Lime Mortar for re-pointing - how to get flat joint?

Question

We are repointing an old barn wall using traditional Lime (putty) mortar, (not the limed sand/cement mix). The joints need to be flat. Anybody know the traditional method of doing this so we can match it to existing lime mortar?

Answer 1

Hi,

If you're using Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) you'll find this guide very useful - http://www.stastier.co.uk/nhl/guides/ptgnhl.htm it tells you all you need to know from choosing the right product through to application and finish.

The same guide can be dowlnoaded from here http://www.stastier.co.uk/nhl/guides/zips/Pointing_with_NHL.zip and is available in pdf format here http://www.stastier.co.uk/nhl/guides/pdfs/Pointing_with_NHL.pdf

There's a whole series of really useful guides relating to pointing, mortaring, plastering, rendering using natural meterials - http://www.stastier.co.uk/guides.htm

Good luck with the barn.

Answer 2

You need the proper mason's trowel, it is pointed (rounded) and makes the job a breeze.