How can I create an effective seal around my fireplace

[Hugo Stiglitz]

OK I have been using a drill/wire attachment and currently the brickwork looks alot better than the pictures below BUT Holy crap even with mask on and earplugs etc etc there is dust everywhere.

How can I create a plastic 'bubble' around the fireplace without damaging the paint/plaster?

The sides of the fireplace have the most carbon build up.

[thebraketester]

Brick acid?

[ChocolateFrog]

A wet/dry vacuum

[Hugo Stiglitz]

thebraketester said:

Brick acid?

Tried that. Doesnt work - this is baked in carbon. A wire/drill works but is very very dusty.


Unless anyone knows of wunderkind acid.

[wolfracesonic]

You can buy proprietary soot removers, Google is your friend there: the build up on the sides doesn’t look like soot build up, rather the black mortar your house is built with, the bricks may have been parged with it. What are your plans for it, exposed brickwork? I’ve done a few over the years and haven’t bothered about removing every last trace of soot, just removed any mortar snots, replaced any really damaged bricks and re-pointed using a black dyed mortar with a recessed joint, they look quite effective.

[Hugo Stiglitz]

The plan is to leave it as a decorative feature really. Turquoise tiles (maybe) on the hearth. I don't mind some build up or the stuff in-between the bricks.

Some of the bricks aren't in the best shape cosmetically but I like that.

[Hugo Stiglitz]

What's the best soot remover?

[wolfracesonic]

Never actually used it but I’ve read about trisodium phosphate, again, Google should help.

[trickywoo]

I’d be ‘veneering’ over the top with something like this https://brick-slips.uk/

[OutInTheShed]

Chimney sweeps sometimes use some kind of tent with dust extraction?

If wire brushing works, then wet sanding or scrubbing is perhaps an option?

[Simpo Two]

Your plant doesn't look too happy about it either...

[GasEngineer]

What about something like this that you attach to your hoover.

https://marshallindustrial.co.uk/v-tuf-core-drilli...