how to get mortar bed to look brown

[murphyjl]

Hi
what is the best method of getting mortar beds to look brown. I am project managing my house extension and want the mortar to look brown to match existing. i had bought some cement dye however you are supposed to mix this dye on a 1:10 dye:cement. as the dye costs £9/kg this would cost me £900 for dye even if i went to the hassle of getting the brickies to make up seperate mixes.
I am guessing you must have to buy a differrent colour sand however does anybody know how this is normally done.

 

[noseall]

batches of dyed sand are available and can be bought by the skipful. they also contain lime.

just add cement and water.

 

[^woody^]

If you want brown, ie actual brown, then you will have to buy dyed sand.

If you want brown ie the light brownish colour the mortar usually dries to, then you should just do some sample mixes with the sand from a local merchant to see if you can get a mix the same colour as you are trying to match.