Yes, be careful with the acid. Muriatic acid is strong hydrochloric acid and gives off chlorine gas when mixed with water. I use it occasionally for removing calcium rings in my toilet when I am too lazy to use the pumice stone. I think we beat that thread to death already but never mentioned this substance.
You can soften the mortar and plaster with a weak solution of muriatic acid and a brush (about 6 or 8 to one). Work on small areas, 3 or 4 bricks at a time. Brush on and leave to soak keeping the surface wet by going over with the solution as necessary. The softened mortar can then be removed with a wire brush. Repeat as necessary until the brick is clean. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and eye protection when working with muriatic acid. Lime away BTW is basically a weak solution of muriatic acid with some inhibitors added. The murine that is a common eye drops is also a very weak muriatic solution which is used to neutralize the alkaline condition that causes burning of the eyes. WHEN MIXING--ALWAYS ADD ACID TO WATER--NEVER THE OTHER WAY AROUND!!!
Dale in the Flatlands. "Why waste time learning when ignorance is instantaneous."Sandaidh wrote:
My "rehab" house is moving right along, although I ended up hiring my
contractor to do the plaster and lath removal, and to put up the drywall.
It's not that I couldn't do it; it's that it'd take me "forever," so it was
more cost-effective to hire it done. He can also dispose of it easier than
I could. We're on the second dumpster right now, and while it won't be as
full as the first, it'll be full enough.
So...removing the plaster and lath exposed the red brick chimney in the
living room. Since it's dead center in the house, and odds are that it's
supporting that center of the house, the chimney stays, even if it's not
being used. When the roof was done, last summer, I had them bring the
chimney top down inside the attic and cap it. If someone (in the future)
does want to use the chimney, they can; it's there. Inside the house, the
only place the chimney is visible, is in the living room. (Upstairs, it's
in a closet.) Although rustic looking, the brick looks good, and my thought
was to make it a 'focal point,' or design feature. But, having been covered
with plaster, it needs cleaning.
My question - how to clean the brick? Anything I need to know beyond soap,
water and elbow grease?
If the brick cleans up nicely, I'd like to clear coat it. If not, there's
always the option of painting it the same color as the walls. What I really
don't want to do, is cover it up with drywall. Thanks in advance for any
advice and help.
Sandaidh
sandaidh@atlanticbb.net
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