Mortar mix for repointing wall-plasticiser

[600rob]

Just doing a bit of research for the correct mix ratio to use for repointing my garden wall and came across this page....

Check out section 5 that mentions using washing up liquid as a replacment for plasticiser.....
Does this actually work as a replacement???

I had planned to buy proper plasticiser with all the other gear i need anyway. Just found this bit of advice interesting

 

[dontbelieveawordofit]

no! using washing up liquid as a plasticiser is from the 70s ..... for pointing i’d rather use nothing as imo washing up liquid ruins any mix and indeed makes it unworkable. get the proper stuff.

 

[600rob]

Cheers.
Always nice to know how up to date some of these methods are.

 

[^woody^]

Nothing wrong with a bit of fairy, lemon fresh is my favorite.

The thing is, people tend to put too much in. Less than half a teaspoon is normally enough for a mix. More than that and the mix can be too fluffy.