Things You Must Know About Different Rendering Styles
House rendering is the action of adding plasterboard to inside walls. This can be done either for decorative purposes or to cover up any existing defects with an easier material than brickwork. The final finish of your home depends on the style and architectural designs of a building so it is important you choose the right type of render. There are several different types of renders including natural stone, concrete, wood, painted and engineered finishes as well as various combinations of these materials. You will need to decide what kind of external walls you want to be finished - plain, patterned or textured. The type of surface that you use will affect how long the render lasts. For example, if you use plasterboard over a brick house then the render may last less time than using it over tile. If you don’t know which route you would like to take when choosing a finish then it is best to speak to an expert.
Rendering is a great way to enhance exterior spaces. It doesn't need to be limited only to exteriors. Whether you're working on an interior room or creating a unique piece of art, it's always worth the effort to try something new.
Basics in Rendering Rendering is basically a combination of two things: ● ●
Rendering (aka stucco/ solid plastering) Finishing (aka painting).
The first step in finishing is to make sure all surfaces are clean and dry. After that, you'll apply a primer coat to get rid of any dirt and stains and allow the paint to bond properly to the underlying substrate. Then you'll apply 2-3 coats of paint. Finally, you'll protect the surface from the weather by applying a clear coat. There are many variations on this process and there are also many paints available, but they're mostly interchangeable between brands. The biggest difference is the thickness of each layer. If you've ever tried to paint your house yourself, you probably noticed that most standard "household" paints come in fairly thick layers. When applied correctly, they give a smooth, even surface. But if you try applying too much paint at once, it can look patchy because the excess drips down into the cracks and crevices. That's not necessarily a bad thing -- sometimes you just want something that looks rustic and worn. But for more professional-looking results, thinner coats are highly recommended.
Different Wall Rendering Techniques There are three most common types of rendering today. These are Cement rendering, Acrylic rendering, and Polymer rendering.
Cement rendering This is one of the oldest methods and is still considered the best method of rendering. It involves mixing cement with water and sand and laying the mixture onto the wall and letting it set before applying any other coatings. Cement rendering isn't just for exteriors. It's also used for interior applications. For example, when installing floor tiles, you need to prepare the subfloor first. If it's concrete, you'll need to scrape off layers of old paint and varnish. Once the subfloor's ready, you can install the tile. Pros: ●
It is cheap
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Easy to do Cons: Requires skill, patience, and experience Not suitable for all projects
It has been around since ancient times and was used by Romans for their public buildings and temples. It is not only durable but also quite cost-effective. Its main drawback is its vulnerability to moisture. When exposed to sunlight, rain, etc., it can become soft and disintegrate easily.
Acrylic rendering Also known as acrylic plasters, it uses acrylic resin instead of cement, making them very resistant; however, it does require some maintenance. In order to work properly, it needs to be pre-mixed with water. This makes it easy to mix the coating and lay it out evenly. Acrylic rendering starts off white and gradually turns darker as it ages. Pros: ● ● ● ● ●
Cheap Can be used as a replacement for traditional render Quick to apply Cons: May discolour after being exposed to the sun
A lot of people consider acrylic rendering a cheaper alternative to cement rendering. One main advantage of acrylics is that they have good flow properties, making them easy to apply. However, a downside to acrylic rendering is that some areas may turn yellow if exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods of time.
Polymer rendering Also called polymer stucco, this one is made up of polyester resin coated with a thin layer of acrylic. This one comes in various colour schemes and allows you to have unlimited colour options. It can be applied directly to the exterior of a building without having to wait for it to cure. However, it can chip away easily and needs frequent repair. It’s often used in commercial settings such as office buildings, schools, hospitals, etc. where durability, longevity, and aesthetics are important. This type of rendering requires less skill than cement rendering and is easier to use. It’s fast, flexible, and affordable. Pros: ● ● ● ● ●
Affordable Easier to apply than cement rendering Quickly cures Cons: Doesn't last long
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Difficult to get right
If you're planning to put up a temporary fence or build a shed, then you might want to choose the cheapest option, which is usually cement rendering. Since the surface will be covered with wood planks, it won't matter how well it adheres to the wood.
Pre-mixed Render Vs DIY Rendering When you're thinking about doing it yourself, there's one important factor to keep in mind -quality. Are you going to spend all your savings on a project that's bound to crumble after a year or two? Or are you going to take a risk and buy a pre-mixed render at a low cost to render? Let's say you choose to go the DIY route. What happens if you find out later that you didn't purchase the best quality product? Do you have to replace it and start again from scratch? Pre-mixing renders means that you don't have to worry about these problems. They'll stay looking new for years!