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Although render already adds style and instantly improves your home’s appearance, some homeowners may want to take that extra step by adding paint and colour to the exterior to make it stand out even more.

However, it’s important to note that not all paint options can be used on rendered surfaces and not all render types can be painted. You will need to choose an exterior paint first, ensuring it holds up well against the elements.

Continue reading to learn more about painting rendered surfaces.

What Render Types Work Best with Paint?

The following render types work well with paint being added to the substrate:

  • Cement renders: Cement-based renders are widely used on many Australian homes, and they are often painted once the render has fully cured and dried (within 28 days).
  • Acrylic renders: Acrylic-based renders are flexible and work well with added paint.
  • Lime renders: Lime-based renders can be painted, but the paint needs to be breathable.

How Long Do You Need to Wait Before Painting the Render?

As curing and drying times differ for each render type, there are different waiting periods involved for each render.

  • Cement-based renders: Cement render usually takes 28 days to fully cure and dry, so you have to wait at least 28 days before painting it.
  • Acrylic-based renders: Acrylic renders dry relatively quickly, but they still need time to cure properly. It is recommended that you wait at least a week after the acrylic render has been applied before painting it.
  • Lime-based renders: The recommended waiting time for painting lime renders is 4-6 weeks. Painting it too early can cause moisture absorption.

Why Choosing the Right Paint Type is Crucial

Rendered surfaces can be porous, allowing moisture to be absorbed easily if protective additives aren’t applied to exterior walls. Choosing high-quality paints adds an extra layer of protection to a rendered wall, preventing moisture penetration, fungal growth, cracking, and efflorescence.

What Paint Types Work Best with Render?

Elastomeric Paint

Elastomeric paint is a thicker, flexible paint with strong waterproofing properties. It has a more rubber-like consistency than other paint options and protects building exteriors from the elements, including moisture resistance and protection from the sun’s UV rays.

Acrylic Paints

One of the main paint options for rendered surfaces is acrylic paint, due to its flexibility, breathability, and resistance to cracking.

It is cost-effective, widely available and has been proven to work well on rendered surfaces.

Mineral (Silicate) Paints

Mineral paints are highly breathable, durable and eco-friendly. It works well with cement renders and especially lime-based renders.

It has a natural resistance to fungi growth and is made from natural ingredients, including silica.

What is the Best Finish for Painting Over Rendered Surfaces?

Paints often come in matte, glossy, or satin finishes. The final decision isn’t based solely on appearance, but also on the functional properties it provides to structures.

Matte Finish

A matte finish results in a non-reflective, flat appearance. It delivers a neat and uniform look that works well on large, rendered surfaces and hides most imperfections.

It is especially recommended for cement and acrylic-based renders.

Satin Finish

You will often see satin finishes on most exterior surfaces, as it provides the perfect balance between appearance and functionality.

It is generally easier to clean than matte paints and adds extra durability to rendered walls.

Gloss Finish

Gloss finishes reflect light, brightening colours. While it is eye-catching and bold, it is very rarely used on rendered surfaces and is more often used on decorative features and mouldings.

What Are the Benefits of Adding Paint to a Rendered Surface?

The benefits of adding paint to rendered surfaces include:

Flexibility

The colour of paint applied to rendered surfaces can be easily changed to reflect current style trends and personal preferences.

Added Layers of Protection

Render already adds a layer of protection against the elements, but adding paint on top provides extra protection against moisture and the sun’s UV rays, helping prevent structural damage.

Self-Cleaning Properties

Most exterior paint options are water-repellent (hydrophobic), which means dirt and debris are washed away with the rain.

Flexibility

Elastomeric paints, in particular, add extra flexibility to a structure, making it less likely to crack as the building shifts over time.

Fungi Growth Resistance

Exterior paints are equipped with additives that resist the growth of lichen, mildew, algae and mould.

Aesthetic Appeal

Adding coloured paint to rendered surfaces lets you put your personal stamp on your home. Whether you want a classic, elegant neutral colour or a bright, bold one, there are many colour options to choose from.

When Should You Repaint Your Render?

You should repaint your render if you see any of the following signs:

  • The colour is fading and tired-looking.
  • You notice stains on the paint.
  • You notice that the paint is peeling or bubbling.
  • You notice hairline cracks in the paint.

We strongly recommend hiring a professional to repaint your render, as it may require additional maintenance or repairs to restore its appearance.

Other Factors to Take Into Consideration

  • Cost: How much is the total project going to cost you? What is your budget? You will need to take into account the size of your walls, the type of render and paint you use and the additional labour costs.
  • Colours: What colour paint do you plan on using on your rendered surfaces? If you live in a warmer climate, you may go for more neutral shades of grey, which help reflect sunlight away from your home. If you live in a cooler climate, you may want to brighten up your home with warmer colours that absorb more of the sun’s rays.You may even consider painting certain features (door and mailbox) one colour, and using a contrasting colour for the rest of your home to really make the colours and certain features pop.
  • Weather conditions: Just like when applying render, painting walls should be done in mild, dry weather to achieve the best possible finish.
  • Tools and equipment needed: Ensure you’re wearing protective gear and have all the necessary tools for painting, including the right paintbrushes, rollers, and spray equipment, depending on the paint method you choose.
  • Inspect the render before you paint: Make sure you carefully check it for damage or debris before painting. Make any necessary repairs or maintenance before painting it.If the walls are not prepared properly, the paint job will not be satisfactory.
  • Primers and sealers: You will need to add a primer and sealer to the render, which acts as a bonding agent for the paint and seals any porous surfaces. Make sure you use a specialty exterior masonry primer to make the paint job more durable.
  • Maintenance: Regularly inspect your walls for signs of damage, debris, or fading colours.
  • How breathable is the paint? Rendered surfaces need to breathe. Choosing a breathable exterior paint allows moisture to escape the structure, minimising the risk of water and structural damage.

 

At Sydney Cement Rendering, we take pride in being Sydney’s trusted rendering experts. We provide our customers with the highest quality rendering services. To learn more about painting over rendering surfaces and the types of exterior paint we recommend, give us a call at 0402 704 984 or visit our website https://sydneycementrendering.com/ to find out more about the services we offer!