Give your property a game-changing render finish with these expert tips.
Rendering the exterior of your home is a great way to instantly enhance kerb appeal and protect walls against the elements. With the right techniques, it’s also a surefire way to make an old building look brand new.
The problem is:
Perfecting the render finish can be tricky. The last thing you want is a half-hearted attempt that looks patchy and ruins your hard work.
Fear not, because:
By following this guide, you can avoid common pitfalls and learn the essential steps for flawless finishes. Let’s get into it.
What you’ll learn:
- Why Render Finishes Matter For Your Property
- The Essential Steps To Perfect Rendering
- How To Choose The Right Render Type
- When To Call In The Professionals
Why Render Finishes Matter For Your Property
Rendering does more than just make your property look pretty. It also forms a protective layer to shield walls against moisture, temperature fluctuations and general degradation.
The UK home improvement market hit £11.3 billion in 2024 and external work is a big slice of that. Property owners know that first impressions matter.
In terms of property value, potential energy savings, protection against the weather and instantly updating tired exteriors, a good quality render finish can:
- Add value to your property
- Improve energy efficiency
- Protect against the weather
- Update exteriors
But none of that is possible with a botched up finish that starts peeling away within months. Don’t be that guy. Read on to discover how to do it right.
The Essential Steps To Perfect Rendering
There are plenty of articles out there about how to mix render and slap it onto a wall. The reality is that most DIY attempts fall flat.
Rendering is not difficult, but it is a precise process. This is what professional plasterers and renderers services pros use every time.
Step 1: Surface Preparation
Everything starts with a sound surface.
If the walls are not prepared correctly, there is no hope for the render to adhere properly. This is why most DIY attempts fail.
You need to:
- Remove all loose material and flaky old paint
- Clean the walls with a pressure washer
- Allow it to dry completely
- Apply a bonding agent to smooth surfaces
All of this can take up to a day by itself. But don’t rush it or the whole thing will come off in your hands later.
Step 2: Apply The Base Coat
The base coat is the foundation of the render. Mix the render to the correct consistency, not too wet or dry.
Apply it evenly across the wall to a depth of 10-15mm. Then use a scratching comb to produce horizontal lines. These grooves will help the top coat to grip.
Wait 24 hours minimum before moving onto the next step.
Step 3: Dampen And Apply Top Coat
Don’t go in guns blazing. Mist the base layer with a fine water spray to stop it drying out too quickly.
Apply the finishing coat at 5-10mm thickness, working in small sections to keep a wet edge and avoid joins.
What separates the men from the boys is consistency.
This means working with the same application technique and timing for every section. Finding a trusted plasterer with experience is a big part of that.
Step 4: Create Your Chosen Finish
If you’ve done everything else correctly, this is the fun part.
The final look is created by applying different techniques with simple tools.
Some of the most popular finishes are:
- Smooth finish: Plastic float in circular motions while damp
- Textured finish: Applied with sponge for rustic effect
- Scraped finish: Straight edge dragged across set surface
Timing is the key to getting these finishes right. Too soon and you can damage the coat. Wait too long and you can’t texture it.
Most pros wait until the surface stops having a shine before starting.
How To Choose The Right Render Type
There are many different types of render, not all are created equal. The right one for you depends on your property, budget and the finish you are after.
According to recent data, 51% of homeowners renovated in 2024 and external work is a big part of that.
Cement Render
The old classic. It’s cheap and durable but needs painting after application.
Silicone Render
Expensive but low maintenance. It’s also breathable and comes pre-coloured.
Acrylic Render
Very flexible and resistant to cracking. Perfect for properties with movement issues.
Monocouche Render
Through-coloured render that only needs one coat. Faster but more technical as colour variations are visible.
The bottom line?
Choose a render type that is best for your property, don’t automatically opt for the cheapest.
When To Call In The Professionals
Can you render a wall yourself? Yes. Is it a good idea? Not always.
There are some instances when you should call the professionals:
- The wall is large or multi-storey
- Access is difficult and needs scaffolding
- The surface has serious damage
- Specialist finishes are required
Professional plasterers and renderers bring years of experience and weather knowledge. They will know exactly when to float the surface and spot any issues before they become bigger problems.
The rendering industry remains competitive with over 6,800 plastering businesses operating across the UK.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
As the saying goes, if you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. Experienced pros have made every mistake under the sun and learned from them. Don’t make the same errors.
Applying in poor weather: Rendering doesn’t like direct sunlight or freezing temperatures. Aim for mild, overcast days instead.
Incorrect mix ratios: Too much water weakens renders. Mix to manufacturers specifications only.
Skipping the base coat: The base coat is essential for adhesion and to stop cracks forming.
Rushing between coats: Allow each layer to cure completely before moving onto the next.
Tying It All Together
Achieving perfect render finishes is all about preparation, patience and technique.
To quickly recap the guide:
- Surface prep before anything else
- Apply base coat and allow it to cure
- Mist walls before the top coat
- Choose your finish technique carefully
- Select render types based on your needs
Whether you are tackling a small patch or the entire house, these fundamentals remain the same.
Master them and you will have a professional looking finish that lasts for years.
But if you are still unsure about taking on the work, know that there is no shame in bringing in the professionals. Sometimes the best DIY is knowing when not to DIY.