6 months of exposing & "sealing" our brick walls + the school's FIRST cocktail party!

We've been working over 6 months on the schoolhouse's interior brick walls and I'm so excited to finally share all of this! Like all things restoring this school, the brick sent me down so many internet research rabbit holes and I'm so relieved to be DONE. And relieved that the brick doesn't shed anymore!
The process:
After Brad, our mason, removed the plaster haze off the brick with an angle grinder and wire wheel brush, we tested 8 different products to try and achieve a leathered, matte look that "sealed" the brick so that the walls don't shed dust for years and years to come.
*The best products: *
Step 1: Limeworks Waterglass (www.limeworks.us/) - Again, thanks SO much to Anthony for all his help over their customer support chat!
Step 2: Aqua Mix Stone Enhancer (Expensive if you buy from the hardware store, more affordable if you buy directly from their site and in bulk)
Also check out ‪@woodwardthrowbacks‬ new book, "Throwbacks Home" for more exposed brick and refurbished decor inspo!
Finally, if you're looking for an amazing tile installer or a mason in the central Indiana area, please don't hesitate to send me a message! ([e-mail])
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‪@Schoolhousehomestead‬
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[@merrytunes8697]

The exposed brick looks WONDERFUL!

[@pamelairvin3164]

Your nod to the history of the Old Schoolhouse is a testament to putting memories and community uppermost in repurposing forgotten and neglected buildings. Kudos to the myriad crews/masters putting heart and soul into your home. You will forever be connected! Blessings!!!!

[@NakiaMK]

The brick looks beautiful. I forget how much I look forward to your videos until a new one pops up & I watch it right away. I really appreciate the props you give to everyone that helps you. From your parents, people you've hired to work on the house & even those that give you good advice. Shows that you're a good human. Great progress!

[@Schoolhousehomestead]

This project has taught me so much about asking for advice and listening to the folks who know what they are doing- thank you so much for the kind words!!

[@hgck]

I absolutely love the brick. The "traditionalists" can have their opinions, certainly, but the bottom line is that you SAVED the building. The degree to which you want to restore to original is entirely up to you. Also, shout out to your boy Brad, sanding that final strip on top of a bucket. 😂 That had to be a bear of a job all around.

[@aok2727]

I appreciate all your choices as you make this piece of history, YOUR home. There are always multiple camps of thought on the right way to do this. Ultimately, you provide me tremendous pleasure as I watch this saga unfold. Keep on doing it in the thoughtful, innovative way you choose. Not just anyone can do this as it requires ongoing technical and visual insight. Well done kiddo

[@541Beautylious]

In my opinion I would leave the original bricks exposed. It shows it's history. At the end, my opinion really doesn't matter. It's your home.

[@2AZSUN]

How do you put into words how incredibly cool this whole project is, and how absolutely amazing it's turning out?? No idea whatsoever. There just aren't words. So to keep it simple, there's this...👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏. These vids are the very best!! Thank you for continuing to put all the effort into the documentation of this project and sharing it with the internet!! You have put Franklin, IN on the map!!

[@sheilaclarke3707]

Your vision and you commitment to this project are incredible. Honestly, it's unbelievable what has been accomplished.

[@garymoore4485]

Thanks so much from an old BarkBox customer for letting us follow along with your really interesting (and daunting) renovation.

[@Schoolhousehomestead]

aww! thank you (and your pup!!)

[@cece624]

What a lovely memory that the first party at your new home was to celebrate viewing the totality of the recent solar eclipse. 🎉

[@doreeha]

So invested in this remodel ! Can’t wait for the finished product

[@Schoolhousehomestead]

Thank you!!

[@CathyMiller0711]

Wow, that was a LOT of work to treat the brick walls but it was worth it. So beautiful!

[@nathansexe5586]

I am not sure what I enjoy more, the colors of those bricks, or your excellent commentary!! Thanks for sharing your journey!!

[@normandrioux2529]

The stories behind renovating an old building are very import and the decisions are indeed a balancing act. And you are all doing a great job at it. Great decision with the brick wall :-)

[@southerngardenesse]

I think the bricks could not have looked that good ever before... They're old now, which is super cool, and they really bloomed their color magnificently under the products you applied.

