How We Match Original Mortar Color

When you walk through Boston or any of the nearby towns, you’ll see buildings that have been around for over 100 years. These brick homes, churches, and public buildings tell a story, but over time, they need repairs. That’s where we come in.

At JMS Masonry, we specialize in historic masonry restoration. But one thing that really sets us apart is our ability to match the original mortar color - a small detail that makes a big difference.

What Is Mortar, and Why Is Color Important?

Mortar is the gray (or sometimes tan or red) material between bricks or stones. It holds everything together. But it’s not just about function - it also affects how the whole building looks.

If you fix a wall with the wrong color mortar, it sticks out. It can even make the building look patchy or sloppy. Worse, using the wrong type of mortar can damage older bricks.

That’s why getting the mortar color right is one of the most important parts of our work.

How JMS Masonry Matches Historic Mortar

We Study the Original

Before we mix anything, we take a close look at the existing mortar. We study its color, texture, and composition. We ask questions like:

Is it more gray or more tan?
Does it have sand or little stones in it?
Is it smooth or rough?

This helps us understand what the original builders used and how to make something that matches it today.

We Create Custom Mixes

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to mortar color. Every historic building is different. That’s why we custom mix our mortar for each job.

We combine sand, lime, cement, and sometimes pigments until the color is just right. Then, we test it on small areas of the wall to see how it looks when it dries, because wet mortar always dries lighter!

We Match Mortar Texture Too!

Color is important, but texture matters just as much. Old mortar often has a different feel than modern mixes. It might be gritty or have tiny specks of color. We use tools and ingredients that help us copy that texture, so our repairs blend right in.

Why It Matters for Greater Boston Buildings

Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, and nearby towns are full of historic buildings. Many are made from brick and stone and they all have their own unique mortar color. When someone repairs them with bright white or modern gray mortar, it ruins the historic charm.

If your bricks are spalling or your mortar is crumbling in your historic building, it might be time for a facelift. But that doesn’t mean painting your bricks white or changing the character of your home. A proper historic building restoration can bring your building back to life while keeping its original charm. Think of it as a refreshed version of its glory days!

At JMS Masonry, we know that the details matter. We believe that restoration should honor the original work, not cover it up. Matching mortar color helps buildings keep their historic charm and increases their value.

Trusted by Homeowners and Property Managers In and Around Boston

We’ve worked on all kinds of buildings:

Brownstones in Boston
Historic homes in Brookline
Old chimneys in Cambridge
Stone buildings in Newton

In every project, our goal is the same: restore beauty, preserve history.

Call JMS Masonry for Expert Mortar Matching

If you’re repairing or restoring a historic building, don’t settle for a patch job that doesn’t blend in. Let JMS Masonry bring your brickwork back to life with custom mortar that matches perfectly.

📍 Serving the Greater Boston area

📞 Contact us today to book a free consultation

🧱 See the difference expert mortar matching makes