I would actually use yacht varnish it looks gorgeous ......... very very high protection and last 10 years or more. I didnt like the wax look, and it seemed to trap dust a bit.
Not tried this one myself - but have you thought about rubbing the brick with another brick - one of the same type. I wouldn't use a wire brush, as it might make little grooves if your bricks are weak
For a one off job I would just go and buy the basic cheapest one ... if you think you will use it a lot then get a better quality one. As for the shape etc .... if you have corners to get into you need a shaped one, if its just a flat surface any should do.
What I would bear in mind if I was...
For me it depends on my walls really - if you have tough walls I would go for a drill with a cable (they tend to be a bit stronger in my opinion)
Looks ok from what I can see, I have 3 drills, 2 cordless and one cable ... the cable one gets the most use in the house I am in at the moment.
B&Q definitely do wooden beading that is raised and would look like door panelling. Have you been to a warehouse and not just a little store. Failing that go to a timber merchant near you.