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Re: cleaning interior brick wall

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Other/Misc
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 25 Dec 2001
Time: 08:54 PM

Comments

To clean plaster and grout smears from existing brick, try Jasco Concrete Etch and Cleaner. This contains a combination of muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) and Etheylene Glycol Butyl Ether. Since muriatic acid is highly corrosive, be sure to wear protective clothing, rubber gloves and safety goggles. Thoroughly protect all surrounding areas with plastic tarps. Do not use any metal objects or brushes. Wooden or plastic brushes with nylon bristles are fine. Severe areas may need repeat applications. Avoid getting the acid in the grout if possible and rinse thoroughly. Always test a small inconspicuous area first and be sure to provide plenty of fresh air ventilation and follow manufacturer's directions carefully.

If you can't find the Jasco product, you can use a diluted solution of muriatic acid (available from most home and garden supply stores). Be advised that muriatic acid works well for red clay colored brick.

I-XL Industries, a Canadian supplier of bricks for residential and commercial applications, recommends the following procedure for cleaning brick (if indoors, you may have to improvise slightly when wetting and rinsing the bricks, using a heavy-duty sponge with plenty of fresh water available):

"Different clay bodies require different methods of cleaning. For example if you clean a white brick with acid you may create a green stain. Here are proper cleaning instructions for new and existing brickwork.

The following are general recommendations that should apply to most masonry cleaning jobs and constitute "good practice."

A. Allow mortar to thoroughly set and cure before starting cleaning operations.

B. Protect adjacent brickwork, especially below the cleaning area, by thoroughly saturating with water and flush away any scum or residue of cleaning agent before it dries.

C. Protect all windows and trim. Most acids will attack metal trim or sills and may cause staining or corrosion.

D. Avoid use of too concentrated an acid solution. Such a solution tends to discolor masonry, particularly the lighter shades, and brown or green stains may result.

E. Always try to clean a small inconspicuous test area first (1 to 2 square metres / 10 square feet). Inspect after at least one week for stains and effectiveness of cleaning procedure.

F. Remove any large particles of mortar with wood paddles or scrapers before wetting the wall. In some cases a chisel or stiff fibre brush may be required.

G. Pre-soak the wall thoroughly prior to cleaning to prevent absorption of cleaning agents into the brick or mortar. Flush off all loose mortar and dirt. It is essential to use pressurized water in rinsing off rough textured brick.

H. It is preferable to clean masonry work during warm weather (16 - 24°C/60 - 75°F) as most cleaning methods and solutions are more effective at this temperature than when the temperature is cold (below 7°C/45°F) or too warm (over 30°C/85°F) when evaporation is rapid. Keep wall thoroughly wetted.

I. It is generally advantageous to work from the top of the wall downward, keeping the area of the wall immediately below that being cleaned well wetted.

J. Where colored mortar is used it is advisable to check with the pigment manufacturer prior to cleaning.

K. If possible, plan cleaning of new brickwork prior to planting of shrubs and landscaping. Interior brickwork should be cleaned at a time when it is still possible to thoroughly wet and rinse the walls (prior to installation of flooring, wood trim, etc.).

L. Be sure water used is clean and free of dissolved compounds that can contribute to staining.

Note: High pressure washing or high pressure steam cleaning is not recommended on pressed brick products.

I-XL recommends the use of Fabrikem Masonry Cleaner Type R (or other equivalent proprietary cleaner) according to manufacturer's directions on dark coloured brick. Always rinse thoroughly with clean water under pressure to remove all cleaning solution, dirt and mortar.

Or: Scrub brick with solution of not more than one part clean, stain-free commercial-grade (20° Beaume) of hydrochloric acid (muriatic) added to nine parts of clean water in a non-metallic container. Pour acid into water not water into acid. Use a long handled fibre brush for this operation.

Scrub the brick only, not the mortar joints.

Caution: Do not allow metal tools, wire scrapers, etc., to come into contact with the cleaning solution.

Since acid solutions must be washed off before they dry, clean only small areas at a time. Schedule work according to prevailing weather conditions.

Wash thoroughly with clean water under pressure before the acid dries, to remove all cleaning solution, dirt and mortar particles."

As to your other question about sealing the brick, there are a variety of products on the market suitable for this application. After the brick has thoroughly dried (allow several days) or use a hair dryer to accelerate drying, you may apply a product such as Jasco Wet Look Cure Seal (which provides a deep sheen that brings out the color), or a natural finish product such as Jasco Water Sealant II, which contains aliphatic and aromatic petroleum distillates. This will seal the brick. You can also use products like Thompson's Water Seal (solvent based) or Thompson's Patio Lustre and Sealer, an acrylic-based sealer that will add some sheen.

We hope these tips help. Please let us know how the project turns out.

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