Skip to main content

Render is the application of a coating (normally a sand and cement mixture) to an exterior or interior wall, which not only protects the surface, but also creates a smooth, patterned, coloured or textured finish that instantly adds style and elegance to your home.

Although cement rendering is the most common render type used, there are other render options to choose from, as well as multiple finish options (patterned, coloured or textured), so you can make your home stand out from the other houses on your street.

But, how do you know which render finish is the best option for your home? Continue reading to learn more about the different render finishes available, so you can make an informed decision.

Why Render Your Home?

Rendering has existed for centuries as a home design option, with many cultures throughout the world using natural materials (lime, sand, water and mud) to cover the walls of their homes.

Australians are continuing this tradition with their own homes, as render becomes an increasingly popular way to decorate and finish homes. Although most people render the exteriors of their homes, more are now rendering interior walls as well, especially in the bathroom or laundry room, to create modern, elegant walls.

The benefits of rendering your home include:

  • Aesthetic appeal: Render is a relatively simple way to transform a home’s look. Cover up any imperfections, faded colours, and stained-looking walls with a render that adds a pop of fresh colour and covers any damage. Render instantly transforms your home, adding interest and aesthetic appeal.
  • Curbside appeal: Having a beautiful-looking rendered home will instantly increase its curbside appeal, which is beneficial if you think about selling your home in the future.
  • Protection from the weather: Render acts as a protective layer, shielding walls from the elements and helping to prevent structural damage.
  • Added insulation: Certain types of render can improve your home’s insulation, keeping it cooler in summer and warmer in winter, saving you money on your energy bills.
  • Water resistance: Some render types (especially lime render, silicone render, and acrylic render) provide water resistance, preventing moisture from entering the structure and causing damage.
  • Versatile: There are many different types of render to choose from. These renders are also available in different colours, textures and patterns, so you can put a unique spin on your home.

Cement Render

Cement render is one of the most affordable render options and also one of the most popular for both exterior and interior walls. It is made up of a mixture of sand, cement, lime and water.

Pros

  • More cost-effective than other renders (acrylic or silicone).
  • Easy to use on large areas.
  • Creates a solid base for additives, textured or coloured finishes.
  • It is durable and strong.
  • It is versatile.

Cons

  • It isn’t a flexible render option, which makes it more prone to cracking as the building moves over time.
  • It has a longer curing time than other render types (around 28 days).
  • It is more prone to discolouration and fading and may require more maintenance over the years.
  • It lacks the water resistance properties that other render types have.

Acylic Render

Acrylic render has become more popular in recent years due to its high performance and flexibility. It is made from cement, sand, water, additives and acrylic (plastic) resins.

Pros

  • Acrylic render is famed for its flexibility, which protects the render from cracking as the building settles and moves.
  • It has a faster curing time than cement render (2-3 days).
  • Strong and durable.
  • Has water-resistant properties
  • Works well on different materials, including brick, cement, concrete, foam panels and plasterboard.
  • Comes in pre-coloured mixtures, saving you time and money.

Cons

  • It is a more expensive render option.
  • It can be harder to apply, and therefore, it is not recommended as a DIY job.
  • It isn’t one of the most breathable renders and can cause moisture buildup.

Silicone Render

Silicone render is a modern render type gaining popularity for its many benefits, including water resistance, flexibility, and breathability. Its mixture contains silicone resins, aggregates (sand or crushed rock), additives and water.

Pros

  • It has self-cleaning properties: dirt washes off during rainy days, and water is repelled, eliminating the risk of algae growth.
  • It is incredibly flexible, reducing the likelihood of cracks forming.
  • It is long-lasting and durable.
  • Colours last a long time without fading.
  • Its breathability allows any excess moisture to escape, preventing structural damage.

Cons

​One of the most expensive render options

  • It involves a multi-stage application process, which is best carried out by the professionals (adding to the total cost).
  • It is more difficult to repair than other renders.
  • The colour and finish options are limited.

Lime Render

Lime render is one of the most traditional render options available and has been used for centuries. It is mostly used on historic buildings and is famed for its breathability and eco-friendliness. Lime render is made from lime putty (or hydraulic lime), sand, and water.

