concrete film on bricks

[JimMorrissey]

I put some new brick in my fireplace, above the firebox and the new brick I used is a bit porous....more porous than the surrounding brick. The mortar got smeared on the face of the brick and I'm noticing that the white haze on the new brick is substantial. I tried to use a toothbrush to clean the concrete out of the little holes, but that doesn't seem to have fully cleaned the brick. Do you guys know of anything I can use, maybe some type of nasty fluid that will clean the brick completely or near completely and not harm the brick?

Thanks!

 

[DocHeb]

The standard cleaning material for mortar on brick is muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid). Look on the container - I think they use a 1 part acid, 9 parts water solution. And remember - always add acid to water, never add water to acid. Make sure you have plenty of ventilation and wear all the recomended protective gear. Any drips or splashes that get on your clothes won't look like much until the clothes come out of the washer - and then there will be holes everywhere!

 

[Buckeye_Jim]

JimMorrissey

If you check at a pool cleaning supplier, they can provide you with muriatic acid. Ask about dilution for your application.
Good luck,

Jim Slouber

 

[JimMorrissey]

Excellent. Thanks guys.

 

[MarkV]

Jim, most any place like Home Depot that has masonry supplies will have muriatic acid. Doc is right, have plenty of ventilation. Muriatic acid is very corrosive and the fumes will cause things like heat vent covers to rust.

MarkV

 

[JimMorrissey]

Cool....Will do it while youngsters and wife are out of the house.

Thanks!

 

[LarryD]

Are you sure it's mortar on the surface? Another common problem with new brick is efflorescence. Read here for a description of the problem.

It could very well be dried mortar but if it continues you may need to use a sealer to stop the efflorescence.

 

[Cord]

Vinager will also work to remove a light film. Please wear eye protection, you are dealing with some very strong acids here. You could actually cut the acid with some distilled water so it isn't as strong. If you use tap water there could be a minor reaction depending how much lime there is in your water.

 

[TMcD_in_MI]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( You could actually cut the acid with some distilled water so it isn't as strong. If you use tap water there could be a minor reaction depending how much lime there is in your water. )</font>

With all due respect, I don't believe there is any need for distilled water. What reaction are you thinking of, Cord?

Tom

 

[Builder]

Jim,

Check it ooout:

http://www.gobricksoutheast.com/Cleaning/2.html

Muriatic is the old standby, by it'll knock you on your arse if you get a good whiff of the fumes. There's new products for cleaning freshly stained brick. There's Sure Klean 600, Diedrich 202 New Masonry Detergent (or equal) for red brick and Sure Klean Vanatrol, Diedrich 202V Vana-Stop (or equal) for all others.