Video Guide: How to Tint Mortar 🎥🧱
Mortar tinting has become an increasingly popular technique for homeowners, builders, and property professionals who want to refresh brickwork without the disruption and cost of repointing or rebuilding. Whether you’re dealing with mismatched repairs, faded joints, or a full brick makeover, learning how to tint mortar properly can transform the appearance of a property while keeping the structure intact.
This written guide supports the accompanying video and walks through the what, why, and how of mortar tinting in a clear, practical way. It is designed for UK conditions, materials, and expectations, with realistic costs shown in pounds (£).
If you’re following along with the video, this article works as a reference point you can return to at any stage of the process.
For further background on professional brick and mortar colour matching, you can visit:
https://www.brickmakeover.co.uk/
What Is Mortar Tinting?
Mortar tinting is the process of applying a specialist colourant to existing mortar joints so that they blend with surrounding brickwork. Rather than removing old mortar and replacing it, tinting alters the visible colour while leaving the original mortar in place.
This method is particularly useful when:
- New repairs stand out against older mortar
- Mortar has weathered unevenly over time
- Brick cleaning has exposed colour differences
- Extensions or patch repairs don’t visually match the main building
Unlike paint, mortar tints are designed to soak into the surface, maintaining breathability and avoiding a flat or artificial finish.
Why Mortar Colour Matters More Than You Think
Mortar often accounts for up to 20% of a brick wall’s visible surface area, which means its colour has a huge impact on how the building looks overall.
A small mismatch can:
- Make repairs obvious from a distance
- Reduce kerb appeal
- Lower perceived property value
- Make brickwork look patchy or unfinished
When mortar colour is consistent, brickwork appears cleaner, sharper, and more intentional. Tinting allows you to correct visual issues without disturbing the structure.
Mortar Tinting vs Repointing
It’s important to understand where mortar tinting fits compared to traditional repointing.
| Aspect | Mortar Tinting | Repointing |
|---|---|---|
| Structural change | None | Removes and replaces mortar |
| Disruption | Minimal | High (dust, noise, mess) |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Time required | Hours to days | Days to weeks |
| Visual correction | Yes | Yes |
| Fixes failing mortar | No | Yes |
Mortar tinting is not a structural repair. If mortar is crumbling, loose, or missing, repointing is necessary first. Tinting is best used when the mortar is sound but visually inconsistent.
When Is Mortar Tinting the Right Choice?
Mortar tinting is particularly effective in the following situations:
- 🧱 Patch repairs that don’t match existing joints
- 🏠 Extensions built with similar bricks but different mortar
- 🌦️ Weathered mortar that has lightened over time
- 🧼 Brick cleaning that has exposed colour variation
- 🏘️ Period properties where full repointing would be invasive
If the joints are intact and dry, tinting can dramatically improve appearance without altering the character of the building.
Tools and Materials Used for Mortar Tinting
The video demonstrates each of these in action, but it’s helpful to understand what’s involved before starting.
Typical Materials
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mortar tint solution | Provides the colour |
| Clean water | Dilution and surface prep |
| Small brushes | Controlled application |
| Spray bottle | Light dampening of joints |
| Gloves | Protects hands from staining |
| Dust sheets | Protects paving and surfaces |
Mortar tints are typically water-based and designed to penetrate rather than coat. This allows moisture to pass through the wall as intended.
Preparing the Mortar Before Tinting
Preparation is one of the most important stages and is often where results are made or ruined.
Step 1: Check the Condition
Mortar should be:
- Solid and bonded
- Free from dust and loose material
- Not actively crumbling
Any failing mortar should be repaired before tinting.
Step 2: Clean the Joints
Light brushing or gentle washing removes surface dirt that could block absorption. Avoid harsh acids or pressure washing immediately before tinting.
Step 3: Allow to Dry
Mortar should be dry but not bone dry. Slightly porous mortar absorbs tint more evenly.
