What do you do about painted brick?

[ottawood]

If you have a painted brick home you are probably wondering why the heck it was painted in the first place and also if there is anything that can be done to reclaim the natural, authentic brick and mortar look.
I have this problem and all of the questions that go along with it.
I am told that sandblasting is harmful and expensive. If I have to roll another coat of white paint on my house I will loose my mind!!

Help?

[captsnuf]

sandblasting is not harmful---if properly done---, expensive is in the eye (or wallet) of the beholder...if you want to keep your mind talk to a couple of industrial paint/sandblast contractors and get prices, be sure they include covering ground and removal of debris in their price (so it is a little pricey but what do you want?)

[Bricky Local 9 PA]

yep , people who paint brick should have their head examined...thats why brick was used in the first place...low maintainence...anyway if you have it sandblasted...make sure they use a safe medium for the brickface...then have them spray a good masonry sealer on it when they are done...