Acrylic Render: Is It Better Than Normal Render?

One question that comes up frequently when rendering projects is if acrylic render is superior to regular render. This in-depth tutorial examines the distinctions between cement and acrylic rendering, balancing the benefits and drawbacks of each to assist you in making an informed choice for your upcoming project.

What is Acrylic Render?

Acrylic render is a kind of render in which a certain kind of plastic called acrylic is mixed in. With this improvement, the render becomes less prone to breaking over time and becomes more flexible. It works well on a variety of surfaces, such as brick, concrete, and fiber cement, and it comes in a variety of hues and textures.

How Acrylic Rendering Works

Advantages of Acrylic Render

One of the main advantages of acrylic render is its flexibility. Unlike traditional renders, which can crack as buildings settle and shift, acrylic render can move with the structure. This reduces the likelihood of cracks developing over time. Additionally, acrylic render is easier to apply than sand and cement mixes, and it typically cures in just a few days.

Acrylic Render Pros:

Flexibility: Less likely to crack over time.
Application: Easier to apply than cement render.
Curing Time: Faster curing time (usually a few days).
Versatility: Available in a range of colours and textures.

What is Cement Render?

Cement render, often referred to as sand and cement render, is a traditional type of render made from a mix of sand, cement, and lime. It’s commonly used on brick and concrete walls and provides a durable, long-lasting finish.

Cement Render Pros:

Durability: Extremely hard and long-lasting.
Cost: Generally cheaper than acrylic render.
Traditional Appearance: Provides a classic, traditional look.

Pros and Cons of Cement Render

Cement render has many disadvantages while being affordable and long-lasting. Its tendency to crack as the building settles and moves over time is one of its key drawbacks. Additionally, cement render needs a longer curing time, typically up to 28 days, before it can be painted or completed.

Acrylic Render vs Cement Render: Key Differences

When comparing acrylic render vs cement render, there are several factors to consider:

Flexibility and Durability
Acrylic Render: More flexible, less likely to crack.
Cement Render: More durable but can crack as buildings settle.
Application and Curing Time
Acrylic Render: Easier to apply, cures in a few days.
Cement Render: Requires more skill to apply, takes up to 28 days to cure.
Cost and Appearance
Acrylic Render: Typically more expensive, available in a range of colours and textures.
Cement Render: More cost-effective, provides a traditional look.

Which Render Performs Better in Sydney’s Climate?

Sydney’s climate includes strong UV exposure, heavy rainfall periods, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. These environmental factors play a major role in how render performs over time.

Acrylic render tends to perform better in areas exposed to movement and changing temperatures because of its flexibility. It expands and contracts with the building, reducing the likelihood of hairline cracking. Its water-resistant properties also make it suitable for homes exposed to frequent rain or coastal moisture.

Cement render, while extremely strong, is more rigid. In areas where buildings experience movement or seasonal expansion and contraction, cracking is more likely unless expansion joints and proper curing methods are carefully managed.

For modern homes or properties in high-exposure environments, acrylic render is often preferred for its long-term crack resistance. However, cement render remains a reliable option when applied correctly and maintained properly.

How to Apply Acrylic Render: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once you have decided that acrylic render is the right choice for your home, understanding the application process will help you know what to expect whether you are taking on the job yourself or overseeing a professional team,. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how acrylic render is applied correctly.

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

Thorough surface preparation is the most important step in the entire process. The wall must be clean, dry, and free of dust, grease, loose paint, and any crumbling material. Use a stiff brush or low-pressure wash to remove debris, and allow the surface to dry completely before proceeding.

If the wall is particularly smooth or has low absorption such as a previously painted surface or dense concrete block, a bonding primer or sealer should be applied at this stage to improve adhesion.

Step 2: Repair Any Existing Damage

Before applying any render, inspect the wall carefully for cracks, holes, or areas of loose material. Fill any imperfections with an appropriate exterior filler, sand smooth once dry, and reprime if necessary. Applying render over unrepaired damage will not conceal the problem, it will only delay it.

