What’s the best way to revive a solid brick exterior that’s old and paint is flaking?

Question by u2knknow: What’s the best way to revive a solid brick exterior that’s old and paint is flaking?
I have a 100 year old colonial. we are renovating the exterior and it needs a major makeover. It’s a solid brick house. Mortar needs to be repointed in some areas. It unfortunately has at least 5 old layers of paint that are flaking. What is the best way to revive the outside? Is possible to restore down to the original finish by sandblasting? or Would it be better just to powerwash and repaint? Also is it possible to cover a brick exterior with a textured surface. I saw a house that had a beautiful textured exterior that almost looked like it was sprayed on (looked very thick with big grains or pieces in the textures).
thanks,
Justin

Best answer:

Answer by fordman
You can use media blasting to get down to the original surface of the brick. They are doing that with a house about 3 blocks away from me. Good luck with it.

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