How To - Wigging Pointing

Oldstone Conservation Advice Series - shows how to repoint a facade in Wigging pointing a style unique to Ireland

[@videogalore]

It looks like a fantastic end result, after a lot of labour needing to be put in. As a Surveyor though, I can't say that it feels a sensible finish to have the protruding shelves collecting rainwater, especially in Ireland.

[@grrinc]

This is a superbly presented video and very educational. Hats off to the craftsmanship on display.

[@thomasyo75]

Not sure I understand why in this case the stopping mortar hasn't been colored to match the brick, surely that would avoid having to apply the wigging mortar (quicker, tidier finish & less risk of damaging the ribbons).

[@chrismajor69]

From what I can tell the wigging also supports the ribbon on both sides I guess? Otherwise it looks very delicate

[@handycrowd]

Interesting, I think it's fair to say that most of the buildings done like this, were built when bricklayers earned about 75 cents a day lol! I don't know who could afford it today...

[@johntaylor5968]

Very nice but costs around £ 230 per square metre

[@iandamianluciferwilson7385]

Only government buildings will have it done. Money no object when it’s not your money.

[@chriscollins1704]

I've seen it done when the stopping mortar is tinted. Why do it this way?

[@topcatcoolio8807]

Great work! From a Bricklayer, Lecturer and Clerk of works!

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Many thanks!

[@davestableford1516]

I’ve seen tuck pointing in the U.K. where the flush mortar is coloured to match the brickwork, then the lime putty ribbon of a contrasting colour is added. It has the same end result as Wigging pointing but with fewer stages.

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Yes Dave, you're right. The UK tuck pointing was being undertaken here in Dublin until they realised it wasn't historically correct.

[@theactualgospel8062]

Indeed. they do the same in Australia- again with fewer steps as you say and its easier. In the U.S. throughout the 19th century this was done in an easier but more ephemeral way. They washed venetian red milk paint -more of a masonry stain- over all the brick work and did the tuckpointing over that. Remarkably it is still seen today though much weathered.

[@ajb7]

Is there a benefit of adding the coloured mortar last? Seems less chance of soiling the ribbon if applied first.

[@wolfdog1722]

100%

[@davegreathead9946]

That's a work of art! Day rate I'm guessing 🤣..... Great work guys 💕

[@Frieslick]

Never seen this technique before, but it’s absolutely stunning!

[@niff2966]

Known as '' Tuck Pointing'' in the UK. We used to do quite a bit of it in the 60s around Kent and the Medway towns. Used to take the masons/bricklayers ages.

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Tks for the comment Fergie. Tuck Pointing is the English version of this pointing. Wigging pointing is unique to Ireland (as far as I know).

[@afnankhokhar5578]

True craftsmanship that. And an excellent video.

[@daveweatherall7523]

Fabulous skills shown here, absolute pleasure to view, thank you for sharing.

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@martinthorogood6223]

Looks great when you finished . We do it a bit different . We point the first stage , the stopping morter the samebcolour as the brickwork then point the white ribbon after ...wau quicker as you don't have to go back and tidy it either side of the ribbon..

[@Filkersons]

Just have to put a weathering on the top of the bed joints

[@peterryan7827]

I had often wondered how this wigging pointing was achieved, this has been an eye-opener for me and just so interesting, Many years ago I worked with a skilled bricklayer and he showed me basic pointing using the 3 pot mixing system to get an even match over a large area,i also found i enjoyed doing it , But this is another level completely many thanks for this video.

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Tks for the positive feedback Peter. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@claylamb9260]

Thank you for sharing this true artist at work👍

[@donkmeister]

That's amazing, I had no idea this was a way of pointing brickwork. I'm in the UK so no wigging here but I'll look out for its cousin tuck pointing now. There's an 18th century building near me that has rubbed brickwork on all the exterior walls - absolutely stunning - it looks very similar to this at a distance.

[@simonedwards5070]

it’s called cut and struck in the uk

[@theactualgospel8062]

The thin joint with ground smooth face was common on finer homes from Virginia southward.

