Where mortar joints are to pointed after brickwork is completed, the joints are first raked out cleanly to a depth of at least 1.5 cm (for instance, using a small slab of wood). At a later stage the mortar grout is added and all air pockets are eliminated. The joints should be flush with the outer surface of the masonry. It is advisable to use a pointing tool made of stainless steel, in order to prevent metal corrosion as much as possible.