Using PVA to seal exposed chimney brickwork?

[macadonald]

Hi guys,

As part of renovations, our old chimney was opened up and an oak sleeper installed as a lintel. We will eventually get a wood burner installed, but in the mean time we have nice exposed brickwork at the back. Keen to keep this, but there is quite a bit of black soot.

What are my options?

Can I simply PVA over this to seal it or will it look rubbish?

My other thought is taking a wire brush on the end of a drill to it. Sure it will be very messy but hoping the blackened bricks might clean up?

Any experience out there?

Thanks

 

[JohnD]

What would the PVA be supposed to achieve?

It is water-soluble and not very durable. It must not be used on a surface that you might one day hope to paint.

Do you want to bind a dusty surface?

I doubt anything will stick to the soot.

 

[macadonald]

Thanks John.

Yes essentially trying to seal the bricks. As an alternative to sealing, what's best to clean them, a chemical cleaner or good old wire brush. It's not just a thin stain of soot, but thick and old.

 

[JohnD]

scraper followed by wire brush I should think. The wall might be greasy afterwards. A power jetwasher with oil remover for drives might get the remains off if so