[@simonshort8581]

I build houses for a living, that there is some very nice pointing great to see you should be proud of your work my man .

[@robertkusiak6442]

Beautiful work and nicely presented

[@fartybutt2666]

Amazing what randomly appears on your KZbin channel!! Never heard of wigging before. I do now!

[@BazColne]

Many thanks for your fine, hard work.

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Thank you too!

[@tonym992]

Beautiful work

[@johncarr3855]

Great quality work well.done.

[@frankbrooker6569]

Good detail given,good masons, im a stone mason so rang a few bells with me. We called this style snail trail . We would go bk 2 days later or so n beat the lime bk into the joint b4 pointing up.

[@theactualgospel8062]

This end result is found in many countries but the process varies. Coloring the mortar red, then tuckpointing (called pencil tuckpointing in The U.S. to differentiate it from common tuckpointing) was done which was easier than this method. Australia still has masons who do this. In the U.S. in the 19th century, the bricks and mortar were all stained with venetian red milk paint (more of a stain than paint), then lined with tuckpointing. This gave a very uniform appearance but it weathered away over the centuries. The red always had a bit of black added for a slightly more solemn appearance.

[@celtapy]

Hermoso trabajo, saludos desde Paraguay

[@michealbreathnach2928]

Brilliantly done, looks great. A very time consuming process.

[@DGFX64]

Wow…what a top video. I can’t believe you only have 479 subscribers…well it’s just gone up to 480…👍

[@mattjagger4360]

Lush...I've done a bit of this. Not so good for being under pressure...site agents screaming because of the lengthy time it takes but its gorgeous to look at and is so neat when completed.

[@anoshya]

Tremendous work

[@delscorey8727]

Love it,thanks

[@jasonbyrne8487]

It is very beautiful when finished...

[@allforclout2040]

Lovely work, what gauge do you use for the stopping mortar?

[@chadzoe1]

Good video what are mortar mix ratios for sand to lime for the main joint and then the fine layer for the ribbons.

[@chrishull9983]

Well presented and informative video - a pleasure to watch. I have to ask the question though, "Why do this?" It may look visually pleasing to some, but is there any advantage to this style of pointing?

[@claytonbuilders7979]

Great video

[@davidjones421]

Absolutely lovely...

[@yetti423]

Thats craftmanship.

[@richardgrimbleby7853]

Does anyone know where I could get the type of pointing irons used in the video

[@elmafudd9703]

Beautiful but I could not be arsed or afford for someone to do this. It good that people are still doing the old stuff.

[@alanr6529]

Very pretty but doesn’t the pointing catch rain and snow? I know lime mortars allow moisture to wick to the outside but I’m not convinced that this method is durable.

[@marcusp905]

I spent two year's doing this as a teen with my uncle!! You need patience !

[@jamescraven5001]

Wow remind me never to buy a house with this kind of detail on the brick work.

[@grrinc]

Your reminder to never buy a house with that kind of detail on the brick work.

[@jamescraven5001]

@@grrinc thank you 👍

[@davidkelleher7386]

Fantastic work…. A real skill and so time consuming. Must be expensive to have that done. Nice work……from a uk spread.

[@zaperfan]

wow thats an artwork

[@Yevgen6R]

Thank you!

[@thunder131]

I agree lime is far best way ,as you said it lets the construction breath. But we were using a 6 sand 1 lime and 1 snow Crete very weak cement content so it don't over take the mix and still has lime properties . That 1 snow Crete makes so much difference to having to do away with baby sitting a pure lime mix for it to probably fail in freezing conditions ....still makes so much sense ...... But aye if your getting paid for it crack on.....these sort of projects are 90% of the time Heritage or lottery funded , as your average construction firm just wants it up

[@dormindont1]

первый раз такое вижу, это сложная работа/ first time see his diffical work👍

[@mohamedsheik4589]

Labourious work.

[@therightreverandmarcuiusmc2355]

Cost & mortar waste must be incredible on such a job. Beautiful finish.

