Had to remove some bricks to replace a window. My problem is coloring the mortar so the patch won’t pop out too bad.
Existing mortar is strange stuff. From a distance, the weathered outside looks a light gray-buff, purple. Up close it has a red cast. Unweathered mortar looks more purple.
I’ve got some Quikrete colors on the way, but not sure how I am going to get the right color with what I have available.
Any suggestions?
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Replies
go to a masonry supply co., and get their color
charts / samples.or look under masonry restoration
a few companies around here in Va. make a rainbow
of colors in masonry cements ,usally special order and
about twice the price of a bag of reg. cement or you can
mix your own if you have the time , after 27 years trying to
do it ,I havnt quite got it right though.
How old is your building?
Mortar color in the past used to be determined by the source of the sand used as well as other local ingredients. There are a couple of restoration guys on here that might weigh in on this.
The house was built in the early 1980's.
Go to a brick yard and get some red mortar dye. Add it to what ever type mortar you are going to use. You'll have to experiment 'til you get the right mix. Remember that it dries lighter.
One trick is to lay the brick with the mis you think is closest, but rake the joints back 3/4" or so. Let it set and see if the color is good. If it is, tuck point the joints. If not, adjust the mix and then tuck point.
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Thanks to everyone for the advice.