If you get overzealous with Durham's Rock Hard Putty as a mortar fill, use a wet sponge, liquid soap and elbow grease. It will come right off.
I found out, quite by accident, that Water Putty is still water soluble long after it has dried. I really don't like the stuff, personally, but I'll keep using it because I've got a whole can.
Seems like it needs a different name? That's not exactly rock hard. Oh well. I've not used the stuff for many long years..... Boxcab e50
Andy- It sure does. Furthermore, when too much gets stuck in the little half round recessed areas near the top of the wall, you can carefully scrape it down with a pin or other sharp thing and the brick surface will reappear and not be covered.