Removing cement mortar from brickwork

[SilverShadow]

Hey all - hopefully a nice simple one guys, but then that's often been the way at posting time...... 😅

 

We have a few m2 of brickwork that was recently mullered by a builder when re-pointing. It's very rough cement finish, that's made the brickwork look scruffy. I've seen/read that brick acid might be our saviour here (either Sika or Bostic Cementone Brick/Patio Cleaner). I've read up on the application (PPE and general application rules), but thought i'd ask anyone who's used the products before for a few hint & tips

 

Any clarification on the following would be amazing, please:

• Wetting the surface 1st - apparently this helps reduce the bricks absorbing the acid into them? Also scrubbing some chunks down with a wire brush 'pre-application' is meant to help
• Application & cleaning - i was just going to use a paintbrush & try not to dab the intra-brick mortar too much (so its only really the brick face having it applied to) & use the wire brush again
• Application time - probably on the product, but i'd assumed just a minute or so before cleaning off with plenty of water?
• Brickwork is near upvc - i'm a little nervous any splashes might damage the window/door. Even though it's diluted acid, i wasn't sure if it would damage them (maybe plastic/tarpaulin would help protect, or am i being over-protective)?
• PPE - gloves, mask, googles, long sleeves
• Other products - anyone ever used other less-hazardous products? I've read lemon juice might also work???

 

If it helps, our bricks are rough face/porous (Heather brick finish), so wasn't sure if this would alter our approach. Happy to provide pics, if that helps

 

Thanks as always for your valuable insight

Shadow

 

 

[nod]

Your most effective way Not HSE recommended Is to mix the brick acid 3-1 and fill a plant sprayer 

and target each bit several times Which will slowly break it down 

 

 

PPE 

Marigolds

and goggles that fit right to the face

PS

Pass this on. To tout rough ass builder 😁

 

 

Edited March 10 by nod

[SilverShadow]

Thanks Nod 😁 

 

I guess with it being 3 to 1 dilution of brick acid then the upvc should be relatively ok. At least for a few mins, until its cleaned off 🤞

 

I think that was the difference - I'm sure most builders aren't like them, but it was builders doing a bricklayers job 🙃

 

All they needed were Stetsons 🤠

 

 

 

 

Edited March 10 by SilverShadow