Achieving Perfect Mortar Color Consistency in Large Masonry Projects

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Large-scale masonry projects present several challenges, including the use of pigment. To maintain the correct color across an entire wall, home or other work, you need to consider several factors, including your masonry cement and moisture. 

Your Guide to Achieving Color Consistency in Masonry Work

For a uniform color, consider the following:

The Product

A quality product from a reliable manufacturer delivers the same color batch after batch, so you can be confident there are no color variations in the cement. A trustworthy manufacturer can also match colors precisely to your project.

Your Conditions

The best way to create a consistent look is to document all conditions and keep them consistent with every batch of masonry cement. Examine the moisture content, slump and cement type, and try to get the mixture consistent so you can apply evenly and keep the color consistent. Complete masonry work in similar temperatures and humidity levels, whenever possible, to maintain mortar color consistency.

Workability and Mixing

Keeping water-to-cement ratios and admixture consistent can create a more attractive and durable project. Be sure to choose the lowest water-to-cement ratio possible for your grade of project to make the product easier to distribute and keep colors consistent. Even the time the masonry cement spends in the mixer can affect the final appearance, so try to make your process as uniform as possible. 

Your Technique

Limiting water exposure ensures accurate color matching and maintains mortar color uniformity. To avoid moisture, trowel only as necessary to avoid creating a weakened surface by pulling water to the top. Re-temper yiour mortar as little as possible. When curing, ensure there is enough drainage and air circulation, and protect the project from rain and humidity as much as possible. Choose sealants that allow moisture to escape.

Why Choose Workrite Cements?

Workrite is one of the few American-owned manufacturers of colored masonry cement and related products. We manufacture our products at our Thomasville, PA plant.

Our pre-blended formulas meet or exceed all relevant ASTM standards for each specific mortar type, and make your work easier by saving you time, reducing errors and ensuring blueprint adherence. Designed to offer consistent quality and durability across batches, our masonry cements come in various color shades, and our team can also provide custom color formulas tailored to your project needs.

Contact Us for More Information

Our specialists can help you as you develop color control systems for your masonry projects. We offer a range of 60 standard colors and custom formulations for every job. Contact us to speak with a local specialist.