Understanding Colour Matching 🎨
Colour matching mortar is more complex than it first appears. Mortar colour is influenced by:
- Sand type
- Cement content
- Age and weathering
- Exposure to sunlight
- Moisture levels
A tint is usually applied in layers, gradually building colour until the desired shade is reached. This avoids over-darkening and keeps the finish natural.
Common Mortar Tones in the UK
| Mortar Shade | Typical Property Type |
|---|---|
| Light buff | Modern builds, southern England |
| Mid grey | Post-war housing |
| Dark grey | Urban and industrial areas |
| Cream / off-white | Period and heritage properties |
| Brown / earth tones | Rural cottages |
Applying the Mortar Tint (Video Walkthrough Summary)
The video guide demonstrates the process clearly. Below is a written breakdown to follow alongside it.
1. Test a Small Area First
Always apply tint to an inconspicuous area. Allow it to dry fully before judging colour.
2. Apply in Thin Coats
Using a small brush, work the tint into the mortar joint. Avoid touching the brick faces as much as possible.
3. Let It Dry Between Layers
Mortar often dries lighter than it looks when wet. Build colour slowly.
4. Blend Repairs Into Existing Mortar
Feather the edges so repaired sections fade naturally into older joints.
5. Final Set and Inspection
Once fully dry, check consistency in different lighting conditions.
Drying Times and Weather Conditions ☁️☀️
UK weather plays a big role in mortar tinting success.
| Condition | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Rain forecast | Delay application |
| Direct sunlight | Work in shaded areas |
| Frost risk | Avoid entirely |
| Ideal temperature | 8°C – 20°C |
Tinting in poor conditions can lead to patchiness or uneven absorption.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though mortar tinting is straightforward, a few common mistakes can spoil results:
- ❌ Applying tint to wet mortar
- ❌ Using too much tint in one coat
- ❌ Skipping colour testing
- ❌ Rushing drying times
- ❌ Treating tint like paint
Patience and subtlety always produce better results.
How Long Does Mortar Tinting Last?
When done properly, mortar tinting is long-lasting. Because the tint penetrates the surface rather than sitting on top, it doesn’t peel or flake.
Typical lifespan:
- 10–15 years in normal conditions
- Longer on sheltered elevations
- Slight fading may occur over time, similar to natural mortar ageing
Cost Considerations (UK)
While this guide focuses on technique rather than pricing services, it’s useful to understand the financial context.
Typical Cost Ranges
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Mortar tint materials | £25 – £60 |
| Brushes and tools | £10 – £30 |
| Professional application (per elevation) | £300 – £800 |
| Full property visual correction | £1,000 – £2,500 |
Tinting is often significantly cheaper than repointing, which can run into several thousand pounds depending on access and scale.
DIY vs Professional Mortar Tinting
| Factor | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | Lower | Higher |
| Time investment | High | Low |
| Colour accuracy | Variable | Very high |
| Risk of patchiness | Medium | Low |
| Suitable for large areas | No | Yes |
Small touch-ups can be tackled confidently with care. Larger or highly visible areas often benefit from experience and trained colour matching.
Using the Video Guide Effectively 📺
To get the most out of the video:
- Watch once fully before starting
- Pause at each stage during application
- Compare your test patch at different times of day
- Take your time — results improve with patience
The video and this guide together are designed to give clarity, confidence, and realistic expectations.
Where Mortar Tinting Adds the Most Value
Mortar tinting is especially effective for:
- Property sales preparation
- Heritage-style renovations
- Visual correction after building work
- Improving kerb appeal without major works
Small visual improvements often create a disproportionate positive impact on how a building is perceived.
Expanding or Adjusting the Finish Later
One advantage of mortar tinting is flexibility. If the shade needs adjusting later:
- Additional layers can be applied
- Tone can be subtly warmed or cooled
- Localised areas can be corrected
This makes it a forgiving and adaptable technique.
Mortar Tinting on Older and Period Properties 🏡
Older buildings often present unique challenges when it comes to mortar colour. Lime-based mortars, hand-mixed sands, and decades of weathering mean that no two properties age in exactly the same way. Mortar tinting works particularly well on period homes because it allows visual correction without erasing character.
