What Paint To Use For Cement Render

Cement render is such a great addition to any house, it improves the appearance and also protects the underlying substructure from the decaying qualities of the outside elements. Just like any surface, making your house look great and having protection from all Australian weather conditions are very important.

Working out what paint to use for cement render can be a bit of a challenge, there are a few things to take into consideration. In this article, I will take you through some of the options you have available!

When should you start painting?

After the final coat of paint for the cement render has been applied, many people ask “how long should I wait before I can paint newly rendered walls?” or wanting to know the cement render drying time before painting. It honestly depends on what kind of paint you want to use. If your aim is to use water-based paint then two weeks is the suggested amount of time to wait.

If however, you want to use oil-based paint, especially on a masonry surface then it is absolutely necessary to cure the surface for at least 5 days. After the render surface has cured, waiting another 28 days is ideal before the painting process.

What type of paint should you use on concrete render?

Choosing a paint colour scheme that works well with the textured finish of rendered walls is crucial to getting the most out of your upcoming painting job.  Another thing to remain mindful of is that exterior rendered walls differ vastly from one and other. This is what separates painting a rendered wall from any other type of exterior painting.

The best paint for rendered walls are masonry or silicone paint. It is best to use these paints on concrete render. They are weather-resistant and long-lasting, and are intended particularly for concrete and masonry surfaces. Proper surface preparation is essential to ensure the paint adheres well to the porous surfaces of the render.

It is important to make sure the paint you wish to use is compatible with rendered walls. Many paints simply won’t work with concrete render as they can start peeling and flaking off even after applying a second coat. To avoid this, make sure to properly prepare the render surface before starting to paint.

How should you go about painting rendered walls?

Painting rendered walls requires careful preparation and technique to achieve a professional finish. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Prepare the surface: Clean the wall thoroughly to remove dirt, dust, cobwebs, or flaking paint. This ensures the surface is smooth and free of debris that can affect the paint’s adhesion.
2. Inspect and repair the wall: Look for cracks or imperfections in the render. Fill any cracks with an exterior-grade filler, sand the area smooth, and reprime it to create a uniform surface.
3. Apply a primer or sealer: Use a primer designed for exterior painting, such as a flexible membrane primer, to prevent hairline cracks from showing through the paint. Concrete rendered walls typically require up to three coats of sealer to ensure the paint adheres properly.
4. Choose the right weather conditions: Paint when the weather is between 10–30°C to allow the paint to dry evenly. Avoid painting during very humid or rainy conditions, as this can cause issues with adhesion and drying.
5. Start painting: Use a brush to cut in around the edges, such as corners, window frames, and trim. Then, use a roller to fill in the rest of the wall. Paint from different angles to ensure even coverage and a consistent finish.
6. Protect your surroundings: Place drop sheets or dust sheets on the floor to protect it from paint drips. Mask off areas like window panes, trims, or edges to keep them neat and unpainted.
7. Use the right tools: A sturdy ladder will help you safely reach high or awkward corners. Ensure your brushes and rollers are suitable for exterior paint and textured surfaces.

By following these steps, you can achieve a professional-looking result that enhances the appearance and durability of your rendered walls.

Looking to paint cement render? We can help!

If you would like to know more about painting with cement render, then get in contact with us! You can reach us online or over the phone, simply call us on 0402 283 119. We are always happy to help! Get in touch for a free quote!