Brick Acid to remove mortar

[Sting38]

I need to lift and relay my porcelain slabs in the garden because the cowboy that originally did them didn't bed or prime them properly.
I can remove the mortar from the underside of them by scraping and wire brushing it off (already done a few) but to make sure it's all off before I slurry them is using brick acid a good idea?
I'd jet wash them down before applying the slurry to make sure all the acid is washed off first

 

[ree]

OP,
For you purpose stay away from brick acid.

 

[noseall]

I need to lift and relay my porcelain slabs in the garden because the cowboy that originally did them didn't bed or prime them properly.
I can remove the mortar from the underside of them by scraping and wire brushing it off (already done a few) but to make sure it's all off before I slurry them is using brick acid a good idea?
I'd jet wash them down before applying the slurry to make sure all the acid is washed off first

If mortar is already keyed to the slab underside, it will only serve to help.

 

[Sting38]

The mortar isn't too difficult to get off..so far.
I just want a clean base so that I can prime them properly.

 

[ree]

OP,
For your purpose, there's no need at all for you to go near brick acid - it will only serve to expose you to a hazardous chemical, and there's the risk of spillage ruining the face of your porcelain.
In your case there are no benefits.

 

[Sting38]

Thanks all for the advice.
Tried a wire brush drill attachment today and that will remove the leftover

 

[^woody^]

Normal brick acid wont affect porcelain, and it would be e a better choice than wire brushing which will - including potential rust stains from the steel fragments

 

[ree]

Poster #7,
Brick acids contain hydrochloric acid, and hydrochloric acid can eat or etch into the surface of porcelain.
Where it was used to clean stubborn adhesive or grout haze is where I have seen it leaving spotty stains on the porcelain.
FWIW: Brass wire brushes are the preferred tool for sensitive surfaces.