Builders sand too yellow for repointing (instead of grey)

[Coniferman]

I have a couple of little repairs to some pointing to do. I have bought builders sand from Homebase and Wickes. I have tried different mixes with the cement, eg, 4:1, 3:1 even 2:1 (to test the colour) but it comes out very yellow. I just want (what I call) a standard modern medium grey colour. Looking at B+Q website they have "Diall building sand" which looks more grey on the website. As they are not exactly local can anyone suggest if that might be what I need or am I missing something? ( I appreciate I won't get a perfect match but yellow v grey is too far out)

 

[Notch7]

Go to your local builders yard and ask them

They will source their sand from a local quarry, sometimes more than one, or a different merchant might buy from a different quarry.

Beware though that the little bags of sand might just be bought in by the pallet from a different supplier.

Also mortar changes colour a fair bit once its dry -have you let your test dry fully?

 

[Coniferman]

Go to your local builders yard and ask them

They will source their sand from a local quarry, sometimes more than one, or a different merchant might buy from a different quarry.

Beware though that the little bags of sand might just be bought in by the pallet from a different supplier.

Also mortar changes colour a fair bit once its dry -have you let your test dry fully?

Thanks yes, it had a few days to dry.

This is the stuff I'm currently using. You can see how yellow it is.

https://www.homebase.co.uk/building-sand-maxipack_p921236

I had another brand before that was very similar. I did some work on another job where it didn't matter being yellow.

B+Q looks more grey on the website, but without actually seeing it who knows?

https://www.diy.com/departments/diall-building-sand-large-bag/35706_BQ.prd

 

[^woody^]

Just get some red sand from somewhere.

 

[Coniferman]

Just get some red sand from somewhere.

ok, thanks!

 

[oldbutnotdead]

You can get cement dye- Google it