Different Kinds Of Render Finishes

Rendering a house involves applying a protective coating to the exterior walls, enhancing both their durability and aesthetic appeal. This process not only shields your home from the harsh elements like rain, sun, and wind but also deepens the colour of the walls, giving your property a fresh and vibrant look.

Render Finishes

There are various rendering finishes available, each with its own distinct texture and look. Picking the ideal coating for your walls will rely on both their unique protection requirements and the design of your house.

1. Textured Finish

One of the most popular choices, textured finish, offers a rough, grainy appearance that can add character to your exterior walls. This finish is often achieved using materials like acrylic render or cement render, both of which are known for their durability and versatility. Textured finishes are ideal for those looking to add depth and visual interest to their home’s facade.

2. Trowel Finish

A trowel finish is a great choice if you want a more polished, seamless appearance. Using a trowel, this finish is applied to produce a smooth, uniform surface. Traditional cement render and lime plaster are commonly used for this type of finish, as they provide a solid base coat that can be smoothed out to achieve the desired effect. Trowel finishes are often chosen for their elegant appearance and weather-resistant properties.

3. Bagged Render

A thin layer of render is applied over brick or blockwork using a hessian bag in a technique called bagged render, also referred to as bagging render. Through this technique, the material’s natural beauty is brought to light with a rustic, slightly rough texture. For classic or heritage homes, clay render is a popular choice due to its natural qualities and breathing capacity, which also makes it work well with other treatments.

4. Sponge Finish

Sponge finishing involves dabbing the render while it’s still wet with a sponge to give it a soft, delicate texture. This finish is commonly applied on acrylic or polymer render to create a delicate, visually pleasing appearance. For those who like a more subtle look with a hint of texture, sponge finishes are perfect.

5. Scraped Finish

After the render has somewhat dried, you can produce a scraped finish by gently scraping the render’s surface. This technique exposes the aggregate within the render, giving it a distinct, speckled aspect. Mineral render and monocouche render are commonly used for scraped finishes because they offer an outdoor wall-friendly, weather-resistant surface.

6. Brick Effect Render

For those who want the look of brick without the cost, brick effect render is an excellent option. This technique involves applying a base coat of render, then scoring it to create the appearance of brickwork. Polymer render and cement-based render are typically used for this finish, offering both durability and aesthetic appeal.

7. Metallic Sheen Render

A metallic sheen render can be your best bet if you’re going for a more modern look. Special chemicals are used in this finish to produce a soft shimmering look that catches the light nicely. Popular options for this finish include silicone and acrylic render, which offer a flexible, smooth surface that can hold the metallic pieces.

8. Polystyrene Finish

An inventive rendering choice with superior insulating qualities is polystyrene finish. For this finish, the outside walls are first coated with a layer of polystyrene boards, and then a render coating. The end product is an extremely energy-efficient wall that keeps your house cool in the summer and retains heat in the winter.

Rendering Techniques

Beyond the finishes themselves, various rendering techniques can enhance the look and function of your exterior walls.

Acrylic Render

An adaptable and flexible rendering substance, acrylic render works well on a variety of surfaces, including brick, cement, and even walls that have already been painted. It can be used to create finishes that are smooth or textured, and its elasticity reduces the likelihood that it will break.

Cement Render

Cement render is a traditional choice for rendering, known for its strength and durability. It’s often used as a base coat in a render system and can be finished in a variety of ways, from smooth finishes to textured or scrapped finishes. Cement render is particularly popular for its water resistance and long-term durability.

Lime Plaster

For millennia, builders have employed lime plaster, also known as lime render, as a natural building material. Its superior breathability helps keep walls dry, and historical or environmentally sensitive projects frequently employ it. Depending on the desired look, lime render can be made smooth or textured.

Silicone Render

Silicone render is a modern rendering material that offers superior water resistance and flexibility. It’s an excellent choice for areas prone to heavy rainfall, as it prevents water from penetrating the walls. Silicone render is often used in conjunction with other materials to create a durable and weather-resistant exterior.

Selecting the Appropriate Render for Your Residential or Business Property

It’s crucial to take your desired aesthetic into account in addition to the unique requirements of your external walls when choosing a render for your residential or commercial property. There is a rendering option to fit any need, whether you’re looking for a decorative rendering with a metallic shine, a weather-resistant finish with silicone render, or a traditional look with lime render.

If you’re looking to enhance the appearance and durability of your property’s exterior, consider the wide range of rendering finishes available. For expert advice and professional application, Zaks Render is here to help you achieve the perfect finish for your home or commercial building. With years of experience in the industry, Zaks Render can guide you through the selection process and ensure that your rendering project is completed to the highest standard.