Method for matching surface texture and color of concrete roofing tiles

A color matched tile for replacing a weathered tile, comprising:

• an acid-etched exterior portion;
• and
• an interior portion disposed beneath the acid-etched exterior portion;
• wherein the acid-etched exterior portion has substantially the same L*, a*, and b* values as does the weathered tile.

A process for matching the color and texture of a new ceramic roofing tile to a weathered tile, comprising:

• m) identifying a weathered tile to be replaced;
• n) cleaning the weathered tile;
• o) treating an unweathered portion of the weathered tile with citric acid;
• p) optically measuring the weathered tile to yield a color determination;
• q) selecting a replacement tile of the same shape as the unweathered tile and the same color as the unweathered portion of the weathered tile;
• r) stripping sealant from the replacement tile;
• s) immersing the replacement tile in a bath of nitric acid;
• t) removing the tile from the bath after a first predetermined period of time to yield an acid-treated replacement tile;
• u) removing residual acid from the acid-treated replacement tile;
• v) adjusting the color of the acid-treated replacement tiles via immersion in a second acid for a second predetermined period of time;
• w) drying the acid-treated replacement tile;
• and
• x) measuring the color of the acid-treated replacement tile;
• wherein the first predetermined period of time is one hour;
• wherein the nitric acid has a concentration of between 0.5N and 1.5N;
• wherein the second acid is selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid;
• and
• wherein the second acid has a concentration of between 0.5N and 1.5N.