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