- 1). Brush the areas with the cracked mortar with the steel bristle brush. Remove any debris from the area. You might want to wear a dust mask while doing this, as the job can get pretty dusty.
- 2). Chip away any loose mortar using the masonry chisel and hammer. The goal is to remove as much of the damaged mortar as possible and get down to a stable area without cracks. Wear goggles for this task, as chips of mortar will be flying everywhere.
- 3). Spray the area with water using the garden hose. This will remove any remaining dust and debris and leave a clean surface on which to work. Allow the area to dry completely.
- 4). Mix the new mortar in the bucket with water, following the manufacturer's instructions. Slowly add water as you stir the mixture. When ready, the mixture should be fairly thick, about the consistency of peanut butter.
- 5). Scoop up the mortar with the concrete trowel and "push" the material into the cracks. Fill the cracks completely. To create a round edge, lightly push the jointer into the moist mortar.
- 6). Allow the material to dry, or cure, completely but slowly. If mortar dries too quickly, it can shrink and crack, which defeats all your hard work. To slow the drying process, cover the repaired area with a thin sheet of plastic and tape it into place. Remove the plastic and mist the area with water a couple of times a day to keep it damp. Do not soak the area. Replace the plastic after each misting. After a few days, remove the plastic completely. Using the steel bristle brush or masonry chisel, remove any excess mortar.
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