We created a mosaic in our new patio, mixing colorant into the mortar in which we set the stones. It’s dry now and it looks like some “cream” came to the top, or something, because the mortar hardly looks colorized, but I can see in one place, where I dabbed on the mortar as the whole thing was drying, that the mortar DID in fact darken.
Is there any way, now that it’s dry, to get rid of that “cream” and expose the darker mortar that I’m guessing is underneath?
Thanks!
Replies
Give it a good scrub. Maybe start with a stiff fiber brush, but be prepared to go to a wire brush.
"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Not sure what sort of mix you used, but it sounds like it was too wet and some portland and or lime floated on the water. Try scrubbing a small spot with mild acid solution and rinsing.
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Try scrubbing with a wire brush. If that doesn't do it, muriatic should do the trick. You can buy this at a mason's supply store or brickyard. Make sure and follow the directions - its nasty stuff.
Most places that sell mason supplies have sealers that will darken the mortar.
Put it on with a garden pump sprayer.
Matt
Also at a mason's supply or brickyard you will find non-acid cleaners that will do a better job of removing what sounds like the efflorescence you may have on your colored mortar.
After cleaning and drying add a sealer as mentioned above.
Be sure to pass your problem question by the counter man at the brickyard, he may also have some sugestions.
.............Iron Helix
As others have said, a good scrub, and a mild acid wash if the scrubbing alone doesn't work. Don't overdo the acid -- try a small area and let it dry for a week to see if the desired effect is achieved.