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stuart45
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There are things like liquid weather, and Steadfast mortar stain, but I've never used them myself, so can't really say how good they are. Our local lime merchant used to stock some of them.
Cubist
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Actually, it is kind of in keeping with traditional practices 'not' to try for a uniform appearance. The contrast between old and newer mortar colours and shades was/is recognised by some 'Heritage' authorities as a hallmark of authenticity. That said, those wishing for a uniform look can, as well as buying products to do the job can also experiment with solutions of say soot, earth or clay mixed in water and tested in small unobtrusive areas for a best match after drying.
stuart45
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There are 2 main methods of matching mortar, and neither is perfect. The one used by the National Trust was to have a mix as close to the original as possible and allow it to weather in. This method obviously takes a long time, and not what most home owners want.
The other method is to use a blend of sands, dyes etc and get a close match to the original within a short period in time. The problem with this method is that over the years the new mortar will change colour.
I've found that if the new mortar is slightly darker than the original, it stands out less than if it's lighter.
The other method is to use a blend of sands, dyes etc and get a close match to the original within a short period in time. The problem with this method is that over the years the new mortar will change colour.
I've found that if the new mortar is slightly darker than the original, it stands out less than if it's lighter.
Lacan07
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As Stuart says choose a darker mix to make sure it doesn't stand out.
When I sent my mortar to Lime Centre for matching they matched for strength and colour but I find it a bit too light unfortunately. I have my suspicions that if I make the mix slightly too wet this also lightens the end result, so I'll probably change it for a darker mix anyway.
Incidentally there's an old house in a town near me that was renovated a few years back and for the large exposed wall on the end the builder deliberately repointed sections of the crumbling brick work with a variety of different coloured mortars and it actually looks bloody good. The effect worked really well.
When I sent my mortar to Lime Centre for matching they matched for strength and colour but I find it a bit too light unfortunately. I have my suspicions that if I make the mix slightly too wet this also lightens the end result, so I'll probably change it for a darker mix anyway.
Incidentally there's an old house in a town near me that was renovated a few years back and for the large exposed wall on the end the builder deliberately repointed sections of the crumbling brick work with a variety of different coloured mortars and it actually looks bloody good. The effect worked really well.
Zebra
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New mortar always stands out like a sore hoof when it's first done. But within a year or two it'll weather in.
As it's already pointed and you just want to reduce the stark difference whilst it weathers have you considered just muting it a bit organically.
You could try something as simple as making some muddy water and applying it with a small brush. It'll scrub off easily if you don't like the effect but may well tone things down enough?
You could try something as simple as making some muddy water and applying it with a small brush. It'll scrub off easily if you don't like the effect but may well tone things down enough?
I had the same problem a long time ago - lots of good suggestions here
Darkening/washing re-pointing?
Hi all, Like an idiot I didn't check the stone used in my lime mortar, and it turned out it was portland. For most of the ashlar it is very thing (2-3mm) and isn't noticeable so I'm happy, however, the chimney was badly worn away from previous cement repointing so required a lot slapping in...
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