In front of our fireplace, one of the previous owners shalacked over the bricks...Not the ones on the chimney, but on the floor...I would like to remove this so I can clean the dirt from the bricks...

Any ideas?

The only thing I can think of would be either acetone, mineral spirits or paint thinner and a good stiff brush. I've heard oven cleaner can be used to clean bricks, but it takes a while and not sure if it will work on removing paint.

lacquer thinner or paint remover....paint thinner probably won't work... acetone is for fiber glass and epoxy's....

If that doesnt work, use muratic acid...but you'll need to rinse it off VERY well. Going to be difficult to keep if off the other stuff, too...( carpet, etc). Just make certain it's rinsed real good when you're done. I need to tell you that it's risky to use that stuff....but that's what you clean bricks with. It will also eat at the mortar...so get it done quickly.

Maybe try stripper. Kleenstrip makes some in a spray can that works pretty good.

First off, I love your new signature line...Jericho is one of my favorite shows and I hate that it's no longer in production...

We are about to replace the carpet in the living room, so this is why I've chosen to do this now...

Thanks for all the advice, I'll let y'all know how it goes...

LSS, since I dont watch TV, I watched the entire 1st season online and rented the DVDs for the second season.

My gut, among other things..tells me that the writers of that show had a great deal of insight of what could happen in this country anytime now. Make a few modifications and we are already on the path.

Oldfrog is right about the muratic acid. You need to have ventilation (fan) and also use a plastic brush. The acid will ruin a wire brush in a hurry. I mix it 50/50 with water in a plastic bucket. Dip the brush in the bucket and rub the brick or rock with the brush. I have seen people spray it on with a spray bottle then rub with a brush. Less spillage. It is very potent, so don't breathe it as you mix it with water.

I have used a product called Strip-eze for paint and varnish on wood. Might give it a try before the muractic acid. It is thick like jelly and scrapes right off. You could then clean the brick with the muratic acid. You will be amazed at how much dirt is on the brick and the color difference.