brickmasonrypaintpolyurethane
I have exposed a 100+ yr old brick wall inside, tuckpointed, cleaned with cup brushes on a grinder, and Sureklean 600. I don't have a picture right now but it looks beautiful.
Two questions:
I want to finish the wall with polyurethane or something mildly shiny but definitely not too much. What is the best coating to use?
After using Sureklean, what is the purpose of neutralizing? The instruction on the jug say neutralize with water + baking soda for indoor but not outdoor application.
If you don't have the proper structure under the area, you're not going to want to use full sized bricks for this project. Brick walls require proper concrete footings to support the massive amount of weight, if you don't have the ability to add the footings you won't be able to build a brick wall here.
In situations like this, veneer will likely be your only option. There are different types of veneer available, depending on the look you're going for.
If you're looking for cheap and fast, you'll want to look at faux brick veneer. This is typically a sheet material made from plastics, which is molded and colored to to look like brick.
This is very easy to install, goes up fast, and is cheap-ish. Though it tends to look just as cheap as it is, so it may not be suited to your tastes.
Follow the manufactures instructions.
If you're looking for an authentic look and feel; without all the weight, real brick veneer is where it's at. It's simply really thin brick (usually ~1/2" thick), and comes in many different varieties. Some veneer bricks are made by cutting actual reclaimed bricks, which can make matching older existing brick much easier.
Choosing real brick veneer over a full brick wall will save you a huge amount of weight, and allow you to have a brick wall almost anywhere you want.
A 14' x 2' wall made from real brick, will take about 182 standard size bricks (3/8" joints). At about 6 pounds a brick, this is going to weigh 1092 lbs + the weight of the mortar.
That's a massive amount of weight for your floor structure to support.
Since 1/2" veneer brick only weighs about 0.8 lbs, you can cover the same wall with a fraction of the weight. That same 182 bricks, is only going to weigh about 146 lbs. Not to mention the load will be spread across the wall, not sitting directly on the floor.
There are a few different ways to install it, but it's going to be quite a bit of work either way you choose to do it.
One method of installation, is to use a track system. This involves attaching specially designed channels to the wall, then attaching the bricks into the channels. This method takes a bit of extra prep time, but getting straight, even joints is made easier by the track design.
Another way to install brick veneer (or any masonry veneer), is to use a wire mesh backing. You'll simply attach wire meshing to the existing wall, apply a scratch coat, then install your veneer on top. This method takes more prep time (since you'll have to wait for the scratch coat to set), and will require more time and skill to place the bricks.
Some types of brick veneer can be applied directly to a wall, in the same manor as tile is installed. This method is going to involve the least amount of prep, but will require a lot of time and skill to set the bricks (Hint: Start at the bottom, and work up).
Whichever product or method you choose, make sure to follow the manufacturers instructions. And as with all DIY projects, don't ever be afraid to ask for help.
If you are cleaning something that can be washed, you can neutralize the pH with water. After using HCl on bricks, I would just hose them off. The acid will become very dilute quickly. pH just measures the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution, so if you add a bunch of water (neutral pH) the pH will approach neutral.
I also don't think you need to worry about the pH of solids such as dried plaster.
Best Answer
A sealer I use for stone and grout (also rated for brick) is Miracle 511 Porous Plus. It is solvent based, so use an organic respirator during application, remove pets, ventilate!
The Miracle product adds no sheen or color, absorbing completely.
They have a water-based product also, although I haven't used it and can't confirm-or-deny.
The Sure Klean is an acidic product, (hydrocloric acid). On exteriors, you would flood with hose and/or pressure washer, obviating the need for a neutralizer. I doubt you would hose down your interior, so a neutralizer indoors is needed.