Tuckpointing is the operation of finishing joints in brickwork,after the the bricklaying has been completed, the joints having been rough raked to a depth of 10mm during construction. A self coloured mortar is then placed in the raked joint and flushed up. Following this a white line is then superimposed onto the backing and then cut to a uniform width. This type of pointing has been superseded by more permanent joint fashions , but is frequently used on restoration work where the joints are defective and the brick edges have becomes ragged. It is used instead of repointing, as the latter would produce very wide joints. Tuckpointing is of the utmost importance, requiring a high level of skill , not only in the different methods of using the materials, but also in the preparation of materials and walls. Tuckpointing requires good, clean materials and clean, careful workmanship.