About Rendering a Wall

Wall rendering, also known as wall plastering, is a method of improving the exterior appeal of a building. It's one of the most effective ways of adding value to the property - and one the most affordable at the same time. Impeccable curb appeal plays a vital role in buyers' overall impression; hence keeping the exteriors up to date is an excellent idea.

Render plaster systems come in several different options for treating solid walls. The mixture is a thick coating, available pre-coloured or suitable for painting. It creates a sleek finish on modern homes. Apart from providing a refreshed appearance with a stylish, sleek finish, they can also hide minor damages, low-quality executions, or mismatched brickwork.

Advantages of Wall Rendering 

• Improved curb appeal and property value
• Exterior plaster can hide the imperfections and small damages
• House plastering helps to protect walls from damage caused by water and exposure to the elements
• It can also be matched with external insulation for improved energy efficiency of the house

Types of Render Plaster Systems

There are several different types of render, distinguished by the composition and the application method. Standard varieties include: 

• Cement render
• Clay render
• Lime render
• Polymer
• Acrylic render
• Silicone 
• Monocouche

Cement Render

The most traditional method of rendering a wall is the cement render, also known as concrete render. It can be bought as a ready mix of cement, sand, and lime, or prepared onsite. Proper application requires two to three coats that become very rigid once dried. 

Concrete render is the most affordable option available - but also needs skilful application and takes a longer time to dry than other versions. Its downsides are proneness to cracking and the need for frequent repainting. 

Clay 

Clay or earth render is a traditional cement-free version, made from mass similar to pottery with just clay and water as a base. Commercial, pre-made compounds also include sand for added strength. It provides a rustic, old-fashioned look. 

Lime 

Lime wall plaster is a mixture of lime and sand, particularly suitable for use on older buildings made of brick or stone. The ideal proportion of components depends on the local climate conditions. Its key advantage is resistance to rain and moisture, making it an excellent solution for protecting the underlying structure in wet areas. 

Lime is breathable, more flexible than cement, and attractive looking. On the downside, it also requires regular coating and comes with a higher price tag. 

Polymer Render

Polymer render is a variation of the concrete mixture with added polymers to prevent cracking. The base typically consists of white cement or lime. It's available only as a pre-made compound in a variety of colours, with a slightly higher price tag than cement. Polymer mass is usually through-coloured, eliminating the need for regular repainting, 

Acrylic Render

Acrylic is another version of traditional compounds, enriched with acrylic plastic. Such addition allows for versatile use, being suitable for several different surfaces and quick to dry. The mixture is bought pre-made, at a higher initial cost than traditional options. 

Typical use of acrylic renders is applying it as a sealer in a thin finish coat. It protects the bottom layers, improving the appearance and adding colour and texture at the same time. Supplemented fibres help to prevent cracking, providing a durable, long-lasting finish. 

Silicone 

Silicone-based compounds are flexible, breathable, and low-maintenance. They provide a sleek and smooth finish ideal for modern architecture. Silicone mixes are distinguished by longer life and self-cleaning capacity - rainfall washes away most of the accumulated dirt. 

Monocouche Render

Monocouche products originated in Europe. They are recognized by the texture and flexibility of traditional lime renders combined with a hard-wearing, low-maintenance finish. The result is both weather-resistant and visually appealing.

Monocouche mass is available pre-made, packed in bags and ready for mixing with water. It's based on white cement, pre-coloured and fast-drying. Standard application methods include hand troweling or spraying. 

Although its initial price tag is high, one coat often suffices, minimizing the cost of labour. Another financial benefit is the low maintenance and no need for repainting. 

Application 

Various types of render are commercially available for DIY applications, supplied with full instructions by the manufacturer. The coating thickness ranges from 1 mm up to 12 mm, depending on the type and specific requirements. The typical application includes two or more coats, commonly implemented manually with a trowel. Each coating is then levelled using creed battens.

The role of the first coat - called the base or scratch coat - is to fill holes, cracks and crevices. It's thick and scored while still wet to adhere to the next layer. The topcoat is applied with a trowel or roller, in a thin finishing layer that can be textured or smooth. 

Spray-on plasters require special equipment, which makes them unsuitable for DIY applications. Once touch-dry, the surface can be floated for removal of any high tips and residual air bubbles.

However, the techniques used in rendering require skills to produce good results. DIY is not the best path to a uniform finish, even with using specially designed tools. 

Things to Consider Before Buying Wall Plaster

The through-coloured mass is slightly more expensive than the ordinary one but also requires minimal maintenance and no painting/repainting. It's advised to pick a colour tone that fits with the surroundings. 

Bright and crisp hues need cleaning or repainting more often to retain their appeal. 

Advanced, so-called self-cleaning wall renders provide surfaces designed to make it hard for dirt to stick. The rain washes the residues off naturally.

If you need assistance to find the right render plaster systems for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.