Repointing Colour Match

[DistortedVision]

I just repointed some brickwork on the front of the house. First time I've done repointing.
The colour is incorrect.

I used 4:1 (Sand:Cement) using this:

I wish to chase out the mortar and redo the job to achieve a better colour match. Please advise how to achieve a closer colour match to the existing existing.

 

[noseall]

I just repointed some brickwork on the front of the house. First time I've done repointing.
The colour is incorrect.

View attachment 368824

I used 4:1 (Sand:Cement) using this:



View attachment 368823

I wish to chase out the mortar and redo the job to achieve a better colour match. Please advise how to achieve a closer colour match to the existing existing.

It depends where you live. Quarries in Staffs differ from those darn sarf. Sand and sand colour is a localised headache. Plus you have site batched mixes as well as individual dyed mortars for one offs, supplied by private firms.

We'd make yours up with a mix of local red sand and a bag of Nuneaton sand (browny-red) and cement. I don't think I've ever used shop bought mortar.
.

 

[DistortedVision]

I want to do this job myself. There are other sections of brickwork on my house that need repointing. I want to learn how to do this myself and not pay a tradesman.

I was thinking maybe I need to try:

2 parts yellow building sand: 2 parts red sand: 1 part white cement

as starting point and try experimenting with different ratios.

I think the cement in the Blue Hawk mix is grey.

I am a novice DIYer.

 

[noseall]

I was thinking maybe I need to try:

2 parts yellow building sand: 2 parts red sand: 1 part white cement

as starting point and try experimenting with different ratios.

I think the cement in the Blue Hawk mix is grey.

I am a novice DIYer.

Sounds like you are savvy.

Just use ordinary cement. The one thing you won't be able to replicate is weathering. Even if you match the colour, the new stuff will appear 'richer' than the more washed-out look of the old.

When you want to compare the wet muck you have just mixed with the house mortar joints, throw some water on the existing joints, to give you a better like for like comparison.

Also, when you come to tooling the joints with the jointer, don't overly rub the gear as this will make it appear darker. Don't do it in the frosty weather. Use plasticiser. Always damp down the joints, a short while before adding the gear.

 

[DistortedVision]

I bought some clear disposable cups. I am planning on experimenting with different ratios and see what they look like once cured.

 

[stuart45]

For a sample of the original sand stick a piece of the mortar you've cut out into some brick acid and you'll be left with a sample of the original sand.