Attempting to expose deteriorated brick will only damage it further. If you’re not careful, you could end up ruining the appearance of the brick or even compromising the stability of the wall. It’s necessary to expose a portion of the brick in order to see if it’s worth uncovering the rest. Brick doesn’t always age gracefully, even when it’s sealed away beneath another finishing material. [2] X Research source
Taking a chisel to a plaster wall can generate a considerable amount of dust and debris. By taking a few moments to put down a protective buffer, you stand to save yourself a lot of time and energy that you might otherwise spend deep-cleaning later on. It may also be a good idea to seal off air vents and doorways close to your work area to limit the amount of dust that makes its way into other parts of your home. [4] X Research source
Plan on wearing a change of old clothes that you don’t mind ruining. You may never get all the dust out of them once you’re done.
Alternatively, you can take care of the demolition phase with only a crowbar if you don’t have a suitable masonry chisel. Use the rounded end for smashing and the pointed end for prying. There’s no need to be delicate here, but don’t get carried away, either. The idea is to use enough force to loosen the plaster without damaging the underlying brick. [7] X Research source
You’re more likely to remove the plaster in broad sheets using slow, controlled strokes than you are using quick, choppy ones. Keep a few large plastic tubs or buckets on standby to catch the plaster as it comes off of the wall. [9] X Research source
If you notice your wire brush leaving scratches in the brick, one solution is to buff them out using a power drill fitted with a wire brush bit. Unlike the handheld brush, the rotary bit spins a circular direction, erasing conspicuous lines and scratches. [11] X Research source
The exact quantity you mix up will depend on the size of the wall you’re cleaning. It may be necessary to prepare multiple batches of the solution if you’re cleaning an entire wall. As the solution sits on the brick, the salt will gradually wear down the tiny particles of plaster left behind while the detergent in the dish soap lifts away set-in dirt and oil. This solution is also perfect for regular cleanings once you’ve got your brick fully exposed and sealed. You can also buy a specific brick cleaning solution. These products are usually sold at local brick suppliers.
Wring out your cloth or sponge frequently, and change out the water in your container as soon as it becomes so murky that you can no longer see the bottom. Other options for cleaning exposed brick include sandblasting and applications of muriatic acid. Keep in mind, however, that these methods are far less gentle than a homemade soap solution, and are therefore more likely to damage brick that’s become brittle with age. [14] X Research source
Choose a 100% acrylic sealant that’s resistant to dirt, water, and scratches. Make sure the sealant you get offers a matte finish—you don’t want to accidentally coat your brick in a high-luster gloss! A good brick sealant will safeguard your brick from deterioration as a result of exposure to air and moisture. This is especially important if the brick is more than a few years old. [16] X Research source
