The Process of Brick Matching: 3 rules of Brick Matching….

Rule #1: FINDING THE BRICK

Are the brick still made today? If yes, is it still made at the same plant that the original brick came from? Manufacturers from time to time have to change which plant they make the brick at although they still call it the same name, type, and size. This, at times, can cause a change in color. Just be sure to get a current sample first. There are many variables brick plants have to deal with. Anyone of these variables can affect the color from run to run. Again, getting a current sample is important. Should the run still be off in color, we can help!

If the bricks are not made anymore, ask your local distributor to do a search. The actual brick could be sitting somewhere!

Rule #2: BLENDING

First, look at other manufacturers that might have a brick that is close or can possibly work up a combination of different brick to blend together. Blending the brick to achieve the right range is good as long as you find the right colors to blend.

Two mistakes that often happen are that the size of the brick vary and the overall percentage and placement of colors do not match up with the existing wall. First, check that the face height, length and bed depth of the brick are compatible in size to each other. Percentage of color and placement is also important. For example, in a 3 or 4-way color blend, maybe 2 or 3 of the colors are very close but the 3rd or 4th are off – you will still have a bad match. The right percentage mix of colors and how they are spaced in the wall is the key to matching. As always, Masonry Revival LLC can add color to whatever blend to get a great match.

There are several brick manufacturers that are willing and able to make special runs of brick to try and match your building but sometimes they don’t succeed. If they don’t get close enough and you want it closer, we can add the final touch! We partner with brick manufacturers all of the time.

When the first two rules are exhausted we can pursue….

Rule #3: STAINING

Find a donor brick matching the texture and size as close as possible. Next, pick the closest color available. The less brick we have to correct the less it will cost to change it. We never use the word “perfect” but we get really close depending on the donor brick selected and if the mortar is matched. For example, in a wall with a modular sized brick, the mortar represents 18 – 20% of the total wall which has a major effect on the brick color that it borders and the overall color of the wall.

Our greatest advantage is “placement”. We can choose where the colors go. We can have the same color touch, not touch, stair step…. actually do what the wall is doing.