Silicone Render
Silicone render is considered a ‘thin coat’ render, meaning that it is applied on top of a basecoat in a thin layer. It is composed of silicone and resin and is a flexible render, meaning it can expand with heat. It is water and crack-resistant, making it a popular render choice for wetter climates.
Continue reading to find out more about silicone rendering.
What is Silicone Render?
Silicone is a thin coat render made up of a mixture of silicone and resin. Silicone is a polymer that is rubbery and resistant to heat. It is usually applied as a thin layer on top of a basecoat. Silicone render is available in different colours and finishes and is a more versatile and flexible render type.
The Types of Silicone Render
The different types of silicone render include:
- Through-Coloured Silicone Render:
Available in a wide range of colours. - Mineral Silicone Render:
It is made up of a mix of minerals, which results in a textured finish. It creates a natural and rustic look. - Acrylic Silicone Render:
The most affordable silicone render option available. It results in a smooth finish and is easy to apply.
The Benefits of Silicone Render
The benefits of silicone render include:
- Flexible and breathable: Silicone render is flexible and breathable, which means it moves when a building shifts or settles. This prevents the render from cracking or becoming damaged.
- Durable: Silicone render has a long lifespan, lasting up to 25 years and is crack and water-resistant.
- Clean easily: Warm water and a mild soap or detergent is enough to clean the silicone render. You may also use a low-pressure jet washer with warm water.
- Weather-resistant: Largely resistant to most weather conditions, including extreme ones.
- Can be applied to most surfaces: It can be applied to multiple surfaces, including brick, concrete and timber.
- Available in different finishes: Silicone render is available in various finishes and colours, making it versatile.
- Water-resistant: Silicone render is water-resistant, which helps keep moisture out of your home and prevents mould growth.
- UV resistant: Silicone render is UV-resistant, meaning the colour will last longer and not fade.
- Self-coloured: Most renders have to be painted after the render has been applied and bonded. Silicone render has the colour mixed into it, making it complete in just one layer.
- Easy to apply: Silicone render is a one-application render and can be applied directly to a correctly prepared surface in just a few hours.
The Disadvantages of Silicone Render
The disadvantages of silicone render include:
- More expensive: Silicone render is a more expensive option compared to acrylic and cement renders.
- Hard to re-colour it: Because the colour is already mixed into the silicone render, if you want to change the colour of your wall, you’ll first need to remove the finish and start all over again.
- Not eco-friendly: Silicone render has a more significant environmental impact than other renders as an additive in the render (hydrogen-chloride) can be harmful to the environment.
How to Apply Silicone Render
Preparing the Surface
- Clean the wall: Use a hose, sponge or brush, or a pressure washer to remove any dirt or debris from the surface. Let it dry.
- Search for any surface damage: Look at the wall closely to search for any cracks or damage to the wall.
- Apply basecoat: Apply the basecoat using a trowel, making sure that it is applied smoothly and evenly. Let it dry.
- Mix and apply silicone render: Mix the silicone render following the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it to the wall, making sure it is even. Let it dry.
- Let the render cure: Leave the wall to cure. Depending on the weather conditions, silicone render can take anywhere from 2-7 days to cure.
If you want to find out more about silicone rendering, give Sydney Cement Rendering a call! We take pride in being Sydney’s trusted rendering experts and providing our customers with the highest quality rendering services. Contact us at 0402 704 984 or visit our website: https://sydneycementrendering.com/ to find out more about what we offer!