We've removed a fireplace and I now need to plaster the bare bricks, both in the fireplace itself and the surrounding fire breast where the surround was.

The fireplace is out of square - the left and right hand sides taper in toward the base therefore I have to build those out with plaster - herein lies my question...

I'm guessing that I'll have to go from somewhere in the region of about 8mm at the base up to a thickness of 20mm (maybe a little more) at the top to make the vertical.

The bricks are hard-as-nails 1930's engineering type (I had to buy an SDS drill because I got bored of waiting for my cordless hammer drill to make holes - if that gives a better indication of the brick type).

I'm quite happy with plastering but cannot decide on the best base coat to use to make up the required thickness. Some have suggested a cement render, although I'm not too sure if that'd be the best way to go. Perhaps Bonding?

Would be grateful for any advice.

Cheers

Dot'n'dab the boards. Use more adhesive to make up the level

Its a bit late to be typing this out mate and a bit late for me!,
but basically you use your straight edge to create the plumb corners. put a spirit level against the s/edge to get it plumb. then use hardwall to create the corner while someone else keeps the s/edge in place, then do it on the other corner.

bonding is not for this sort of job, go for hardwall

Thanks to you both. Re the "Hardwall"... can I apply a finishing coat directly to Hardwall?

Thanks

Yep! Multi-finish will probably be your best bet.

_________________
I always blame my tools

You can skim with multi the day after or when set (dark) without pva'ing because there is no suction. Just skim away

Many thanks. Guess I'm off to Travis Perkins next weekend...