Exposed brick inside - preparation?

[justanotherguy]

Have removed plaster from an inside wall, and well rather like the exposed brick look. If possible I'd like to avoid the 'it was never meant to be exposed'/'it looks hideous' flame war

My only questions are how to treat it? The bricks themselves are good enough, but looks like it needs repointing. However, I'm worried about damaging the brick when cutting out the old mortar.

Also, I've read conflicting reports about 'sealing' the wall after. Some say it makes the brick take on a fake glossy look, which I definitely don't want.

 

[dave1953]

Wire brush the bricks off, carefully with either drill attachment or hammer/bolster rake out the old mortar and re-point the whole wall gaugeing your mortar mix as you go . Why would you want to seal the brickwork? Bricks breathe, thats what their designed to do,Don't spoil water vapour transmissions from inner to outer skins either cavity construction or not.Good luck