How to Do Interior Exposed Brick Walls

Examine the brick by exposing a small area of the wall. Bricks were left unfinished in most older homes, so the bricks may be unattractive and the mortar may have been applied sloppily. Break a hole about a foot wide in an inconspicuous area to check the condition of the bricks.

Move furniture to the center of the room and cover it with plastic sheeting, or move the furniture out of the room. Cover the floor with drop cloths. Place large garbage cans in the room to hold the debris.

Put on work gloves, safety goggles and a respirator mask.

Make a hole in the wall with a crowbar or heavy hammer. Take care not to use too much force when striking the wall to avoid damaging the brick underneath. You will get an idea of how hard to strike the wall after a few hammer swings. Use the crowbar to pull off the drywall or plaster. Keep an eye out for electric wiring or gas lines, and take extra care not to disturb them.

Remove the studs from the wall with a crowbar. You may need a reciprocating saw to cut through studs in some areas.

Chisel away any unsightly mortar or damaged bricks. Use a stiff wire brush to clear away loose pieces.

Mix together fresh mortar according to the package directions. Replace any mortar you removed and set in any replacement bricks with the fresh mortar, smoothing it with a trowel. Allow the mortar to dry.

Clean the brick with a solution of 1 part trisodium phosphate to 4 parts warm water or a soapy solution of detergent and water. Allow it to dry thoroughly before applying sealer.

Coat the brick with a masonry sealer using a paintbrush or roller.