Update: I used a different mortar mix on a chimney repair in Duluth and the color cure was way off

I swapped to a pre-blended Type N for speed on a cold day last week, but after it set, the color didn't match the existing brickwork at all, so what's your go-to method for matching old mortar in a pinch?

4 comments

4 Comments

lucasw841mo ago

That Duluth chimney has seen worse than a color mismatch.

taylor_patel1mo ago

Ever try a custom tinted lime mix?

fionam111mo ago

Saw a restoration blog swear by tinted lime for old brick. They said it lets the wall breathe better than modern paint. Honestly seems like a solid fix for keeping the original look.

nathankim14d ago

Yeah, the custom tinted lime mix is the way to go if you want it to look right on old brick. @taylor_patel, just make sure you use a lime-based pigment (not acrylic) or it'll seal the wall up and defeat the whole purpose.