Using mortar tone - which sand

markyyyyyy · 24 Mar 2024

I have decided to use standard mortar mix for pointing my patio purely from a cost point of view

I’m adding some everbuild mortar tone to the mix to give it a bit of colour

Is it best to use building sand at a ratio of 3:1 sand:cement (with a bit of mortar tone)? Or sharp sand?

Am I correct in saying that I only need a small amount of water to make damp but not wet?

Cheers

Bonni · 24 Mar 2024

markyyyyyy said:
I have decided to use standard mortar mix for pointing my patio purely from a cost point of view

I’m adding some everbuild mortar tone to the mix to give it a bit of colour

Is it best to use building sand at a ratio of 3:1 sand:cement (with a bit of mortar tone)? Or sharp sand?

Am I correct in saying that I only need a small amount of water to make damp but not wet?

Cheers

Below dpc and on a roof, 3:1 is the correct ratio. Above dpc, 5:1 is adequate.

A repointing mix has to be drier than a bricklaying mix, otherwise you will smudge your bricks. If you use a mortar gun, follow the guidance on using lime, otherwise the mortar won't come out.

I won't supply exact detail, because, it's a DIY forum, so love and learn but hopefully I've pointed you in a better direction.

robinbanks · 25 Mar 2024

Bonni said:
because, it's a DIY forum

That's exactly why you should supply exact detail, otherwise your contributions aren't really any more helpful than "pay a trade to do it"

robinbanks · 25 Mar 2024

markyyyyyy said:
Is it best to use building sand at a ratio of 3:1 sand:cement (with a bit of mortar tone)? Or sharp sand?

Make a few test batches at different mix ratios (and use a weighing scale / teaspoon measure) and let them cure a long time before deciding which to go for. Round my way building and sharp sand are completely different colours and this has an impact on the end result

opps · 25 Mar 2024

robinbanks said:
Make a few test batches at different mix ratios (and use a weighing scale / teaspoon measure) and let them cure a long time before deciding which to go for. Round my way building and sharp sand are completely different colours and this has an impact on the end result

And building sand varies massively in colour depending on the supplier.

A mate of mine is an extremely good pointer over the years he has got to know which retailers sell the colour of building sand that he wants.

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Using mortar tone - which sand

markyyyyyy

Bonni

robinbanks

robinbanks

opps

DIYnot Local

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