Take the tour ×  I'm installing a decorative brick wall
(individual thin bricks) for the first time. I glued all the
bricks and now I'm working on the cement (mortar) around the
bricks. I did a few rows yesterday for a test. While applying
the mortar, some fell on the bricks. I wiped the bricks with a
dry cloth as much as I could but the bricks are now covered with
a thin "coating" that makes them pale and matte.  Q1: How can I
clean the bricks?  Q2: How should I work the rest of the wall to
avoid that?  share|improve this question add comment  2 Answers
up vote 6 down vote accepted   I would try a stiff brush and
water. If this does not work, you may be able to try a muriatic
acid solution, but I would look at the manufacturer's
recommendations first. Depending on the brick color and type,
this may discolor the brick.     • Apply the grout using a grout
bag to minimize the mess.   • When the joints are filled, wait
until the grout is the consistency of wet beach sand.   • Go
over the joints with a brick joi