I have built nine and recovered three masonry fireplaces. Paint removal of any sort is really the worst solution to any need. At this point in your predicament, you can only add to the existing fascia, or completely remove it and start over. I would strongly recommend against anything that anyone offers which will remove paint from masonry. The mason work should either be spackled/plastered with a portland cement based material or wrapped in hardwood.
Re-pointing the joints after painting the bricks with a quality, color consistent, masonry sealant, would be the most cost effective asthetic answer. Bricks which needed painting in the past is another issue in itself, I think.
over,
-bear
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