Sand is the most abundant ingredient in the mix. The powdered cement and lime are the glue that holds the sand together and allows the mortar to bond to each brick (or concrete block, stone or other ...

doing so without first repointing the mortar will only highlight any current damage. This is especially true if you plan to paint the brick white or neutral, which is a common practice. In this case, ...

White sand might be quartz ... and lime are the glue that holds the sand together and allows the mortar to bond to each brick (or concrete block, stone or other masonry unit).

White sand might be quartz ... The powdered cement and lime are the glue that holds the sand together and allows the mortar to bond to each brick (or concrete block, stone or other masonry unit).