Replacing mortar in patio

Martyn_H

Hi

About a month ago I replaced some mortar that had cracked. I used a mix of:
1 x cement, 2 x soft sand, 1 x sharp sand. The mortar dried out to a light grey colour, which was acceptable.

Yesterday I repaired another area of the patio using the same mix but it dried a lot darker *and* had a shiny sheen to it. I was careful to measure out the sand etc and used clean water.

I would be most grateful if someone could show me where I went wrong.

Thank you.

andrew-b

Not really an answer to your question..but have you thought about using a bag of ready-mixed mortar where you just add water. I've been using Wickes Patch Repair and Pointing mortar all over the house as its cheaper (at least for small quantities) than having to have separate bags of sand and cement on the go. It gives a light grey colour like you require. Mixing up by just adding water to the amount you require is far simpler and less messy and gives a more consistent result.

Did you use the same bags of sand as bags of sand can vary in colour (some bags of sharp sand i bought from B&Q on one day were completely different colours to others i bought a few days later)?

Andy

d900

i sorting my patio this weekend.
whicks do a big rectangle tub of some stuff u just spread around the patio and sweep it down the holes and then it sets

no water no mess the holes need to be 25mm deep and reasonably clean
and the slabs need to be atleast 5mm apart.

El_Sid_III

If you finish the joint with wet mortar (ie you rub it smooth) you bring water and cement to the surface, which will give you a lighter colour. If you joint up with drier mortar it will dry darker.

A bricklayer will always try to not joint brickwork when the joints are too wet because of this, as it looks like different mixes of mortar have been use.

Martyn_H

@ andrew-b
I spoke to a colleague at work and he recommended Wickes as it drys to a light colour.

@ El Sid III
This colleague also backed up what you said.

Thanks for all your replies!