Looking to take on a DIY render job or simply want a better understanding of the rendering process? At Rapid Rendering we always encourage offloading the job to a professional to guarantee quality workmanship and the best outcome. However, if you do want to render a wall yourself, here is your complete guide!
What you need
You will require the following tools for rendering;
- Wooden trowel
- Metal trowel
- Steel brush
- Polystyrene float
- Soft brush
- Tape measure
- Shovel
- Measuring jug
- Hose
- Bucket
- Wheelbarrow
- Sponge
- Masking tape
- Water access
The following materials;
- Bags of render
- Cement Australia Oxide (add colour if desired)
- Black plastic sheeting
- Moulded corner beading
- Suitable adhesive
And the following protective gear;
- Face mask
- Boots
- Gloves
- Googles
- Long clothing
- Team lift
- Goggles or protective glasses
- Sunscreen/hat if you are working outdoors
Check if you need approval
We always recommend checking if you require council approval prior to making changes. If you are renting, you may need to check with your landlord or if you are part of a strata scheme your body corporate representative.
Prepare the surface
Cover paths or driveways with the plastic sheets to keep clean throughout the entire process. The first and most crucial step is preparing the surface.
You will need to use your steel brush to remove any existing paint, plaster or materials that can disrupt application.
Use adhesive to fix corner beading to external corners of the area you’re working on. Then add a tiny amount of render to the beadings center, firmly pressing corners and collect the excess render that is pushed out.
You should wet the surface that is being rendered with a hose or wet brush.
Mix the render
Ensure you only mix one bag of render multi surface at a time to reduce risk of it setting too fast.
Grab your wheelbarrow and fill it with four litres of water and slowly add one bag of render. Mix until render is smooth and without lumps, it should be so solid that it can rest on a trowel.
Give the mixture five minutes to rest, allowing polymer chemicals to activate and then speedily stir the mixture once more.
Render must be applied within a 30 minute period of the final mixing and do not use any render that has split.
Apply the render
When rendering an existing wall (brick/block), add render to mortar joints to even out the surface.
Begin from the bottom applying render with your steel trowel, pushing upward. You should use a long, even, spreading stroke to provide an even thickness. Holes or divots may appear, be sure to fill these. Avoid overworking the area.
Apply between 2mm to 10mm of render multi surface thickness. Allow at least three days between coats so that the render can strengthen adequate and reduce any cracks.
Final layer
The final layer of render must be firm. Use a wooden trowel or polystyrene float to smooth out completely. If you wish to have decorative textures, use a damp sponge to make swirls or the fine brush to add a swept effect.
Following rendering
The surface must remain moist for the next five days following rendering. This is vital in avoiding cracking and it is recommended that a mist spray is used.
If you wish to paint over your rendering, wait at least two-weeks post render.
All in all, rendering is a skill and it is best to hire someone who has years of experience doing this task day after day. Just like the experts at Rapid Rendering. If you would like any further advice or rendering quotes, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team!