Q&A for How to Expose Brick

Try brick/mortar acid. This will work on it. Sometimes even on new bricks they can start to have white faces from the salt being drawn from the brick. A couple of goes with acid should clear it.

If you're asking how deeply you need to chisel, plaster ranges in thickness from 5/8" to slightly more than an inch. If it's on top of brick, it shouldn't be more than an inch (2.5cm). However, if you were asking where on the wall to chisel, that is up to you. You may prefer to choose a low corner that isn't easily visible just in case you get into it and decide there is no brick or that the brick that is there is too bad to use. This way you can patch it up and it won't be quite as noticeable. Equate it to using a test strip of paint. It lets you see the overall look, but is still easy to clean up.

You used exposed conduit: this hides the wire and gives things an industrial look.

Paint strippers will smear the paint, which will soak more into the brick. The bricks can be sanded by hand or with a belt sander. Be sure and have good ventilation, a respirator painters mask and goggles.

Try burning it with a hot heat source.

Combine equal parts water, mild liquid dish soap, and kosher salt in a large container. Apply the soap solution over the entire wall and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Then, wash the wall top to bottom with a cloth or sponge soaked in warm water. Afterwards, it should look as good as new.

It's best to whip up a batch of fresh mortar yourself. After breaking up the old mortar with a chisel or angle grinder, add water to your mortar mix until it's roughly the same consistency as peanut butter. Work the mortar into the gaps between your bricks with a hand trowel and allow it to set for 48 hours before giving it a good brushing.

Not unless you just want to. Aging mortar can discolor and turn a once beautiful brick wall ugly, but at the end of the day it's mostly a matter of preference.

If you've got a brick wall covered in plaster, you can definitely remove it, but you need to do it safely. It’s important that you use a respirator that actually filters the air to avoid breathing in lungfuls of drifting dust. Start at the spot your tested earlier and position the tip of a chisel against the wall at a downward angle. Hit the back end with a hammer to drive the blade into the plaster and separate it from the brick. Continue chiseling one patch at a time, working your way inward from the edges. Wedge the tip of your crowbar or putty knife beneath the outer edge of stubborn sections and pull back forcefully to coax them free of the wall. Once you’ve successfully removed plaster, give the entire surface a thorough scouring, applying moderate pressure with your brush.

It's definitely is a good idea. Sealing your exposed brick will help protect them against moisture and keep them lasting longer. Choose a 100% acrylic sealer that's resistant to dirt, water, and scratches. Apply the sealant the way you would ordinary paint with a roller or brush, aiming for full, even coverage. Allow your first coat to dry for 2-3 hours, or until it’s no longer tacky to the touch. Then, throw on a follow-up coat. Let this final coat cure for at least 1 week prior to decorating, painting, or otherwise interfering with the exposed brick.

Not necessarily. If your bricks aren't the best condition and look a little faded or dingy, painting them can be a great way to upgrade your home's curb appeal and increase its value. It can also be visually striking. Choosing a color such as dark grey or classic white can totally change the look of your home. The paint can also actually protect your brick from the elements as well as reduce fading and deterioration of your home's exterior. If your bricks aren't looking so great, consider painting them for a simple and cost-effective way to improve your home's aesthetic.