Repointing paving stones

Andybooth23

Hi all,

I'm currently looking to repoint the flagstones in the back garden. My question is, do I need to get up all of the current pointing, or just the ones that are cracked/gappy?

Will just doing certain bits then have a big contrast after repointing? I'd then be looking to paint all paving with a patio paint after if that makes a difference 

Nobbie1967

To make a lasting improvement you really need to remove all the mortar. It doesn’t take long with a mortar rake on an angle grinder, just very dusty.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/erbauer-masonry-diamond-mortar-rake-115-x-22-23mm/85668?tc=UT3&ds_rl=1244066&gclid=Cj0KCQjw98ujBhCgARIsAD7QeAgyS4qSB30f6F3fYHgBXmbORyh_sFlr6i4nNs0q2ZxvXwn6_f8JFekaAsQ_EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

You could paint the paving once you’ve removed the pointing and then use a brush in compound.

Andybooth23

Silly question:

Is it better to paint the paving once all the pointing has been removed, and then put in the mortar mix?

Or can I just paint over the mortar mix with the masonry paint?

twopenny

I think it depends on what effect you are after.
You could do either.
If you want the slabs only done then paint before mortaring will be quicker and neater

Andybooth23

Thanks all, it's by no means perfect and still tiny touch ups and bits of sealing to do. But looking a million miles better!