45]

You could cut out and replace or maybe turn around the damaged bricks.

[Newhomeowner82]

Cheers, yes that's the obvious and simplest fix...should have thought of that! Any advice on the mortar would be appreciated!

[stuart45]

To get the best look you probably need to cut out all the joints to a depth of around 20mm, and the decide and what colour and style of pointing you want.
Possibly a standard lime mortar with a flush joint finished with the churn brush.