Creating Rough Render Textures

One easy way to get texture fast is to use a render with a coarse aggregate, such as sand, already mixed in. There are several benefits to this:

1. You’ll save time and money
2. You’ll achieve an even, consistent finish
3. You are less likely to mess it up!

ROCKCOTE’s textured renders come in a range of grades, from coarse to fine. These acrylic-based, flexible renders are easy to use and forgiving for first-timers, so they allow anyone to bring some texture to their job, even without any experience.

If you’re a bit more confident, you can use various different tools to create texture. ROCKCOTE Cerano is a versatile foundation render to achieve some effective results. Using 100% acrylic polymers, Cerano can give an incredibly smooth, polished-concrete look, but this finer quality also makes it the perfect material for adding texture.

Applying our Concote render, then smoothing over with a sheepskin mitt will give you a rustic, Mediterranean-style finish. With a damp sponge, you can dab the wet render to create stippling, or by gently skimming in different directions with a palette knife, you can wind up with a Tuscan effect. Lastly, wiping a damp cloth across your fresh plaster will produce a dragged effect on an otherwise smooth surface – an excellent technique for feature walls, but one that’s definitely worth getting some professional help or advice with. ROCKCOTE’s Trowel On is an ideal product for this.

If you want to create something unique, it’s a good idea to try it out first. Render a small piece of board and have a quick practice before taking your ideas to the wall.

Paint brushes, combs, rags, hessian sacks and raw, grained timber can all be used to apply texture to a smooth foundation render.

Polished Render Finishes

Back in the days of concrete plasters, physically polishing your finished surface was the only way to achieve that smooth, shiny result. For floors, particularly on an industrial scale, this is still the most cost-effective way of getting this look, but for walls in a home, this technique is a major drama that can fast turn into a nightmare. Concrete plasters aren’t very forgiving, and without the right experience, that industrial sheen you’re after will be almost impossible to attain.

For larger areas, including interior flooring, counters and larger wall surfaces, ROCKCOTE Concrete Finish gives you the perfect compromise. The cement-based dry render is easier on the budget for large areas, but the ultra-fine polymer makes it better to work with than classic concrete, with the advantage of added durability and flexibility.

While even beginners can get an excellent result, if you are planning to create a highly visible feature of your render, the expertise and equipment of an industry professional is worth investing in.

For smaller jobs and home make-overs, the Cerano is again a great choice. Pre-mixed, it can be tinted to any colour you like, to match existing walls and décor or to create some dynamic contrast. The fine acrylic render is incredibly forgiving, so with only a little bit of practice, even first-time DIYers can create a polished finish that is long-lasting and flexible, reducing the chance of cracking and the need for touch-ups and repairs.

ROCKCOTE’s wide range of renders and plasters makes any finish possible. Talk to your ROCKCOTE specialist today about selecting the right product to achieve the look you’re after.