[@kgkg-nk6rd]

Top class work there . I'm just curious why don't you use the dyed mortar in the flush joint you do first , instead of doing it after ?

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Inserting the coloured mortar first is known as a different style Tuck Pointing (English Style). The finish of the two styles is very similar

[@craigywaigy4703]

We use this finishing technique in Scotland, usually on traditional stone buildings - in this part of the world, we call it Ribbon pointing. :) It serves the same purpose in titivating an otherwise poor quality/value surface finish into something more appealling.

[@geoffreymckay6111]

I concur Craigy (?!) This technique is best to turn lower quality stonework into visually finer stonemasory, but for brickwork it seems a little contrived. But then, I'm in Canada, where our heritage is only veneer-thin. Looking forward to a pilgrimage to Scotland where the greatest stonemasonry tradition resides!

[@craigywaigy4703]

@@geoffreymckay6111 Your correct, and the brickwork being Ribbon/Wigging pointed, looks to have been built from reclaimed brick/seconds(again the titivating aspect). The home of stone masonry is somewhere in Africa, but it has long been obliterated by a meteorite impact 10 - 20k yrs ago that destroyed Atlantis(it is still visible on the West coast of Africa, and NPT the sub-aquatic BS stuff), that "blessed" Africa with the gemologically unique Tanzanite! BTW Canada is a lovely place(I went to live there for 3 months as a young man - Toronto), and it's much like Scotland, but much bigger! The Canadians also have a lot of Scots/Irish culture and I'm part Canadian on my maternal grand parents' side - you'd be made most welcome in Scotland(This is also why Canadians/Scots/Irish are also renowned for their hospitality ie an ancient cultural thing) :)

[@tonym3309]

Lovely work. Appreciate you must be sick of the mention of tuck pointing but does it not cut out a very slow stage of wigging in that the dye is applied when stopping out?

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Yes, tuck pointing is less labour intensive and produces a similar end product (colour being installed first then the ribbon). The Wigging style of pointing, with the stopping mortar inserted first followed by the ribbon and colour, is a good bit more labour intensive and a style unique to Ireland.

[@petesy03]

Why not use the red mortar for the key instead of the white one?

[@smfvmd]

Because it’s Irish, lol. Check this out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2XYf3quoLmfgLs

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Tks for the comment Petesy. Tuck pointing (Englsih) uses the red mortar as the key. Using the white stopping mortar is what makes Wigging Pointing different and more difficult. It is an historic detail unique to Ireland (as far as I know)

[@archiebunkers7881]

Very good

[@qualcommchalloner9551]

Why wouldn't you apply flush red oxcide prior?

[@malcolmmills6502]

great pointing

[@nonsheep5823]

Omg amazing 👏 bloody long protracted ball ache bloody expensive but finish is exceptional 👏 👌

[@kingsrd1]

Looks like something that would be done to make rough brick look like more expensive alternative

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

You hit the mail on the head. used to mask the uneven and coarse finish of hand made brick and mimic the finish similar to guaged brick.

[@2brazy4ubitch]

Is there a different name for a variant on this where a contrasting “line of best fit” is traced at midpoint between random rubble granite? I can dig up some 1900s western Canada examples of what I mean. Not sure how related in technique but definitely shares a built up “spine” in common.

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Tks C. Would be interested to see that historic style.

[@2brazy4ubitch]

@@oldstoneconservation9938 I’ll dig some photos up.

[@2brazy4ubitch]

@@oldstoneconservation9938 I’ll dig some photos up.

[@schrodingerscat1863]

Similar result to english tuck pointing but putting the colour on last where as tuck the colour goes on first.

[@fatboy8923]

Looks nice as soon as the rain and frost gets on it the in about a year time to do it again

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Tks for the comment. This style of pointing however has been around since the 18th Century and although it weathers over time it remains for many years. rgds

[@aliwright1523]

That red powder put on the bricks last surely will fall off after 6 months of freezing then thawing out??how’s it bond to the old bricks??

