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Acrylic and silicone renders are two of the most popular render types due to their functional and aesthetic properties. However, there are clear differences between the two, and which one you use depends on where you live, your vision for the design, and the functional properties you are looking for.

Continue reading to learn more about the differences between acrylic and silicone render.

Acrylic Render

Acrylic render is made up of sand, acrylic resin (plastic), cement and water. The addition of the plastic makes acrylic render stronger and more flexible than other render types.

Acrylic render can be applied to various building materials, including concrete, brick, cement and fibre.

What Are the Benefits of Acrylic Render?

The benefits of acrylic render include:

Flexibility

Buildings naturally shift over time due to the materials used, weather conditions, and the surrounding environment. One of the main benefits of acrylic render is its flexibility, which allows it to move alongside the building’s natural movement without becoming damaged or cracking under the pressure. Acrylic render offers the best flexibility among all render types.

Water and Weather Resistant

The presence of plastic in the acrylic render mixture makes it more resistant to water and the elements, including UV rays and rain. Its resistance to the elements makes it a popular rendering choice for homes exposed to harsher climates.

Durability

The plastic in acrylic render makes it one of the most durable and strong render options available. It is more resistant to cracks and other forms of damage, and it stands up well to the elements and any external forces.

Versatile Finishes

It is easy to paint over acrylic render, and the process usually takes only a few days at most. Other render types, such as cement render, may require days of curing before they can be painted over.

Suitable for Most Surfaces

Acrylic render can be applied to most building surfaces, including brick, concrete, cement and fibre walls.

Easy to Maintain and Clean

As acrylic render is water and weather-resistant, it is less susceptible to fungus growth (mould and mildew) and therefore requires less intensive maintenance than other render types. A hose, a stiff-bristled brush, and some mild detergent are usually enough to clean all dirt, stains and debris off the acrylic render.

Aesthetic Appearance

Acrylic render results in a smooth, elegant finish, giving homes a stylish, contemporary appearance.

Dries Faster

Acrylic render cures and dries much faster than other render types, which makes the entire application process much quicker.

Silicone Render

Silicone render is known as a ‘thin coat’ render, which means it is applied over a basecoat. Made from silicone, aggregates, pigments and resin materials, it is a flexible render and also water-resistant.

What Are the Benefits of Silicone Render?

The benefits of silicone render include:

Breathability

Silicone render repels water instead of absorbing it, and allows any moisture to escape, reducing the risk of water damage to the home and preventing the growth of mould and mildew.

Flexibility

Just like acrylic render, silicone render is also very flexible, thanks to the silicone resins added to its mixture.

Durable

As it is generally crack-resistant and water-resistant, silicone render is durable and can last up to 25 years, if it is well-maintained.

Weather-Resistant

Silicone render is largely weather-resistant, meaning that it can withstand harsh climates and weather conditions.

Low Maintenance

Silicone render prevents the growth of mould and mildew, and has self-cleaning properties, meaning that it is easy to maintain and requires less frequent cleaning.

Energy Efficiency

Silicone render is often used alongside external wall insulation systems, as it can improve a building’s thermal performance, lowering energy consumption and reducing the money spent on heating a home.

Versatile Finishes

Silicone render is available in many different colours, patterns and textures, making it easy for homeowners to choose a design and style they like for the exterior of their home.

Flexibility

The addition of silicone resins to the silicone render mixture makes it flexible enough to accommodate a building’s natural movement and reduces the risk of cracks and structural damage.

What Do Arylic and Silicone Render Have in Common?

Acrylic and silicone renders have the following properties in common:

  • Water-resistant: Both render types are water-resistant, preventing risks like water damage, mould and mildew growth.
  • Finishes: Acrylic and silicone renders are both available in different colours and textures, giving homeowners many customisation options to choose from.
  • Improved appearance: Render provides home exteriors with a fresh new look, instantly giving them a facelift and improving their aesthetic appearance.

What Are the Differences Between Acrylic and Silicone Renders?

  • Breathability: Silicone render is considered more breathable than acrylic renders, making it more durable and less likely to suffer from water damage.
  • Affordability: Acrylic render is generally more affordable than silicone render options.
  • Durability: Although both render types are durable if they are well-maintained, silicone does tend to last longer than acrylic render.
  • Flexibility: Both acrylic and silicone renders are more flexible than other render types, but acrylic renders are considered to be more flexible than silicone renders.
  • Ingredients: The acrylic render mixture contains acrylic (plastic) resins, while silicone render contains silicone resins.

Which Render Option is Right for You?

Both acrylic and silicone renders are high-quality and aesthetically pleasing ways to decorate or renovate the exterior of your home. However, the right option for you depends on your budget, where you live and the design goals you have for your home. There are pros and cons for both options, so ensure that you do your research before deciding on one option.

For more information on both acrylic and silicone render, and to decide which option is best for your home, please don’t hesitate to contact us, so we can help you make an informed decision.

At Sydney Cement Rendering, we take pride in being Sydney’s trusted rendering experts. We provide 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!