Just bought a brick home and the basement walls were painted (many years ago),what's the best and easiest way to clean them up.The part that wasn't painted looks good.

Hey pro's, I'm a renovator/restoration guy in Dallas. I've recently added a fireplace surround to a home. Southwestern design, all corners rounded, they wanted stucco finish. I've never done any stucco by definition, but have worked with other troweled mud finishes and set tile in wet beds, so I'm familiar with technique but that's about it. After all the lath was up I used 3parts washed sand to 1part white mason's cement. Next I understand is the brown coat, is the recipe the same? I think I understand as well that the final coat will have to have the finest sand around, is that the difference? What should I ask for and what ratio of ingredients to use? Thanks a jillion, Sonnie Layne