On Tue, 14 Dec 2004 08:40:45 -0000, "wattie" wrote:

It's a bit difficult to tell. It looks as if it may be dyed to match the
sandstone colour.

Spex it is lime putty (or possibly white cement) + sandstone dust as
most of the aggregate, so I would try and match that as closely as you
can, for grain size, colour etc. To do that you will first need to do
a test area cos the colour will change (lighten) as it sets.

Pointing can be DIYed if you are careful. Rake back the joint 10mm
(doing that will tell you if it is putty (easy to rake out) or cement
(sticks like buggery)

Use a small tool/spatula/knife to do the pointing and take lots of
care to keep the mortar off the bricks. You may find it helps to put
masking tape on the bricks. Aim to point with the same profile as
before, wait until the mortar is partly set then compact the pointing
a bit more if nexessary, then hit the pointing with a natural bristled
brush which will texturise the surface by bringing the sand to the
surface

Don't do it at this time of year, wait until the weather warms up. May
is a good month

Anna

~~ Anna Kettle, Suffolk, England
|""""| ~ Lime plaster repairs
/ ^^ \ // Freehand modelling in lime: overmantels, pargeting etc
|____| www.kettlenet.co.uk 01359 230642