Bonding New Brickwork To Existing - Chimney Breast/Fireplace

[thewoodburner]

Hi

I have removed the plaster from a chimney breast since I want to have the bare brick on display.
There were a couple of blocks amongst the bricks which I have removed and wish to patch with new bricks.

My question is - being new to bricklaying - should I do any of the following to ensure that my mortar bonds well to the existing brickwork?:-

a.) Put a coat of PVA on the existing bricks?
If so, should I let this dry when I put my new mortar in, or should this be wet?

If not advised to use PVA:

b.) Make the existing brickwork wet when putting my mortar in, or should it be dry ?
(I have removed any loose material and dust)


Note that I intend to use a 4:1 mix of sand and cement with a bit of plasticiser thrown in.

Many thanks

 

[foxhole]

Wet the surface thoroughly or the mortar will dry to rapidly.

 

[saladdays]

Use a plant water sprayer set to mist mode.

 

[thewoodburner]

Thanks for the tips.

Should I avoid sealing the brick with PVA?