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Most rendered surfaces can be painted over; however, painting a rendered surface requires skills and the right materials. Several steps must be followed to ensure that your rendered surfaces and the paint work well together, resulting in a flattering and elegant finish that makes your home stand out and increases its curbside appeal.
Continue reading to learn how to paint a rendered wall.

Why Should You Paint a Rendered Wall?

People choose to paint their rendered walls for these main reasons:

  • To cover up old and damaged render
  • To make their home stand out from the rest
  • To increase a property’s value
  • Before selling their home
  • As part of a home renovation project
  • For a new look

Equipment You’ll Need

Before painting your rendered wall, here are some of the essential items you’ll need to

  • have on hand:
  • Paint
  • Paint roller
  • Paintbrush
  • Paint tray
  • A paint mixer
  • A bucket of water
  • Primer
  • Plastic drop sheets or old bedsheets to protect surrounding areas
  • Gloves
  • A coverall
  • Eye protection
  • Closed shoes
  • A ladder (to reach high spots)
  • Masking tape
  • Scraper
  • Filler knife
  • Sandpaper

Preparing the Wall

Before starting, the first thing you’ll need to do is to prepare the rendered wall for the paint. This preparation includes:

  • Removing debris: Ensure your wall is completely clean and free from any remaining paint, cracked render, debris, or dirt. Use a scraper to ensure that anything loose comes off easily.
  • Filling: It’s time to fill in any holes or cracks. To do this, use an exterior filler or sealant.
  • Smoothing: After filling the holes and cracks, use sandpaper to sand down any rough patches. Smoothing any rough patches will ensure your surface is smooth and ready to be painted.
  • Cleaning: Once the wall has been cleaned of loose debris and its holes filled in, give it a good rinse with warm, soapy water to remove any stubborn debris and to help eliminate the risk of algae growth.

Prepare the Surrounding Areas

After your wall has been prepared, it’s time to cover the floor and surrounding plants with drop sheets or old bed sheets. Apply masking tape to the borders of the doors and windows so you can paint neatly around them.

Ensure that you have all the required materials on hand and in easy reach.

Applying the Primer

A primer is applied as a base coat that helps treat and protect a surface before applying paint. It also ensures good adhesion and bonding between the surface and the paint, which allows the paint to last longer. Primer is generally of a thin consistency, so make sure you’re spreading it evenly across the surface.

It’s incredibly important to apply primer before painting the wall to get the most out of your paint job.

Mixing the Paint

Mixing your paint well ensures an even layer and colour. Pour a little bit of the paint into a paint tray and use a paint stirrer or old ruler to mix it. Make sure that there are no lumps or inconsistencies in the colour.

Repeat this step until you have enough paint to begin painting.

Applying the Paint

It’s easiest to begin at the top of the rendered surfaces and work your way down. Paint around the edges with a paintbrush first and then use a long-handled paint roller to apply the paint to the rest of the render.

Once you have completed the first layer, let it dry for about 3 hours before applying a second coat of paint. Two coats of paint are generally enough for most surfaces; however, applying a third coat might be a good idea if you’re still not getting your desired result.

Once all the coats of paint have dried completely, inspect the wall for imperfections or spots you may have accidentally overlooked.

What is the Best Paint to Use for Rendered Surfaces?

In general, the best paint to use for rendered surfaces is moisture-resistant and highly breathable silicone or acrylic masonry paint, which is specially designed for exterior surfaces.

However, it is important to note that some paints are better suited to certain types of render. For example, silicone-based masonry paints pair better with silicone renders as silicone renders are already highly breathable and water-resistant. If you apply regular masonry paint to a silicone render, you are removing those benefits.

Highly breathable masonry paint is the best choice for most renders as it helps to remove any moisture that is trapped in the surface. If moisture can’t escape, it builds up and can lead to various issues, including algae and mould growth and structural damage.

How Soon Can You Paint New Render?

The render must be completely dry and set before painting it. Most professionals recommend waiting 4-6 weeks, depending on weather conditions, before painting over the newly rendered surface.

Do You Need Special Permission to Paint Over Render?

In most cases, it is best to check with your local council, as sometimes changing your home’s appearance requires special permission. However, in most cases, you don’t need approval or a permit to paint over a rendered wall.

If you are renting a home, living in a strata property, or own a heritage-listed property, you must ask for permission before making any renovations, no matter how big or small.

If you have any questions about painting your rendered surfaces, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’ll be able to answer any questions you have and can recommend the best paints to use.

Sydney Cement Rendering takes pride in being Sydney’s trusted rendering experts, 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!