Pointing Paving Slabs..?

[Rebellion]

I'm going to do some pointing on some paving slabs and blocks that I've laid. My plan is to pour some water into the gaps between the blocks, then cover the blocks with dry mortar mix, push it into the gaps, and then brush the excess off. Then use a pointing tool to smooth the top of the mortar, which apparently will draw the water up into the dry mix and make it go off. Does that sound like a correct plan? The idea is to avoid using a wet mortar mix, because I know I'll get some on the paving and stain it.

[06sri]

yep read about doing it your way loads if times, i belive you put quite a bit of water into the cracks to make sure there is enough for the dry mix to soak up, alot less mess then doing it the wet way.

[Neve'o]

Always done it the 'wet way' and wet the edges of the slabs before pointing, that way any excess will wipe off without making toooo much mess.

Might try the dry mix way next time though!

[Johnsdutton]

Dry mix every time. Mix up brush in and leave. You can wet first, but make sure the surface area of the slabs is dry. I always mix dry brush in and leave it to the elements. Seemingly the best way is to pour boiling water into the gaps, as apparently it will kill off any grass or weeds.

[paulvectrac]

Just mix dry and brush in job done

[david-bell]

I think with the c.rap weather just now the mortar will get wet enough lol

[Johnsdutton]

Too right it will, The rain will probably wash it all away. LOL.

[boba]

I don't think dry mix is so great - really difficult to stop it rubbing into the slabs and staining them and ends up too porous anyway. Wet always for me. Anyone tried a mortar gun? Quite a messy carry on but once you get the mixture right you can point the slabs like lightning!