Instead of aiming for a “brand new” look, the goal is usually to harmonise variations. Slight tonal differences are often desirable on heritage properties, as they preserve authenticity. Tinting can soften harsh repairs, reduce contrast, and create a more unified appearance while still respecting the building’s age.
Care should be taken to avoid over-darkening older mortar, especially where joints have softened over time. Subtle, layered application is key.
Breathability and Moisture Movement Explained 💧
One of the biggest concerns homeowners have is whether tinting mortar will trap moisture. When done correctly, mortar tinting does not compromise breathability.
Mortar is designed to allow moisture to move through the wall and evaporate. Quality tinting products are vapour-permeable, meaning they soak into the surface rather than forming a sealed layer.
This is particularly important in the UK climate, where:
- Driving rain is common
- Freeze–thaw cycles occur
- Older buildings rely on moisture movement
As long as tinting is applied to sound mortar and not used to mask underlying damp problems, it remains a safe and compatible process.
Colour Perception in Different Lighting Conditions 🌤️
Mortar colour can appear dramatically different depending on light levels, direction, and weather. This is why colour testing and observation are so important.
You may notice:
- Cooler tones in shaded north-facing walls
- Warmer tones in direct sunlight
- Darker appearance when damp
- Lighter appearance once fully dry
A tint that looks perfect at midday might appear slightly different in the evening or on an overcast day. This is completely normal. The aim is consistency across the elevation, not perfection in every lighting condition.
Viewing test areas at multiple times of day helps avoid surprises.
Mortar Tinting After Brick Cleaning 🧼
Brick cleaning often reveals inconsistencies that weren’t previously noticeable. Old soot, algae, and general grime can mask mortar variation for decades.
After cleaning, homeowners sometimes find:
- Patch repairs stand out more clearly
- Original mortar looks lighter than expected
- Extensions appear more obvious
Mortar tinting is frequently used as a follow-up process to brick cleaning, bringing balance back to the façade. By adjusting mortar tone after cleaning, the brickwork can look intentional rather than stark or uneven.
Timing matters here — mortar should be fully dry and settled after cleaning before tinting begins.
Blending New Extensions with Existing Brickwork
Extensions are one of the most common reasons for mortar tinting. Even when reclaimed bricks are used, new mortar almost always contrasts with older joints.
Tinting allows:
- Visual integration of old and new
- Reduced contrast at junctions
- A more cohesive overall appearance
Rather than trying to match new mortar perfectly during construction, tinting provides flexibility afterwards. This means adjustments can be made once everything has dried and weathered slightly, producing a more convincing result.
How Mortar Tinting Ages Over Time ⏳
Mortar tinting doesn’t remain static — and that’s a good thing. Over time, tinted mortar tends to age in a way that mirrors surrounding joints.
You may see:
- Very slight softening of colour
- Natural weathering patterns
- Gradual blending with adjacent mortar
This ageing process helps avoid the “painted-on” look that many people worry about. Because the tint becomes part of the surface rather than a coating, it fades gently rather than failing abruptly.
Periodic inspection is usually all that’s required.
Touch-Ups and Ongoing Maintenance
One advantage of mortar tinting is how easy it is to maintain. If minor repairs are carried out later, those areas can be tinted to match without redoing entire sections.
Good practice includes:
- Keeping a record of the tint shade used
- Testing touch-ups before full application
- Cleaning the area gently before re-tinting
Unlike repointing, there’s no need for heavy tools or structural work when making visual adjustments.
Setting Realistic Expectations 🎯
Mortar tinting is a powerful visual tool, but it works best when expectations are realistic.
It can:
- Greatly improve consistency
- Reduce visual distractions
- Enhance kerb appeal
It will not:
- Repair structural damage
- Make brickwork look brand new
- Hide serious underlying issues
When approached as a refinement rather than a disguise, mortar tinting delivers its best results and often exceeds expectations.