Pale coloured cement

[Russell]

I want to build a small wall in the garden, for a raised bed, using recycled buff coloured concrete blocks.  Portland cement is very dark - is there an alternative that is paler in colour that won't stand out?  Not sure it warrents the expense of lime based mortar.

Ta

R

[Little Jim]

You can buy white OPC, and it really is just about white, although not the dazzling white that the washing powder manufacturers strive for.  The colour of the mortar will also be affected by the sand that you use so if you want "very white" you will need to look for a pale sand.

[Ham]

Experiment with different sand, you can make quite a light mix with the right sand

[Aunt Maud]

I'd go with white OPC with a bit of hydrated lime in it for workability, like Little Jim said. If you use lime mortar, it will need to be made with NHL5 lime and will be eroded by the frost over time anyway.

[HeltorChasca]

Use white cement with yellow builders' sand. 1:6 and you will get the correct colour and strength you need.

Or...

Don't bother because it will all go green and manky anyway.

[Moleman76]

Talk to someone who deals with masonry building supplies.  There are colors which can be added to mortar to change the color, might even be able to get close to the color of the blocks.

[Canardly]

Does your local Builders merchant provide washed river sand?