Step 3: Apply the Base Coat

A base coat is applied to the prepared surface to create a stable, even foundation for the acrylic render. Depending on the surface type, this may be a render undercoat, a fibreglass mesh embedded in a base compound, or a skim coat of render. The base coat must be allowed to cure fully before the acrylic render is applied on top.

Tips for a Strong Base Coat

• Apply the base coat evenly using a trowel or notched spreader
• Embed fibreglass mesh into the wet base coat for added crack resistance, particularly on fibre cement or foam substrates
• Allow a minimum of 24 hours curing time before proceeding, or follow the manufacturer’s guidelines

Step 4: Mix the Acrylic Render

Acrylic render typically comes premixed and ready to use, though some products may require a small amount of water to be added for workability. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and avoid over-thinning the mix, as this can weaken the finished coating and affect the texture.

Step 5: Apply the Acrylic Render

Using a trowel, roller, or spray system depending on the desired finish, apply the acrylic render evenly across the surface. Work in manageable sections to maintain a wet edge and avoid visible join lines between sections.

• For a smooth finish, use a steel trowel and work the surface in long, even strokes
• For a textured finish, use a sponge float or texture roller to achieve the desired effect while the render is still workable
• For a spray finish, use a hopper gun or render spray machine for a consistent, even coat across larger areas

Step 6: Texture and Finish the Surface

Once the render has been applied, work the surface to achieve your chosen finish while it is still wet and workable. This is the stage where the final appearance of the wall is determined, so take your time and work consistently across the entire surface to avoid patchy or uneven results.

Step 7: Allow to Cure

Acrylic render cures relatively quickly compared to cement render, typically within a few days, depending on temperature, humidity, and the thickness of the coat applied. During this time, protect the freshly rendered surface from direct rain and avoid applying any paint or sealant until the render has fully cured.

Ideal Curing Conditions

• Temperatures between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius
• Low to moderate humidity
• Out of direct sunlight and sheltered from wind where possible
• No rain for at least 24 to 48 hours after application

Step 8: Paint or Seal if Required

Once the acrylic render has fully cured, it can be painted or sealed if desired. Many acrylic renders are available in a range of pre-tinted colours, which can eliminate the need for painting altogether. If painting, use a high-quality exterior masonry paint compatible with acrylic render and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the number of coats required.

Prefer to leave it to the professionals? The team at Zaks Render has extensive experience applying acrylic render to all types of surfaces across Sydney. Get in touch on 0402 283 119 for an obligation-free quote.

Type of Render for Your Project

Choosing the right type of render for your project depends on various factors, including the surface you’re working with, the desired finish, and your budget. Acrylic rendering is ideal for those looking for a flexible, easy-to-apply solution that comes in a variety of finishes. On the other hand, cement rendering is perfect for those seeking a durable, traditional render that can withstand the test of time.

Conclusion

Both acrylic render and cement render have their own unique benefits and drawbacks. Acrylic render is praised for its flexibility, ease of application, and variety of finishes, making it a popular choice for modern rendering projects. Cement render, with its durability and cost-effectiveness, remains a staple for traditional construction projects.

When deciding between acrylic render and cement render, consider the specific needs of your project. For expert advice and professional rendering services in Sydney, look no further than Zaks Render. Their team of experienced professionals can help you choose the perfect render for your project, ensuring a high-quality finish that stands the test of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can both render types be painted?

Yes. Both can be painted once fully cured. Cement render requires a longer waiting period before painting compared to acrylic render.

Which render should I choose for my project?

Choose acrylic render if you want flexibility, faster curing, and modern finishes. Choose cement render if you want a cost effective, traditional look with a very hard surface.

Which type of render lasts longer?

Both have long lifespans when applied correctly. Cement render is extremely durable, while acrylic render resists cracking and weather damage better due to its flexibility.

Is acrylic render suitable for older homes?
Yes. Acrylic render is often suitable for older homes because its flexibility helps accommodate minor building movement, reducing the risk of cracking compared to cement render.

Does acrylic render require less maintenance than cement render?
Generally, yes. Acrylic render tends to resist dirt, moisture, and algae better, which can reduce the need for frequent maintenance.