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Render mixtures are available in ready-mix (quick render/pre-mixed render) and conventional dry options. Both options have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s a good idea to read about them both so that you’re well-informed and have a good idea of which render mixture to use.

Continue reading to learn more about ready-mix and conventional renders.

Ready-Mix Renders

Also commonly known as ‘quick renders’ or ‘pre-mixed renders’, a ready-mix render is pre-prepared during the manufacturing process and comes in buckets or bags.

When you get a ready-mix render, you can rest assured that you’re getting a render mixture that is perfectly measured out and prepared with the correct blend of aggregates, binders and additives, so it is ready to go right out of the bag or bucket.

Some of the most common types of ready-mix renders include:

Silicone Render

Silicone renders are a wet render mixture that comes pre-prepared in a bucket. There is no need to mix them with water or add any extra ingredients before applying it to surfaces.

Monocouche Render

Monocouche render is a dry render that comes pre-prepared in bags. The dry mixture has already been mixed with the right ingredients and only needs some water before it is ready to use.

The Benefits of Ready-Mix Renders

The benefits of ready-mix renders include:

It Saves Time

The biggest advantage of using ready-mix renders is the time it saves you during the preparation and application process. Instead of measuring and mixing different additives and ingredients, all you have to do is add water to the render mixture, and then it’s good to go!

Consistent Quality

Ready-mix renders already have all the ingredients mixed during the manufacturing process, meaning that each mixture has the required amount of aggregates, binders and additives added to it.

When you use ready-mixed renders, you know that you’re going to get a perfect finish every time.

Versatile

Ready-mix renders come available in a wide range of different colour and finish options, so there are render options for every type of design style and personal preference.

Make your home stand out, or create a classic, elegant facade that will stand the test of time.

Increased Protection from the Elements

Most ready-mix renders have insulating properties that add an extra layer of insulation and contribute to your home’s energy efficiency, so you are saving money on your electricity and energy bills.

Your home will be naturally warmer during winter and cooler during the summer.

Less Maintenance

Ready-mix renders are made from high-quality ingredients that are more resistant to discolouration, cracking or fading. They also have self-cleaning properties that allow rainwater to wash away any dirt and debris to keep the exterior of your home looking newer for longer.

This cuts down the time and money spent on maintenance.

More Eco-Friendly

When ready-mix render mixtures are manufactured, it results in less factory waste compared to traditional renders that are mixed onsite. Many manufacturers also make ready-mix renders with recycled materials and lower Volatile Organic Compound formulations.

Reduced energy consumption due to its protective properties also means that your property’s carbon footprint is lower.

Disadvantages of Ready-Mix Renders

The Cost

Ready-mix renders are more expensive than traditional render types.

Conventional Render Mixtures

Conventional render mixtures are usually sand and cement renders. They contain a mixture of cement, sand, water and lime, which are typically mixed together onsite.

Traditional render mixtures are best prepared and applied by professionals who know what they’re doing.

The Benefits of Conventional Renders

The benefits of conventional render mixture include:

More Cost Effective

The traditional sand and cement render mixtures are generally cheaper than ready-mix render options.

Control the Mixture Consistency

Since you can mix the traditional render mixture yourself, you can make it as thick or thin as you want and also add the textured finishes you desire.

Easy to Paint

Sand and cement render is easy to paint, and the paint generally bonds better to the traditional render mixture instead of ready-mix ones.

Disadvantages of Conventional Renders

The disadvantages of conventional renders include:

It can Be More Difficult to Get the Mixture Right

Because you are mixing the ingredients for the render yourself, it can be tricky to get the mixture and consistency just right.

Longer Curing Time

Sand and cement render can take up to 28 days to dry and cure, which can extend your renovation or construction timeline.

More Maintenance Needed

Sand and cement renders are more prone to crack over time or become stained due to efflorescence (a deposit of mineral salts that form in crystal formations due to rainfall).

Professionals Needed

It is recommended that professionals prepare and apply the traditional sand and cement render mixture, as they have the experience and know how to get the render mixture just right.

So, which render option is best for you and your home? It depends on your budget, the size of your home, and any time constraints you may have.
If you want to know more about both render types, don’t hesitate to contact Sydney Cement Rendering!

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!