Similarly, it does not matter if there is a week or two between the first coat and the second coat as long as the same dampness is applied to the wall before the second coat is applied. Additionally if you have to render a particularly large area then using some stop beads to divide it up is a great idea so that you don’t have to try and render the entire surface in one go. Either grey or white cement can be used. The white gives a brighter finish but it is a little more expensive. Sharp sand is usually used instead of builder's sand because the grit in it helps to repel moisture and it creates a stronger mix. The stone sizes can vary depending on what you want, but the colour of them doesn't matter because they will be mixed in and covered with the cement anyway. Many people also add a waterproofer into the mix so that moisture will be less likely to seep into the cement later. Place battens about 900mm apart and make sure the screws are flush with the face of the timber because you will be using these battens to help you level the render by sliding a straight edge or plasterers darby over them. This will then take off any render above that level ensuring nothing goes above the 15mm total depth. This is demonstrated in the image above. This will also help to divide the wall up in to more manageable chunks.

The great thing about wet dash render is that it can hide any imperfections or old damage in the walls of your home. It can also easily be applied to walls that are curved. The render will brighten your home and make it look brand new again. If you want a low-maintenance option It sounds simple but you’ll find that the technique takes a bit of practice to get used to it and it may take you a while before you can manage a nice smooth finish. Drying times can vary in hot and dry versus humid or wet conditions, so consulting a professional for specific guidance is prudent. Common Problems with Sand and Cement Render Pebbledash will give you all the same hard-wearing properties as wet dash render. It is essentially the same, except that with pebble dash the stones are applied afterwards. But if you want to be able to update how the exterior of your home looks by changing the colour, or if you want a more uniform colour look, then wet dash is the better option. If your walls are curved or uneven

By adhering to these guidelines and seeking professional advice, you can ensure the proper application and longevity of your sand and cement render. What is the best mix Ratio for sand and cement Render? ProGuard Exteriors are your local experts for external wall insulation, exterior wall coatings, coloured render systems, and exterior painting for your home. Wet dash render has been used on a variety of building types throughout its history. It is commonly found on medieval buildings in the form of rendered panels on timber-framed houses. These small panels of wet dash render highlighted the architectural features of the houses. Scrub off any mould with a bleach, or fungicide solution and finally hose down the wall to remove any dust and dirt that could stop the render from adhering.

To ensure this, leave the first coat for around 24 hours to dry out. Once dry, it should turn a light grey colour and look similar to the image below. If you are rendering around any corners or up to any doorways or windows then you will need to fix some angle beads in place as these will give you a nice, sharp, crisp corner to render up to. These are effectively the same as angle and stop beads used in plastering. As we have mentioned, rendering is very much the same as plastering and due to this requires practice beforehand to get the hang of it so take the time to practice using a piece of platerboard fixed to a garage or shed wall first.

Adding Insulation When Rendering

You may find that any old render (pre-industrial revolution) is much harder to sand because the formulas used in the past are more durable and less flexible.

Start applying the second coat using your plasterers steel float. Mound the mix on to a hawk to make it easier to transport and apply. Floating has the effect of closing up the render. All the little air holes are filled and the render becomes smoother and more waterproof. If it is allowed to freeze it will expand and on thawing it will leave a void which will again fill with water when it rains. This will also freeze and so the process goes on. See our project on Freeze-Thaw action for more information. To protect these surfaces lay out dust sheets or better still a tarpaulin under and around any walls or surfaces that are to be rendered. Sand and cement render is a cost-effective, durable, and low-maintenance option for exterior wall finishes. When applied correctly, it results in a smooth, attractive surface that offers protection from the elements. However, meticulous attention to material selection, application processes, and professional consultation is vital to achieve optimal results. Regular maintenance and care further contribute to the render’s durability and aesthetics.Once the wall is correctly cleaned down you will need to remove any air vents and extend them out and also any window sills if they are particularly shallow e.g. bring them out to the new surface level of the finished wall. Hi Rigsby. I know what you mean About trusting people. I used this renderers primer cause I thought that I could bang it on a few days before and my spread could just do his stuff without us having to brush on the SBR slurry and it would be better for him.