Pointing indian sandstone with sand & cement mix? - What's the best sand and mix for the job

[seandee]

Hi,

I've just finished laying an Indian Sandstone patio (with much help from this site).

I now need to point the patio. I'd like to use the traditional sand & cement mortar route so I was just looking for a bit of guidance.

I have enough sharp (grit) sand left to do the job, is it ok to use this type of sand or should I get some soft (building) sand in for the job.

What sort of mix should I look at, I was thinking 4 or 5 to 1 (sand:cement) and relatively dry.

Should I use a plasticiser and if so which one, I've heard that people add a few drops of Fairy liquid, is that right???

Also I'd like a lighter colured mix, has anyone used any cement dyes, are they any good?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Sean

[lutonlagerlout]

dyes are pretty much worthless IMHO
they fade real fast and are costly
I would use a 3:1 plastering sand /cement mix
if you want it lighter add a shovel of lime into the mix
LLL

[GB_Groundworks]

or you can get whitecrete, which might actually me lime?

[London Stone Paving]

If you want to maintain a colour then use easipoint. If you let me know the square meterage you need to point and the average width joint I will get you a price. steven@londonstone.com

[dig dug dan]

If you let me know the square meterage you need to point and the average width joint I will get you a price.

can you supply cheaper than going direct to easipoint?

[msh paving]

instamac gun point is cheaper MSH

[lutonlagerlout]

can anyone tell me definitively if it is the same as easipoint
i have a feeling that easipoint can be used on shallower joints although i could be wrong
LLL ???

[msh paving]

I had the rep out and delivered the last lot ,he said there is no problem in 10mm deep joints wet the joints first and carry on,
we found it very easy to use and mix was very happy with it, never tried it on brickwork pointing tony,give him a call 07825603434 robin canning MSH

[London Stone Paving]

I can supply it cheaper unless you are purchasing full pallet loads direct from easipoint

[cookiewales]

can anyone tell me definitively if it is the same as easipoint
i have a feeling that easipoint can be used on shallower joints although i could be wrong
LLL ???

tony i have used the both easypoint is rapidset instarmac is same as normal morter setting times i just bought 60 bags 20kg yorkstone colour which was normal mortar colour comes out the gun very easy and you can strike it straight away i pay 10pound a bag good price cheers cookie :;): ???