How to lighten mortar

Discussion in 'Builders' Talk' started by Paul2978, Jul 14, 2019.

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  1. Paul2978

    Paul2978 New Member

    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
     
    Paul2978, Jul 14, 2019
    #1
  2. ramseyman

    ramseyman Active Member

    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.
     
    ramseyman, Jul 14, 2019
    #2
  3. stuart44

    stuart44 Active Member

    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.
     
    stuart44, Jul 14, 2019
    #3
    KIAB and WillyEckerslike like this.
  4. Paul2978

    Paul2978 New Member

    @ramseyman is the hydralime or haudralic lime? to add to cement mortar?
     
    Paul2978, Jul 14, 2019
    #4
  5. ramseyman

    ramseyman Active Member

    Ordinary builders hydraulic lime
     
    ramseyman, Jul 14, 2019
    #5

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