Hi, I have just made up some mortar to replace a few bricks, but after a 4/1 ratio - the mortar is a lot darker than the old. I have used normal builders sand from travisperkins. I did see that they had plastering sand and play pit sand. Is it possible I can add in one of these sands as part of the 4. so 1 part play pit sand 3 parts builders sand; so this could lighten the mortar? Any suggestions or tips greatly welcome. Paul
Wet mortar will always look darker until it dries, best to compare at that point. You could do a few trial joints with different sands, even add a bit of lime and compare when dry.
You can get a sample of the original sand by putting some of the old mortar in brick acid, which will leave you with the sand.