Can You Get Coloured Mortar? 🧱🎨
Coloured mortar is not only possible – it’s widely available, increasingly popular, and can make a dramatic difference to the appearance of brickwork. Whether you’re building a new home, repairing a wall, or upgrading the look of an existing property, coloured mortar offers both practical and aesthetic benefits. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know: what coloured mortar is, how it’s made, where it’s used, costs in pounds sterling (£), advantages and disadvantages, maintenance considerations, and how it works alongside modern brick tinting solutions such as those offered by https://www.brickmakeover.co.uk/.
What Is Coloured Mortar?
Coloured mortar is traditional masonry mortar that has been tinted using mineral-based pigments or specially coloured sands. Unlike paint, the colour is mixed throughout the mortar itself, meaning it runs consistently through the joint rather than sitting on the surface.
This makes coloured mortar:
- Long-lasting
- Resistant to fading
- More natural-looking than painted alternatives
It is used in both new builds and restoration projects, from period cottages to modern housing developments.
Why Mortar Colour Matters More Than You Think
Many people focus on bricks and overlook mortar, but mortar typically accounts for 15–20% of a brick wall’s visible surface area. That means its colour has a huge impact on the overall appearance of a property.
Mortar colour can:
- Make bricks stand out or blend together
- Change the perceived size and style of brickwork
- Modernise or soften a building’s look
- Improve visual consistency after repairs
A simple change in mortar tone can completely transform a wall without replacing a single brick 😊.
Common Mortar Colours Available
Coloured mortar is available in a wide range of shades, from subtle traditional tones to bold contemporary colours.
Popular Mortar Colours
| Colour | Typical Use | Visual Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Grey | Modern builds, engineering bricks | Clean, contemporary |
| Light Grey | Soft red or yellow bricks | Brightens brickwork |
| Buff / Cream | Period properties | Warm, traditional |
| Brown | Rustic or heritage bricks | Earthy, natural |
| Red | Matching red brickwork | Seamless appearance |
| Black / Charcoal | Modern architecture | Strong contrast |
| White / Off-White | Decorative brickwork | High contrast, crisp |
Most suppliers can also produce bespoke colours to closely match existing mortar, which is especially useful for repairs or extensions.
How Is Coloured Mortar Made?
Coloured mortar is created by carefully controlling three main components:
1. Cement Colour
- Grey cement gives deeper, muted tones
- White cement allows brighter, cleaner colours
2. Sand Type
Sand naturally affects colour. For example:
- Yellow sand creates warmer tones
- Silver sand creates lighter finishes
3. Pigments
Mineral oxide pigments are added during mixing. These pigments:
- Are UV stable ☀️
- Do not bleed or wash out
- Are compatible with lime and cement mortars
Consistency in measuring and mixing is essential to avoid colour variation across a wall.
Coloured Mortar vs Standard Mortar
| Feature | Standard Mortar | Coloured Mortar |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Basic grey | Customised colour |
| Design flexibility | Limited | High |
| Cost | Lower | Slightly higher |
| Fade resistance | N/A | Excellent |
| Visual impact | Minimal | Significant |
While coloured mortar may cost more initially, many homeowners feel the enhanced appearance justifies the extra spend.
Typical Costs of Coloured Mortar (UK)
Costs vary depending on colour complexity, pigment type, and project size. Below are approximate UK prices:
| Item | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Pigments (per kg) | £8 – £20 |
| Pre-mixed coloured mortar (25kg) | £12 – £25 |
| Standard grey mortar (25kg) | £6 – £10 |
| Professional repointing (per m²) | £50 – £90 |
| Coloured repointing premium | +£5 – £15 per m² |
💷 Prices are indicative and can vary by region and supplier.
Using Coloured Mortar in New Builds
In new construction, coloured mortar is often specified by architects to achieve a particular design outcome. Because all mortar is mixed at the same time, colour consistency is easier to control.
Benefits in new builds include:
- Strong design cohesion
- Minimal colour matching issues
- Clean, uniform finish
Dark mortars are particularly popular in contemporary housing, while buff and cream shades suit traditional designs.
Coloured Mortar for Repairs and Repointing
Repointing with coloured mortar is more challenging than new builds because the new mortar must blend with existing, weathered joints.
Key considerations:
- Existing mortar colour may have faded over time
- Trial panels are essential
- Weather conditions affect drying colour
Professional colour matching is often recommended to avoid patchy or obvious repairs.
Matching Mortar to Existing Brickwork
Getting mortar colour right is just as important as brick colour. Poor matching can make even high-quality brickwork look uneven.
This is where combining coloured mortar with brick tinting can deliver excellent results. For example, https://www.brickmakeover.co.uk/ tint bricks to adjust or restore brick colour, allowing mortar and brickwork to harmonise perfectly without replacement.