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Tks for the comments Ali. Have to make sure the existing brick is cleaned and damp prior to application. A good key is formed as long as the proper protection measures are applied as per standard when working with lime.

[@jonniejam-shovel6405]

Skillful interesting work. Although Regrettably, many of our youngsters are far too busy with their 'Call of Duty' annihilation games. Perhaps real skilled work will be a thing of the past, to be viewed only 'online' or in a book. Thanks for posting your films on here. Liked, and subscribed.👍 Many thanks.👍

[@grrinc]

Oi. Me and my son are skilled tradesmen and we also pwn noobs on cod.

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Tks for the positive comments

[@John...44...]

Probably the fact that this costs so much money is the reason it isn't done as much today....

[@johncanna7856]

@@grrinc it's good to hear that Father and Son are both skilled trades men. If your Son has learned skilled work from you, then hopefully one day he will pass on his skills. As a man who worked with children in a school, I found that technology lessons; woodworking/metalwork etc were being stopped. The new computer aided design machines, CAD-CAM were being introduced. This meant that the children would program the machine, and the machine would do all the physical work. I send my kind regards to yourself and your son. Keep those great skills alive.👍👍

[@grrinc]

@@johncanna7856 What a lovely comment, thank you so much.

[@cv-edf1023]

Neat! 👍

[@robinabbott5781]

When I learned this as apprentice this was called weather struck and tuck pointing in London

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Tks for the comment. The Wigging style is very similar to tuck pointing but different as the stopping mortar and the ribbon is applied first and the colour applied up to the ribbon. This style is unique to Ireland.

[@AmyWinehouse.914]

Easier to rake out the old joints and the flush in the red cement so it's all one colour then mark out the joints and fill with the lime as opposed to putting the red cement on after....here in the UK we call it tuck pointing.

[@billholland3939]

How much is that pm² this day and age

[@denniscarvell1828]

Why not after rankings out old mortar, fill joint with a coloured mortar to match brickwork, with a centre key line ,then place the mortar pin line ,incorporating an adhesive in the pin line mortar as per way shown

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Tks for the comment. The method you suggest is tuck pointing which is an English style. The finish however is very similar. Wigging pointing is an historic style of pointing unique to Ireland .

[@mrmotorvator5151]

I did this when I lived in Australia...we called it TUCK pointing

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Yes, it's very similar difference being the colour is applied last (ie up to the ribbon) which makes it a lot more time consuming.

[@cliveclapham6451]

Ahhhh! So that’s how they do that👍🎯

[@dickjones522]

Looks good. Is the chimney stack part of the same building. If so how come it's been pointed with a flush finish.

[@petertaylor6384]

It almost looks faster to lay brick. I can't see this being as strong as tuck pointing because there seems to be unnecessary layers. Lovely result in the end though

[@jimmyofriel170]

Hi Peter, thanks for your comments and would add that that Wigging Pointing remains in place today one some of the Georgian buildings around Dublin is therefore testamount to its longevity. Am sure this is the case for Tuck Pointing too. Regards

[@markanderson6969]

Isnt this tuck pointing?,looks nice whats your mix?

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Hi Mark, thanks for the comment. Have a look at our other video Historic Pointing in Ireland (see link below). This finish on Wigging and Tuck Pointing is exactly the same however the application differs. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJK3g4OdmJqiick

[@2_shoes]

Wow what a really informative film, great quality of work as well 👏

[@jonmould2946]

@@oldstoneconservation9938 I'm going to try this soon however is there a reason they don't put the red on first?

[@andrewmorrissey8478]

@@jonmould2946 I think if the wigging mortar went on first , it would get stained by the ribbon being applied after. What u reckon 🤷‍♂️

[@jonmould2946]

@@andrewmorrissey8478 thanks for your reply I would like put the red on first as painting around would take forever! Unless there is a reason they're doing that.

