Repointing a brick path - how avoid staining bricks when using dry mortar

[randers]

Hi. I'm repointing a brick path and on a little bit of it thought I'd try brushing the mortar mix dry into the spaces between the bricks, to then water....and have a cup of tea and relax while it all went perfectly.
Only when the dry mix got on the brick faces it stained them white from the cement and wouldn't brush off into the gaps. I didn't carry on as it's not my path and didn't want to ruin the appearance if it set like that.
What should I have done - how do you avoid brick staining using a dry mix...or do you not use that method for bricks? Thanks for any help.

 

[London Mike 49]

Have a look at this http://www.pavingexpert.com/pointing.htm

Mike

 

[randers]

thanks Mike. I'll know better than to try that on a dry joint from now on!