How best to expose brickwork in fireplace

[gwebstech]

Hi

I've just bought a house that had a real fire, im going to get a log burner installed and preferably want to expose the brickwork in the fireplace but it seems to be covered in mortar

What do you think the best way to expose the brickwork is if its covered in what I assume is sand cement ? Chipping it off will probably damage the bricks a bit and take mind numbing ages

I thought a still wire brush attached to a grinder or drill might shift it

See pic

Thanks

See

 

[ree]

OP,
Forget the wire brush & similar. The render is almost a thin skim and can be easily chipped off with a hammer & chisel - slide the chisel behind the render & kind of prise it off.

If you are interested, I could advise you on more details for your proposed project?