This approach is particularly useful when:
- Extensions don’t match the original building
- Bricks have faded or weathered unevenly
- Repairs stand out visually
The result is a more uniform, natural finish 👍.
Lime Mortar and Colour Options
Coloured mortar isn’t limited to cement-based mixes. Lime mortar can also be coloured, although the palette is generally softer and more muted.
Lime Mortar Characteristics
- Breathable
- Flexible
- Ideal for older buildings
Pigments must be lime-compatible, and colours often appear lighter once fully cured.
| Mortar Type | Suitable For | Colour Range |
|---|---|---|
| Cement Mortar | Modern buildings | Wide |
| Lime Mortar | Heritage properties | Subtle, natural |
Does Coloured Mortar Fade Over Time?
High-quality mineral pigments are extremely stable. When correctly mixed and applied, coloured mortar:
- Resists UV fading
- Weathers evenly
- Maintains colour for decades
However, factors that can affect appearance include:
- Pollution
- Efflorescence (white salts)
- Inconsistent mixing
Good workmanship is essential to long-term results.
Maintenance of Coloured Mortar
Coloured mortar requires no special maintenance beyond standard brickwork care.
Best practices include:
- Avoid pressure washing joints aggressively
- Clean gently with appropriate products
- Address cracks early to prevent water ingress
Well-installed mortar can last 50–100 years, depending on exposure and materials used.
Pros and Cons of Coloured Mortar
Advantages ✅
- Enhanced aesthetics
- Custom design options
- Long-lasting colour
- Adds value and kerb appeal
Disadvantages ⚠️
- Slightly higher upfront cost
- Requires skilled application
- More difficult to match in repairs
Is Coloured Mortar Worth It?
For many homeowners, developers, and designers, the answer is yes. The visual impact is significant, and when combined with thoughtful brick colour choices – or brick tinting where needed – the overall result can be transformative.
Rather than replacing bricks, adjusting colour through mortar choice and tinting can be:
- More cost-effective
- Less disruptive
- More environmentally friendly 🌍
Final Thoughts
So, can you get coloured mortar? Absolutely. From subtle heritage tones to bold contemporary contrasts, coloured mortar offers enormous flexibility for both new builds and renovations. When chosen and applied correctly, it enhances brickwork, complements architecture, and delivers a long-lasting, professional finish.
When mortar colour alone isn’t enough to achieve consistency, brick tinting solutions such as those available from https://www.brickmakeover.co.uk/ can work alongside coloured mortar to create a seamless, natural-looking result without the need for brick replacement.
If you’re planning a brickwork project, taking the time to consider mortar colour could be one of the smartest design decisions you make 🧱✨.
Can You Change Mortar Colour After It’s Set?
Once mortar has fully cured, its colour cannot be changed in the same way as wet mortar. Painting mortar is generally discouraged, as it can trap moisture and lead to deterioration over time. However, visual balance can still be improved without removal.
In cases where mortar colour clashes with brickwork, adjusting the surrounding brick tones can reduce contrast and make joints appear more subtle. This is particularly useful for walls where mortar is structurally sound but visually distracting. Colour harmony is often more effective than total replacement, especially on large elevations 😊.
Does Mortar Colour Affect Property Value?
While mortar colour alone won’t determine a property’s value, it plays a clear role in kerb appeal, which directly influences buyer perception. Poorly matched or patchy mortar can make brickwork look tired, even if the structure is sound.
Conversely, well-chosen coloured mortar:
- Makes brickwork look cleaner
- Enhances architectural features
- Gives an impression of quality workmanship
First impressions matter, and mortar is a surprisingly influential detail 🏡.
Planning Permission and Mortar Colour
In most cases, changing mortar colour does not require planning permission. However, exceptions may apply for:
- Listed buildings
- Conservation areas
- Heritage properties
Local authorities often expect repairs to “match existing materials,” which includes mortar colour. Using inappropriate colours on older buildings can result in enforcement action, so checking local guidance before work begins is always sensible.
Weather and Drying Effects on Colour
Mortar colour can look very different when wet compared to when fully cured. Temperature, humidity, and exposure all influence the final shade.
Key points to remember:
- Mortar dries lighter than it looks when applied
- Cold or damp conditions slow curing
- Rapid drying can cause uneven tones
Experienced installers account for these factors to ensure consistent results across the entire wall 🌦️.
Choosing the Right Mortar Colour: Practical Tips
When selecting a mortar colour, consider these practical guidelines:
- View samples outdoors, not indoors
- Check colour in both sunlight and shade
- Think long-term, not just first impressions
- Match mortar to the overall building, not just one brick
A thoughtful choice now can prevent costly corrections later and ensure your brickwork looks cohesive for decades to come 🧱✨.