The Brew Cabin

Posted: **Wed Jul 06, 2005 10:28 am**

Have a had a good look through this excellent site and cannot find the answer to my question on how to get a good flush finish to re-pointing on crazy paving.

I have raked out the patio of all the old blown pointing and introduced a nice wet mix of 2 sharp/2 building : 1 portland into a test area. Using a pointing trowel I cannot compact it satisfactorily and get a nice finish that is flush to the surface of the paving on both sides. I can get one flush but the other side is a couple of mm below the level. I didn't like the finish so I raked it out and now need some help.

any ideas for this eejit gratefully received!! :O

Posted: **Wed Jul 06, 2005 12:33 pm**

I can't understand why you're having such difficulty. If you work the mortar from the centre of the joint out to the edge, you should get a smooth, flush finish. I admit this can be tricky on the narrower joints, but it's just a matter of patience and holding the pointing trowel at the correct angle.

If you can find a round-ended trowel, such as a gauging trowel, you can usally span the entire joint and create a level-ish, flush joint in one or two passes, but it takes a bit of getting used to.

The Brew Cabin

Crazy paving pointing - Getting a nice flush finish