I am trying to match a cement grout for stone patio to same color as my decomposed granite walkway color. I tried mixing grey cement with decomposed granite as aggregate in various ratios to make the grout (1:2, 1:3) but all are just grey. Would white portland cement (more $$$) work better or still be no match? I am afraid to try the cement color pigments cause I know I will never get it right. The decomposed granite is a light brownish color. They call it quot;orangequot; but that's probably because we are in central Texas and everyone near UT thinks everything is orange. Any help?
The cement color works but a number of small trials are required to get it just correct. The trials need to be made with an adequate size so the components can be measured accurately and reproduced when the sample color is developed. Even after you think you have the correct color, try your proportions once more with a slightly larger sample to verify the correct ratio has been selected. As you are aware the wet color is different than the dried color. I would start with the cheaper cements and only go up in costs if you are not coming up with the color you want. You may want to try using mixtures of different sand colors if the granite is not getting you to the color you want. This definitely is a trial and error project. You may want to go slightly to the darker side of a match in that as the new grout weathers it will lighten slightly. After the grout weathers a very thin mix of cement and pigment can be mixed up and the joints can be painted with the blend. If bad goes to worse you may want to paint all the joints to make them consistent. I have used Liquid Cement Color by Quikrete which I got at Lowes, it was a bear but finally came up with an acceptable match.
