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jda19780 · Joined: 13 Aug 2006 Posts: 12 Location: Durham

Hi,

I have recently built a small wall and despite being as careful as I could I have still managed to get mortar on the ridged brick face which has dried hard and is proving very difficult to remove.
I have tried the obvious wire brushing but this has had little effect. Can anyone suggest a means of removal please.
many thanks,
Jda

AlanE · Posted: Thu Aug 09, 2007 7:28 am Post subject:

Visit a proper builders merchants (as distinct from DIY shed) and ask for a can of cement remover. It will disolve the cememt you got on the bricks.

Take precautions as this is an acid based liquid.

jda19780 · Joined: 13 Aug 2006 Posts: 12 Location: Durham

Thanks Alan, I have looked in the local builders merchants and they have a FEB product which claims to clean bricks and algae from them as well as mortar stains. It is acid based but I'm not sure whether this is going to be powerful enough to dissolve the cement. What do you think? I only need a small quantity.
Regards
Jim

blute · Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2007 7:56 am Post subject:

Hi Jim, you can repeat the process until the mortar has gone but if it's realy bad over cleaning with acid would effect the joints.
I would use a small brush to start with and paint the acid only on the mortar thats on the brick face.

Dont forget your goggles and gloves

jda19780 · Joined: 13 Aug 2006 Posts: 12 Location: Durham

Thanks Blute. Will try what you suggest using a higher strength cleaner than FEB which i have found in a builders merchant. Unfortunately can only get this in 5 litres - expensive - but it will help with block paving on drive as well.
Thanks
Jim