Pros

  • Breathability – allowing excess moisture to escape, preventing damp issues in older buildings and adding protection.
  • Its flexibility allows older buildings to move without cracking.
  • It is the most eco-friendly rendering option available, as lime has a lower carbon footprint than other renders.
  • It has a beautiful, natural finish that highlights historic buildings.
  • It provides effective thermal regulation, keeping lime-rendered buildings cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Cons

  • It has a longer curing time (around 6 days).
  • It requires specialised skills to apply.
  • It requires regular maintenance (a limewash) to keep up its aesthetic appeal.
  • It is extra sensitive and requires protection from the elements once it has been applied.

Monocouche Render

Monocouche render is a modern render that requires a single coat application. A texture (scratching) is usually added to decorate it. It consists of white cement, sand, hydrated lime, and mineral pigments.

Pros

  • Fast application time.
  • Coloured pigments are already included in the mixture, eliminating the need for painting.
  • It is durable (lasting up to 25 years).
  • Strong resistance to the elements.
  • Breathable, allowing moisture to exit the structure, preventing structural damage.

Cons

  • More expensive.
  • Less flexible and prone to cracking.
  • It is more prone to staining due to its textured surface.
  • It can be difficult to patch up and repair (repairs stand out).

Textured and Patterned Renders

Textures and patterns can be applied to a rendered surface to add visual interest and create feature interior walls.

Textures and patterns can be created through different techniques, including:

Trowel Finish

Using a trowel, lightly skim the final render coat to achieve a smooth, dense finish.

Popcorn Texture

Using a roller or trowel, create a thick-textured render. Ideal for covering any imperfections.

Orange Peel Texture

Using acrylic render and a texture sprayer to create a bumpy texture.

Bagging Texture

Using a hessian bag, sponge or broom to create a textured look.

Roughcasting Texture

Using a mixture of cement, sand and lime putty, which is applied to a rendered surface. A wooden float is then used to create a natural texture.

Pros of Textured Renders

  • Increased aesthetic appeal and visual points of interest.
  • Extra layer of protection.
  • Makes rendered surfaces more durable, reducing the maintenance needed.
  • Wide variety of textures and patterns to choose from

Cons of Textured Renders

  • More difficult to achieve a smooth-looking repair (repairs are more obvious).
  • Dirt and debris can build up more quickly.
  • High labour and application costs.
  • Longer drying and curing times.

Coloured Renders

Render mixes come in a wide variety of colours – everything from bright oranges and reds to cooler blues and neutral greys and beiges.

Coloured renders are a great way to make your house stand out from the other homes on your street and enhance the environment and area you live in. Coastal homes in warmer climates will use lighter-coloured renders to reflect the heat away from the home, while contemporary homes may use a mixture of light and dark-coloured textures.

Pros of Coloured Renders

  • High aesthetic appeal
  • Adds extra protection to rendered surfaces
  • Makes your home stand out
  • Increased curbside appeal

Cons of Coloured Renders

  • Not as cost-effective as non-coloured renders.
  • Needs to be applied by professionals for the best results.
  • It can be difficult to find the specific colour match for repairs.

Factors to Consider when Choosing a Render Finish

Consider the Climate

Consider the climate and environment you live in:

  • Coastal areas: The best render options include Acrylic-based renders, which are super flexible and hold up well to temperature fluctuations.
  • Dry, warm, and stable climates: The best render option is cement render, as it is durable, versatile, and cost-effective.
  • Tropical and humid climates: Silicone and acrylic renders are the best options for these conditions due to their water resistance and breathability.
  • Heavy rainfall areas: Silicone is considered the best option for wet areas due to its water-resistant properties and its flexibility.

Think About Your Budget

Cement render is one of the more affordable render options, while more modern renders like silicone and acrylic renders are more pricey.

Consider:

  • How much render will you need?
  • The climate you live in (will the render need constant maintenance or replacing?)
  • Do you have a certain budget you want to stick to?
  • Do you want to spend more in the short term or the long term?

Architectural Design

Is your home an older structure? Or a more contemporary home? Some renders may suit the architectural style of your home better than others.

What look are you trying to achieve for your home? What colour render suits your overall home design and surroundings best?

DIY or Professional Job

Are you considering doing the rendering job yourself, or are you planning to hire a professional company?

Some render types will require professional application due to the multiple layers and additives involved.

Timeline

How long are you planning to spend on the rendering project? If you want it done as quickly as possible, then cement rendering may not be the best option due to its 28-day curing time.

If you want to find out more about which render finish will work best on your home, 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!