Painting over bricks

Engineering bricks exhibiting slight efflorescence which I 'm assuming is an alkaline calcium compound, maybe calcium carbonate ?? I want to paint over them using masonry paint. The bricks are inside a conservatory. The efflorescence appeared during the drying process, the brick wall is now dry and protected from the weather. Would it be in order to paint over the efflorescence or would it be better to remove it using the usual hydrochloric acid before painting. I am mindful that masonry paint is formulated to cover cement based renderings (alkaline) so it's likely that it would not be happy with an acid impregnated surface despite repeated washings. Also I do not want to introduce acidic fumes inside the conservatory as hydrochloric is very volatile in my experience.

What does the team think? Don

Reply to
Donwill
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There is no need to use brick acid. Just brush off the efflorescence and apply the paint.

If you fear that the efflorescence has not yet stopped, and is still coming through, this is unlikely, but a salt neutraliser will help to reduce the risk of its reappearance:

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Reply to
Bruce

fairy liquid and vinegar brushed on, dry, paint

Jim K

Reply to
Jim K

AIUI these salts are water soluble, so any liquid is likely to drive them back into the bricks whence they came. A dry brush would seem to be the best solution.

Reply to
stuart noble

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