Matching a brick effectively requires careful attention to several factors beyond just color. Here's how to approach the process:
Step-by-Step Guide to Brick Matching
Matching bricks involves more than simply finding a brick that looks similar. It's a process that combines sourcing, blending, and sometimes even modification, as outlined below.
1. Search for the Brick
- Begin by actively searching for the original brick or a close match. This might involve contacting local brickyards or suppliers.
2. Blend Brick Colors
- Often, a perfect match isn't readily available. To compensate, try blending different brick colors to achieve the desired tone. This involves mixing several bricks together to achieve a better overall match to the existing wall.
3. Stain if Needed
- If blending doesn’t provide an exact match, you can apply a stain to subtly alter the color of the new bricks, moving them closer to the existing color. Remember, it’s easier to darken a light brick.
4. Consider Placement
- The placement of the brick can affect how well the brick matches. For example, strategically place slightly mismatched bricks to blend with existing irregularities.
5. Choose Lighter When Tinting
- When preparing for tinting, start with a brick that is slightly lighter than the target as you can always darken the color.
6. Match Mortar
- Don't neglect the mortar. Matching the mortar color and joint style is just as crucial as matching the brick itself. The appearance of the mortar dramatically affects how the overall wall looks.
Practical Insights
| Step | Action | Why It's Important |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Search | Locate the closest brick available | The foundation of a match is finding something close to start with. |
| Color Blending | Mix various bricks to achieve an overall match | Perfect matches are rare; blending allows you to get a close match. |
| Tinting | Modify with stain | Stain allows for minor color corrections. |
| Placement | Strategically place bricks | How you place the brick matters for the overall appearance. |
| Lighter Base | Begin with lighter bricks | Easier to darken a light color than lighten a dark color. |
| Mortar Consideration | Pay attention to mortar color and joint style | The overall effect is highly impacted by the mortar. |
By following these steps and paying attention to the details, you can successfully match bricks for repairs or new construction, maintaining a uniform and pleasing appearance.
