Different rendering projects require different rendering approaches, but you can’t know which one is best if you don’t have the information you need.
We will not talk you through every type of render, because, well, we like you and we don’t want to bore you to death. But, we do want to talk about the differences between cement render and acrylic render.
Why?
Because they’re both very popular options. They both have a unique application process. And they really highlight the major differences between traditional render and new rendering options.
So, if you’re looking for a new render for your house, our post today might just be perfect for you!
What is acrylic rendering?
Acrylic render is designed to be applied to exterior walls to protect them and enhance their appearance. It has acrylic as an additive to the mix to reinforce its durability and prevent hairline cracking from starting.
Available in a range of colours and finishes, acrylic render is quite similar to polymer modified render (polymer rendering uses polymer as an additive rather than acrylic) in terms of durability, but as a more popular option, acrylic render certainly has more colours available.
It takes very little time to dry, is easy to apply over almost any surface (including any existing render) and the different colours look great on any external walls.
What is cement rendering?
With cement render, its material properties vary significantly from that of acrylic render. This type of render is made up of three key elements – lime, cement, sand. And they can be mixed on site, or bought premade.
Some key advantages of cement render is that it’s incredibly weather resistant and durable, helping protect the wall beneath. It may experience cracking after some time, but it’s such a cost effective option, that applying another coating is easy and cheap enough to fix any issues.
Rough surfaces can also be given a smooth finish with this concrete render to create the perfect finish for your house.
Where can they be used: Acrylic render vs cement render?
It’s interesting to think about where cement renders and acrylic renders can be used because it helps highlight one of their key differences. It also helps homeowners like you decide which is best for your house based on the surfaces you’re trying to cover in render.
Acrylic rendering
Acrylic render can be used on almost any surface. Painted walls, cement, concrete block, render – any surface besides wood.
Wood is simply not sturdy enough to withstand acrylic rendering, and it is much more likely to crack or fall off.
Besides wood, acrylic render can be used anywhere else. But is the same true of cement render?
Cement rendering
Cement rendering can only be applied to brick or block. Rough surfaces like bricks are best here because it helps remove the textures whilst also adding a protective barrier. Besides this, it’s rarely suitable to use cement render on other surfaces.
Really, there is a much more limited range of situations where cement render is suitable for the building.
If you’re ever unsure, please, CONSULT WITH PROFESSIONALS!
Which render can be applied to more surfaces?
It’s obvious that one of the biggest differences between acrylic render and cement render is the amount of surfaces it’s suitable to use on.
When it comes to acrylic render vs cement render here: Acrylic wins.
But what about other differences?
Main differences between acrylic and cement render
Putting other renders, like silicone render and polymer render, aside for a moment, let’s simply concentrate on the differences between both acrylic rendering and cement rendering.
Cost
First, cost. Acrylic rendering is MUCH MORE expensive than cement render.
Yes, it has other benefits, but cost is a huge thing for customers, and in a situation where cement render and acrylic render could potentially both be used, why wouldn’t you opt for a cheaper cement rendering to save on the total bill?
Application
Next up is the application itself. Cement render can’t be applied to as many bases, but it is much faster to apply and easier, and it can be mixed on site to exact specifications for that particular building – so you have a professional prepare the mix for you.
Acrylic is premixed, takes a little more time and skill to apply, but can be applied to more bases.
Flexibility
Acrylic render, because of the varying textures and finishes (a painting textured render is available, for example) and how thin it is in terms of the coats on the wall when rendered, is much more flexible and versatile than cement rendering.
Cement render is much simpler. It won’t usually have a texture finish, and each coat will yield the same results. From base coat to top coat, a smooth texture is all you will achieve with a cement rendering finish.
Durability
Both can bring a new lease of life to your brick walls, but it’s no secret that acrylic render has a long lifespan – a lifespan that’s even longer than the ever durable cement render.
Why?
It’s all to do with the acrylic additive in the render during the mixing process. The acrylic render binds to the render mix and makes the material more durable, helping it stay on the wall for longer without a crack!
Cement render simply uses sand, lime, and cement, which can crack on rendered walls over time.
Drying times
Acrylic render will dry much faster on the building than cement render will.
Colours
Acrylic render can come with colour already mixed into the final render. Cement rendering doesn’t have this luxury.
With that said, a cement or acrylic paint could also be used to change the colour. But if you want the appearance to be perfect from the moment the render is applied to the walls, then acrylic is best.
Which render option is best?
There is no best rendering option. Depending on your house, the finish you’d like to achieve, and the base you’re hoping to render over, there are certainly better options for you.
But there is no single best option.
If you’re unsure what’s right for you, speak with professionals like us to give you the best rendering advice.
Can I complete the rendering job myself?
Yes, you could complete the rendering yourself, but we would strongly advise against it.
Rendering is difficult, even when it’s over a simple brick, and without the right tools and knowledge, it can go wrong quickly.
Our advice?
Seek professional help
Contact the professionals for best rendering advice and finishes. We can tell you your options, discuss what’s right for your home, and deliver amazing results at competitive prices with no stress on your end.
The professionals can take care of it all for you. Now, doesn’t that sound nice?