[@dspine6]

Oh, my goodness! That brick is just absolutely gorgeous! I confess, if I had worked as hard as you have to get that beautiful finish, I would take a picture of me working on it, frame it, and put it front and center where every single visitor would see it first thing!!

[@mclemay6703]

Your exposed brick is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! 😍

[@fullpulse2000]

The walls are great love the character and detail it gives the old school house.

[@kathleens.laroche754]

Hats off to you for your vision, commitment, industriousness, staying power and plain old grit!! You are AMAZING! 👍💐

[@diannalocke997]

All I can say is WOW!!!

[@dennisrobbins5451]

I applaud your efforts to keep some of the old school charm / history / architecture that those workers used to build the school house way back then. I think it looks quite beautiful.

[@jennyk544]

Your home is looking absolutely beautiful and amazing! I love your attention to detail.

[@olderwiser64]

It’s really coming together. I LOOOVVVEEE the brick!! It looks Ah-Mazing!! 😍 Love the bathroom too. It’s all just starting to pop so beautifully. You must be so excited! Very happy for you all! ❤

[@brucelucas1756]

Your place is looking absolutely amazing so far, the exposed bricks are definitely the way to go. Keep up the awesome process. 😁

[@cherylholasek2193]

It’s really coming along nicely. I love the exposed brick. It gives it character and warmth. Waiting for the next video 😊

[@dennishall9260]

Funny thing about when a project comes to an end... you find yourself ready for another! Great job... great content!

[@Schoolhousehomestead]

woof, I don't know how soon I'll be ready to take on another project of this scale lol - but TONS of little projects in the school for sure!!

[@Bondobaby59]

I enjoy seeing you make progress. Keep up the good work! 💕

[@Schoolhousehomestead]

Thank you so much!!

[@georgeadams1089]

The exposed brick is absolutely beautiful, BRAVO 👏

[@mc5366]

You put so much love into this house and preserving as much as you practically can. Thank you!!!

[@boysrus61]

The walls are absolutely gorgeous. Great job.

[@marlenemeyer9841]

I am tired just watching your project but WOW! Amazing brick walls. Can’t wait to see it finished!

[@user-yj7ex2fr4i]

I can’t wait to see the place when all the Reno’s are done…it will be amzing

[@rebeccawhite6620]

The brick is gorgeous! A job well done! You should be extremely proud ❤️🥰

[@colleenbalch328]

So exciting! Beautiful brick, tile going in, TRIM! Fingers crossed things go smoothly and you can get your family into your new home this year!

[@sandydaniels2668]

I love the brick inside its beautiful. You added more history to your schoolhouse by having an eclipse party. What a beautiful blessing you will end up living in.

[@tthom2459]

LOVE your updates. All that work on the brick sure has paid off. It looks spectacular! Thanks for sharing your project. It's amazing

[@kathyl5610]

I’ve been able to watch the entire process and I feel very lucky to have witnessed this. The exposed brickwork is absolutely beautiful. What you are doing with this old school house is a work of art and I am really enjoying the process. Thanks for taking us along. Take care, stay safe.

[@petat13]

It’s looking amazing! It’s really starting to look like a home now that painting has started, and the brick walls look fantastic. Looking forward to the next installment.

[@barbaraheinbeck4778]

When you put. Yourself out there you are going to get comments. Some will be the ones you want to hear and others not so much. We all want people to see the same beauty we see in things. Unfortunately, life just doesn’t work like that. Bottom line, your house, your decisions. I personally admire your effort to keep as much history as you can. Awesome job!

[@jenkaa55]

That tile in the kid’s bathroom is amazing!

[@jacobashepherd3397]

Just started watching you , I think it is great making this schoolhouse into a home

[@sboltinghouse]

On top of the slow but sure progress, you have to celebrate all you can. So glad you got to have your first party! Press on, Guys!

[@TheCollectorofFiction]

I love the idea of buying an old school and renovating it for residential living! The exposed bricks is amazing and looks so awesome!

[@wildbill23c]

The brick looks great. The transformation of the old school into a home is extremely interesting, and its great to be able to watch the changes through your videos. Its gonna be great when its finished.