[@deanaitchison3058]

That would possibly be the most backwards way to achieve that result, In Australia we call that tuckpoining, it can also be done in a lime morter, But we would put the colour morter in first and then the tuck line, much better results and half the work

[@adrianduggan4739]

I think this method is preferred in Ireland because of how it wears down over time, the ribbon line is reinforced with the coloured mortar in either side which means more even wear and tear

[@jonathanpattison5108]

class job but wouldn't it have been easier if you'd have coloured the base mortar before you did the tuck pointing ?

[@donohoe71]

Fascinating. True craftsman. Good job we are getting lots of skilled men coming over in Dover, should bring the price down

[@benllewellyn1887]

Only problem is the cost. Looks good though 👌

[@kubinka879]

This pointing is very common in the North of England.

[@mohamedsheik4589]

Must cost a fortune?

[@manfat5183]

Best throw away my bit of hose pipe..🤑🤑🤑🤑

[@jasonbond5584]

Where do you start in pricing a job like this 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@kingsrd1]

High!

[@stevelake3541]

Think of a high number and treble it only heritage could afford this type of splendour

[@thunder131]

Lime is a major pain so delicate and messy in bad weather, I always recommend using 1 snow Crete in the mix accelerates setting and is allowed to be used in heritage work, Makes sense aye

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Tks for your comnebt. All this work is done on heritage buildings where lime, with its ability to breathe, is the only mortar that can be considered.

[@thunder131]

@@oldstoneconservation9938 If you got thousands to throw at a job and maybe see it crumble away so be it . Keeps us in WORK . LOL

[@m101ist]

@@oldstoneconservation9938 lime render is best to render stone work than cement render. 😳

[@leebrown4049]

The problem with cement is it sets from a chemical reaction and lime sets through a re carbonation process and it allows the joint to breath cement doesn't and you would never be allowed use it in my line of work in historical restoration.

[@thunder131]

@@IsntThisAStupidName I was relating to new build ....sometimes its has to be done the lime way......lol

[@YouKnowTheDance]

That must take forever

[@TT-rx8hm]

10 years to point a house

[@markgould9259]

When brickie is cutting along his level he should have the bubble at the bottom

[@KingL4200]

This wigging pointing is basically a really long process tuck pointin🙄

[@jimford6901]

I tuck point the original and proper way. This is madness 😂

[@regina2130]

Very impressive craftsmanship but I cant help thinking there would be little demand for this. It looks so much more labour intensive that it must surely bump the price right up.

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Tks for the comment Vinny. You're correct in that it is more labour intensive and hence more costly. The demand comes from the requirement (in Ireland) to reinstate to the historic detail.

[@jonh2469]

A good example of this own a building is 10 downing street

[@bobwhelk2117]

Your forgot 2 more steps: find tools, & clean up mess

[@karloflaherty]

I'm sure wigging is a Dublin bricklayers term , I'm a Dublin bricklayer and would love to learn it

[@karloflaherty]

@@IanIan-cj7dj @ bacon restorations do great work in Dublin too

[@Hammertime054]

Pukka👍👍👍👍👍

[@keithwynne3038]

Outstanding work but by Jaysus is it tedious

[@cantonese5030]

Looks great but the wigging bit

[@leeferguson2140]

I would not have the patience for this

[@KpxUrz5745]

i prefer the old fashioned mortar, just reapplied where it needs. There is a nice unmechanical look to old varying mortar.

[@scottlewis7893]

Day rate only ! That takes some patients

[@4NK8A]

Tuck pointing you mean...far easier to fill first with colored mortar . Andy , retired .

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Tks Andy. Yes, tuck pointing produces a similar end product but involves colour being installed first then the ribbon. The Wigging style of pointing with the stopping mortar inserted first followed by the ribbon and colour is an historic style unique to Ireland.

[@user-lp3uu9ir4h]

It’s tuck pointing

[@nickmail7604]

Only the bog trotters would complicate something simple.

[@chrismajor69]

Must cost a fortune !

[@derryjones1029]

Looks enough to drive a man insane😂

[@markopolo5695]

Very expensive nowadays

[@oldstoneconservation9938]

Yes, it can be quite expensive to undertake.