Patio Efflorescence and Pointing

[olock256]

So I have recently laid a new patio in our home and chose a grey/blue sandstone. The stones are starting to effervesce, which isn't a big issue (I've laid on a full bed but didn't choose to prime with a slurry).

My question is around the pointing. I don't want to use a resin as there's a large area (trying to keep costs down) and want to keep the pointing similar to the mortar on the house. I was thinking of using a hydrated lime mix in the first instance and letting the eff wash away over time.

Later on in time, if I were to clean the slabs with an acid would that damage the mortar joints?

Thanks for the help

 

[JohnD]

Effervescence​

Efflorescence.

 

[Mike13]

You would be best to use an old toothbrush to keep the acid only on the slabs, not on the mortar, rinse straight after and the mortar stays good.

 

[JohnD]

The lime bloom will weather away in a year or so. Faster if you walk on it.

Even rainfall will help wash it away.