[@pamelaconrad8877]

You guys BRICK!!! 😅 I mean, you guys ROCK!!! 🫶😍 Everything you are doing seems to match up with dreams my husband and I had here in northern Indiana. Until one day the old school building was gone. 💔 Hats off to you and yours! How fun it is to live vicariously through your vlogs! Blessings upon blessings as you continue the journey to your final destination… HOME! 🙌🏻 Thank you for letting us have a front row seat! Cheering you on in spirit!! 🎉💪🤩

[@douglasburch2320]

Nice work!! Thanks for taking us along.

[@kaycox5555]

That brick now looks Fabulous!

[@barbaracarlson1331]

I love how the brick looks! Wow! I think it is wonderful what you are doing to preserve this old school and make it into your home. The first party for the eclipse was an extraordinary idea!!!❤

[@garyjones2582]

The place is looking incredible... Glad you're documenting all this and sharing.. Take care and God Bless...

[@SouthernPioneer1965]

My absolute favorite is exposed red brick. And old roughed wood floors . The more character the better . I don’t like everything pristine and perfect, I too love the imperfections and the story behind it. I do like plaster over Dewey, but I also understand it can be difficult and more expensive. But it is worth doing . I love you are leaving the floors even if they have nicks and dings in them. This house is going to be absolutely stunning! 🤩

[@theholidayboy543]

I cannot wait to see this project finished, I think it’s going to look amazing!

[@carlapierle8623]

Wow, I absolutely LOVE how the brick walls turned out! What a MASSIVE project. You are doing an amazing job restoring that beautiful schoolhouse. I'd love to see it in person. I only live about 30 minutes away.

[@deenamaness6731]

The brick is absolutely beautiful !

[@mistygeller3193]

That is looking just absolutely incredible!! What an incredible experience and opportunity!! I am such a dreamer when I see old buildings 🥰 You are doing a fantastic job! thank you so much for sharing!!

[@fredsmith6725]

Found your channel just today and I love your project.👏 I've got some binge watching to do. Subscribed today. Much love from the UK. 👍

[@BettyRobinson-gg5tz]

You are doing a fantastic job on what you're doing with the school! I really do appreciate your dedication and hard work!! You're family is amazing!!! I can't wait to see the finished place!!!😍😍😍🎉🎊🎊😀😀🙏🙏🌈🌈🕊💐💐

[@brendastephens5893]

The bricks are just stunning!! What a process to get to having the bricks just be so beautiful. Great work.

[@ccc-pj9xg]

Your work ethic and enthusiasm are inspiring!

[@pamkagarise7537]

Im loving your journey...... PAm in Pennsylvania

[@rangersmith4652]

The walls are gorgeous. There's a lot of value is doing things right in spite of the added cost over doing things half-assed. People pay a lot these days to simulate the same look.

[@lawaincooley6788]

We're about to embark on an old school restoration. Praying ~ Your progress is amazing!!!

[@lisahall9226]

This is an amazing project with a lot of great decisions being made congratsl

[@shellydehart8217]

I’m thrilled that your saving as much as you can of the bricks. They look awesome. From the video it showed a lot of hard work on your part. How is your shoulder using the broom technique? LOL Loving the tile you’re using for the bathroom. Black n white is timeless. I truly admire you n your husband in taking on a large project. But you couldn’t have pick a better school to make it your home. I can’t wait for the happy ending. ♥️😊👍👍👍🌟

[@cindylong600]

Absolutely beautiful ❤ I hope you all have a blessed week.

[@jenwhi7778]

The bricks look fabulous. Those tiles omg wowww 👏👏👏👏🏡❤️

[@lindarosenthal6835]

Those brick walls are gorgeous.

[@CS-bn4un]

Your family giving life to this old school just is so incredibly fun and joyful to watch! It is so frustrating to drive by such places falling apart, or worse, burn like an inferno (as did my Deep South childhood school which had wide hardwood floors, LOTS of light and more). I want to at least rescue all "the parts" of places I see, but what you all are doing is wonderful. The brick walls look great, but boy what a workout you all are getting..whew! We live in a 130yo home, and we don't try to "restore" to the period of the architecture, but RESPECT it while still adjusting and making it our own for now...even harder as it's been I my family since it was built, BUT each generation has put it's on mark/s on it..some a little questionable and I'd like NOT to have, but nonetheless give us the 'freedom' to make our own adjustments as we can afford them. Well done! Oh, regarding the party in the workspace, I realized after all of our moves and various home DIYs that we'd never have guests if we waited until we were "finished."

