Removing hardened mortar from brick
Mortar achieves about 90% of its hardness after 3 days After 30 days its hardness reaches closer to 99%. So needless to say that its easier to clean it from the brick or stone in the first crucial hours of it setting up. We try to clean the mortar feom stone or brick as soon as I am able to brush it without smearing it in the joints .At that point a dry brush and a damp sponge with water are all that’s needed .However, you can still clean mortar from brick that has been on for years and muriatic acid is still the choice to use .Muriatic acid is a form of hydrochloric acid that dissolves mortar. You have to mix it 9:1 (10%) solution of water to acid. You must always add the acid to the water ..Nest wet the brick with water and the acid solution with an acid resistant brush . The solution should fizz as its dissolving the mortar.. Leave it on for a few minutes .then rinse with clean water . rinse in between applications because it will dissolve the mortar in the joints. If it doesn’t come off rinse and repeat again until it does come off . As the mortars bond weakens use a stiff brush,scraper or chisel to speed up the process. Gradually increase the amount of acid in the mix.When all the clumps of mortar are removed ,you usually will be left with a stain that looks like a faint shadow after the brick dries . At this point ,apply a coat of masonry sealer ,and that shadow should disappear,. be sure to wear eye protection,acid resistant gloves and old clothes Fabric and flesh dont offer nearly the resistance to the acid that the mortar does
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