thisplace.com.au - Not Just Bricks, but Mortar

Choosing a mortar colour is an often overlooked key element of brickwork. The use of a different mortar colour can achieve some dramatic results.

For example

if you have already chosen light coloured bricks but are looking for a darker effect, you could choose a darker mortar that could make the overall effect 50 % darker
mortar colour the same colour as the brick can achieve a rendered or block effect, but without the maintenance that a render may require
using a matching mortar colour can feature colours flecked through the brick, such as grey mortar to highlight grey flecks in the brick.

Moreover, achieving uniform colour is as important as choosing the right colour. There are several things you can do to ensure that your brickie achieves the colour you desire on the entire job.

Your brickie should ensure a regular supply of sand, and there should be a similar amount of oxide in each batch he uses in the mortar for your job. This will ensure a uniform mortar colour shovel after shovel. The easiest place to start is to visit a brick selection centre to talk to a Style and Colour consultant.

The big brick companies have a range of displays showing the effect of different mortar colours with various types of bricks to make your selection easier.

Source: Bretts Renovating magazine - March 2001 issue - QLD edition