[@amyspeers8012]

I am so glad you dropped into my feed. I have been loving watching your progress. The brick is gorgeous and I love the tile in the kid’s bathroom. Cannot wait for the next video. Much love from SW France!

[@Schoolhousehomestead]

Thank you so much!!

[@ladyteruki]

Oh wow, the brushing with the broom looks like quite the workout ! But it was worth it (from the perspective of someone who didn't have to lift a finger, at least !), the walls really look gorgeous.

[@timinsandiego6979]

As usual, a great great watch. I just really enjoy watching this all come together for you. Have fun!

[@jmarkley767]

The bricks look Great! I can’t wait till you decorate your home.

[@mamabearcubs3545]

This is the most awesome thing I have seen in a long time I can’t wait to see it when it’s completed

[@lizsmith4175]

I respect your patience! Absolutely Beautiful

[@BossLinco]

Love the progress. The brick walls look great but there’s a lot with the tail ceilings. So in some places you could put a chair rail at 36” from the floor and then paint the chair rail and the brick below the chair rail white or an off-white/tan that matches the brick mortar. Adds a touch of elegance and breaks up the volume of red brick. My 2 bits

[@NaomiC336]

I’ve been following you for a while and loving it. Thanks for sharing the journey.

[@pamyork5217]

The bricks are absolutely beautiful❤❤❤

[@DanielCooper1]

So envious, that home is already amazing and will continue to become the most beautiful ever.

[@roseyschroll9888]

Love love love the brick!!!

[@karmenolsen7686]

Thank you for sharing this project’s details and a big thanks for the eclipse footage!

[@suelyons531]

I'm so impressed. I love every choice you all have made. Great job!

[@stevegordon5243]

Great job! The exposed brick looks beautiful! Really enjoying your update videos!

[@chrischaney9492]

That's looking great 👍

[@cathymumper2126]

It looks soooo good! I love the brick!!

[@heidijasper5915]

Amazing! You worked so hard on the brick and the result is absolutely amazing! Having primer on the walls is a HUGE step! With the brick sealed and the primer on the wallboard, the dust should be a lot less now!!

[@Schoolhousehomestead]

Here’s hoping!!

[@patriciamcintosh8799]

I can hardly wait for the next one 💕🇨🇦💕🇨🇦

[@christinerude9287]

I really like watching your videos. I learned a long time ago that I could not listen to what others thought of what I am doing for myself. However I make things that I sell so on that part I do care. By the way you are an inspiration to me. I would love to do what you are doing. Good luck on the rest.

[@flukieschimp14]

I'm so excited to see the final results. It's going to be beautiful!

[@janicedorsey3945]

I had a dream of doing that in Adams, Oregon. I love what you are doing‼️💕💕💕💕💕💕💕🤩🤩

[@celinaquiros9381]

Thanks for sharing about the history and timeline of the purposes of interior brick. Is Brad a real human? It's okay. You can tell us. Wow, good stuff! Speaking of machine, look at YOU go! What wonderful progress you guys are making?! It's going to be magical!!

[@paleriedove3333]

Im not very articulate. So all i can say is wow ! And your house is so beautiful.❤

[@michil75]

It's already looking great ! Can't wait to see the next vid ... 👍🔥

[@Schoolhousehomestead]

Thank you!!

[@pamelaashley6891]

Brick looks AWESOME....😊🎉👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@evastallings6521]

Cant wait to see the finished product i have love the journey ❤

[@danielkoher1944]

7:09 Just be glad 🙂 you are doing this before bad knees, backs, and arthritis come visiting. FR!

[@brilog69]

I like what you're doing with this house!!

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Love the exposed brick. Well done.

[@breabeyrouti7834]

Oh the brick looks gorgeous! Love it!

[@Sittininthesun]

It’s beautiful. And it’s going to be such a cool home.

[@trydl88621]

The brick is beautiful. I love it.

[@marilynlautner2454]

Beautiful tile and brick work. ❤

[@kathrinekerns8398]

I am so happy when I get to see your restoration of this old schoolhouse. It is amazing how it is coming along so nicely. The brickwork is part of the character of the house. Love💕 from a fan in Indianapolis.