Jointing methods

Description

Dug joints can make various motifs in the coating, typically in imitation of jointed stone or brick.
Jointing can begin two days after set, dug with the aid of a tool, chemin de fer.
They can be left hollow (English style, generally associated with exteriors) or refilled with a white plaster (French Style, more in keeping with interiors). In the latter case, the entire surface is recut with a sharpened berthelet, large chemin de fer or sanded after thoroughly drying (80 grit) ensuring clean white joints.
Sometimes only horizontal joints are cut usually left hollow.

Horizontal joints can be dug by machine.
Chalk line the entire pattern before starting to dig in order to ensure proper distribution of the joints.
Apart from traditional stuc pierre or stuc brique applications, many designs are possible with curved joints or even dug motifs refilled with white plaster, tinted to match the background or a contrasting color. In this way flat surfaces can be created with contrast in design utilizing various colors. If the motifs are left hollow or “intaglio”, a contrasting sunken relief of the same color is created.