'Budget friendly' is ignoring it... Having it stuccoed will be a ton of money (depends on the size of the house of course) but will be a permanent solution. Stucco is usually maintained by just power washing it periodically. Post more photos of the house from a distance when you have time.

I'd take a chipping hammer to that mess.

Where is this? Exterior, interior, basement walls? Wondering why you're rubbing up against it.

I have weeping mortar too in the entire front of my house! What did you end up doing??

It’s hideous. What do I do when it’s on a two story livingoom fireplace? San I sandblast it?

We have it too …house built in 1950….and fireplace ..interested in solutions to remove excess mortar or photos of painting it

Did anyone find a solution? I’m ready to start chiseling!

It's a charming cottage style that fits the style of the home. Keep it.

I think the Brick motar can get scraped down by a professional cuz it's very cute stucco is okay but then the brick might not breathe well I have no idea cuz Brooke needs to breathe

You'd have to get a cement grinder my husband told me to take the mess off but stucco will cost more money to put on and I would just do the work on the brick and leave it that way cuz it's very Charming