Stone basement - point and paint

DeanPk

I have a stone walled basement. The stones are mortared and in reasonably good shape. No wall rebuilding required. Concrete floor in basement. I have removed several layers of paneling, insulation and dry wall and now I would simply like to have white washed style stone walls in the basement.

It looks like the original stone wall was at some time rendered to a rough finish with a very limey mix. Most of this is now coming away.

How do I do the best clean up and preparation of the wall? Chisel wire brush and vacuum? What should I treat it with and then what should I paint it with?

I want it to be like a white washed stone walled old time basement. Clean and dry and white.

In am in NY and the stones are strong and hard.