Decorating and restoring fireplace bricks?

[mxo]

I’ve uncovered a fireplace and will use the space for a wine rack. I’d like to keep the bricks inside and the brick arch above exposed. I’d like to keep them the same colour. Photo attached. What’s the best way to clean them up and which paint/solution to apply?

 

[opps]

You can use an angle grinder with an abrasive disc, however, as is, it will be dusty. You could drape a poly sheet over the area and hide under it.

Abracs Poly Abrasive Disc

Attach this poly abrasive disc to your angle grinder tool to remove surface imperfection from your material. The Abracs disc can be used on a wide range of materials such as metal, concrete, stainless steel and aluminium. The synthetic resin coating clings to rust, paint and other contaminants...

www.toolstation.com

Another alternative would be to use cellulose thinners to break down the emulsion and then runa wire brush over it. Wear red PVC gloves. Cellulose will "melt" disposable latex gloves.

 

[mxo]

Is there a transparent paint or protection solution I can apply to the bricks, that will bring the colour out?