How to Use EASYJoint

NOTE: There is a detailed, printable version of this page available from the Downloads page.

Whilst it is possible to apply EASYJoint dry, it is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to lay it wet.  There is an exception to this which is when weather conditions and ground temperatures at at or below zero. More information on this is given at under the section entitled Dry Application further down this page and in the General Information and Precautions notes at the foot of this page.

Equipment needed

Items required

  1. Appropriate quantity of EASYJoint
  2. Hose with spray attachment
  3. Medium bristle broom
  4. Jointing Iron (optional)

Application Method

The method described below should be used in all instances unless ground temperatures are below freezing.

IMPORTANT NOTE - The wetter the better! When using EASYJoint you cannot use too much water - you can only use too little.

There are many advantages of using plenty of water:

  • EASYJoint is easier to apply and stays workable longer
  • The surface of you job remains cleaner during application and there will be less work to do later when sweeping off any residue after the jointing process is complete
  • The most important benefit is a virtually zero chance of any residue oil traces being left on the surface - this is particularly true when working with absorbent materials such as sandstone. Please read the General Information and Precautions notes and the foot of this page.

Read and carefully follow the instructions below.

1. Absolutely soak the paving with water for at least 10 minutes before commencing the application of the product. This will saturate the stone or concrete so that it cannot absorb any of the natural oils which are inherent in the product. Do not shortcut this process or worry if water settles in the joints - this will be displaced when the EASYJoint is swept in. Remember - The wetter the surface the better the end result - particularly with absorbent natural stones such as Mint Fossil Sandstone. It really doesn't matter if the area looks like a swimming pool!
Step 1
2. Using only one bag at a time, cut open the vacuum bag and pour out onto surface of paving. If using the product for the first time we suggest you start with small quantities of EASYJoint, sufficient to work in a few minutes.
Step 2
3. Work quickly and spread the material across the wet surface with a squeegee or broom, allowing it to fall into the joints. Do not pile up or leave EASYJoint standing in one spot, nor allow the paving to dry out with the compound on its surface.  Keep the paving soaking wet all the time.

TIP.  Keep your eye on the areas where you are not working and ensure they remain very wet at all times.  This is particularly important in warm or hot weather conditions.
Step 3
4. After applying one or two bags, use a spray of water from a hose to wash the compound into the joints. Again, do not worry about the amount of water you are using. Remember - the wetter the better! As long as it can drain away, the water simply makes the product easier and cleaner to work with and improves the strength and quality of the joints.
Step 4
5. Allow the excess water to drain away and go over the area you have just laid, topping up any sagging joints by adding more EASYJoint as necessary. Once more, flush across the surface with more water to clean away the compound and compact it into the joints.  At the risk of repetition, keep the area wet at all times. Water is the key to a successful, strong job and a clean finish.

Now move on to a new area and repeat the process outlined in steps 1 to 5 above until all the joints are filled to your satisfaction.
Step 5
6. Once all the joints have been uniformly filled to within 1-2mm below the surface of the paving give a final gentle wash across the paving surface to remove any final traces of the compound.  This also assists to obtain a relatively smooth finish to the joint, although it will have a slightly course texture which suits many products.

At this point the job is complete and all you have to do is wait until the joint has set hard.
Step 6
7. Optional. If an even finer texture to the joint is required, "point" the compound with a suitable jointing iron or similar tool. This exercise should be carried out when the water has drained away and the paving surface has started to dry out. The compound wants to be pliable, but not soaking wet.

NOTE: When "pointing" the joint you are not aiming to compress or compact the compound - you are simply shaping or smoothing the joint, so apply very light pressure.
Step 8

Dry Application (Use this method with extreme caution)

Important Information - please read.

The only reason to use EASYJoint dry is when there is the possibility of water freezing in the joint and forming ice.  The ice will prevent the compound settling to the bottom of the joint and may therefore cause voids to occur and so impair the strength of the joint.

  • We strongly advise against using the product without water. However, if it is essential that a job must be completed in freezing conditions, the operator should fully understand that the natural oils inherent in the product may be absorbed into the paving, particularly if it is of a porous nature, and may leave either a prominent oil sheen residue or "spotting". This is where patches of the oil inherent in the product are absorbed into the paving leaving a "freckled" appearance. These affects may take months to fade, if ever. Neither the manufacturer nor the supplier accepts any responsibility of liability should this occur.
  • Do not use the this method with natural sandstones or any other porous material. Wait until weather conditions improve and you can use the Wet Method described above. See General Information and Precautions below.

Read and carefully follow the instructions below.
Only use this method if ground temperatures are below freezing and you are working with very hard non-porous materials.

  1. Follow steps 2 & 3 as described above. It is recommended that more attention is given to compacting the EASYJoint into the joints as without water to assist the process it is possible that voids may occur, resulting in a weaker joint. If necessary, use a pointing trowel or similar tool to aid compaction.
  2. Clear the surface of any loose compound
  3. As with the Wet Application method if a fine texture to the joint is required, "point" the compound with a suitable tool.

What if it rains after the job's completed?

Step 8
No problem! Once EASYJoint is in the joint it can withstand almost any amount of rain without the integrity of the product being compromised.

However, if the joint has been "pointed", very heavy rain may cause the smoothed surface of the joint to be disturbed and it may need re-finishing after the rain has passed. Please remember that setting times are extended if it rains. For more information, please refer to Setting Times. 

Left Over / Unused Product

Any unused EASYJoint can be saved for later use by pouring it back into the plastic outer container and adding sufficient water to cover the surface of the compound by approximately 2 to 3 cm and replacing the lid. Product kept in this manner will remain stable and safe for use for up to one month.
Unused Product Step 1
Step 1		 Unused Product Step 2
Step 2
        

General Information and Precautions
  1. Always carefully read and follow the instructions on this website.
  2. As the company cannot be aware of all the applications and materials the product may be used on, it is the user’s responsibility to determine suitability for use. If in any doubt test a sample before use. For more information please read our Data Sheet available from the Downloads page.
  3. If used in accordance with the instructions, the product should not affect the aesthetic properties of the material on which it is used but no guarantee of this is given or implied. Neither the manufacturer or supplier accepts any liability for any changes in the appearance of the paving resulting from the use of EASYJoint.
  4. Always use plenty of water both before and during the application process, particularly when working with porous and absorbent stones such as sandstone or limestone. 
  5. If using EASYJoint for the first time it is advisable to print the detailed instructions from our Downloads page.
  6. If insufficient or no water is used, when working with porous stone such as Mint Fossil Sandstone and some darker coloured materials like as Raj Green Sandstone or Black Limestone, there is a risk that you may be left with a shiny oil film across the surface, or that "spotting" may occur (a freckled appearance to the paving). If plenty of water has been used during the application as described in the Instructions section above, then the risk of these changes is minimal and if there are any traces they will in virtually all instances, fade away with natural weathering and use, although no guarantees of this are given or implied.  It is also possible for these particularly absorbent materials to change in colour (deepen). In such circumstances the colour change may be permanent although it normally "softens" with the passing of time. No guarantees in this respect are given or implied. If in any doubt test a sample before use.