From dry bag to walkable in about an hour.
The method is simple, but the details make the finish. This is the manufacturer's method, with tips for Australian conditions.
Six steps. No special kit.
You need a bucket, a drill with a paddle mixer, a rubber or neoprene squeegee, a soft brush and a hose with a gentle spray.
Prepare the joints
Paving should be bedded and set. Clear the joints of debris to at least 20mm deep and remove any standing water.
Soak the surface
Pre-wet the paving and joints thoroughly and keep them damp until you finish. This stops the stone drawing water from the grout.
Mix
Pour clean water into the bucket first (see the bag for the amount, about 4.25L per 25kg), then add the powder. Paddle-mix for 3 to 5 minutes until smooth and lump-free.
Pour & work it in
Pour onto the paving and squeegee it into the joints straight away. Keep moving it over the surface to top up any joints that settle.
Squeegee off
Pull off as much surplus as you can and keep the surface moist with a soft mist of water.
Wash clean
When the grout has firmed (press a fingertip in: no print means it's ready), brush and wash the surface with plenty of water until only clean water runs off.
Beat the heat.
Warm weather speeds the set and cool weather slows it. In an Australian summer, plan around the heat.
- Work early morning or late afternoon, out of direct midday sun
- Only mix what you can place in about 4 minutes
- Never remix or add extra water once it starts to stiffen
- Keep the paving damp throughout, and mist it if it starts to dry
- Don't lay it if rain is about to pool on fresh joints
- Store bags cool and dry, between 5°C and 30°C
How many bags do I need?
Enter your area and paver size for an estimate based on Instarmac's yield of about 13.9 litres per 25kg bag.
- Grout per m²
- 0
- Total grout incl. waste
- 0
- Coverage per bag
- 0
- Pallets (56 bags)
- 0
Estimate only. Actual use depends on joint consistency, surface texture and wastage on site.
Questions we get asked.
Does it stain the paving?
Flowpoint washes off the surface once it has firmed in the joints, as long as the paving was pre-wetted and you clean it thoroughly with plenty of water. Porous or textured stone can behave differently, so Instarmac recommends a small trial patch first.
How wide and deep can the joints be?
Flowpoint Fine fills joints 2 to 50mm wide. Flowpoint Smooth and Premium Smooth fill 4 to 50mm. Flowpoint, ECO and Premium fill 5 to 50mm. Every grade needs at least 20mm depth and fills up to 200mm in one application.
Can I use it on a driveway?
Yes. It's designed for trafficked paving, meets BS 7533 and takes vehicles after about 4 hours at 20°C. It reaches 49.6 MPa at 28 days.
What do I do with the washings?
Plan a run-off area before you start. Cement washings must not go down a stormwater drain.
Can I lay it in summer?
Yes, but heat shortens the working time. Work in the cooler parts of the day, keep the surface damp and mix small batches. See the hot-weather tips above.
Is it guaranteed?
Instarmac guarantees its products against defective materials and manufacture. The result on site also depends on the base, bedding and installation, so follow the method and talk to us if you're unsure.
What's the shelf life?
8 months from the date of manufacture on the bag, sealed and stored cool, dry and frost-free.