Rendering is a popular choice for many Australian homeowners and businesses that want to elevate the design of their property. However, it’s a skill that requires a professional in order to get the best results, which is why hipages is the ideal place to find local cement renderers. Here’s what to expect.

What does a cement renderer do?

Cement renderers are specialised tradies who apply layers of cement-based materials to a building's exterior or interior walls, providing a smooth and durable finish. The renderer first prepares the surface by cleaning and repairing any damage, then applies the cement mixture using various techniques, such as trowelling or spraying.

Cement renderers need to work quickly to ensure the cement doesn’t dry before it’s smoothed out. Once the cement is applied and smoothed, the renderer may then paint or seal the surface to provide additional protection and boost its aesthetic appeal.

Which surfaces can be rendered?

Render is usually applied to brick, concrete, cement or stone surfaces, but it can also be applied to earth – in the case of mud-brick walls, for example. It’s suitable for exterior walls, interior walls, mailboxes and fences. In fact, as long as it’s made from the above materials, it can probably be rendered.

What are the main types of render to choose from?

Cement render

Cement render is made up of three components – lime, sand and cement. The purpose of the lime is to make the render more workable and it helps to minimise cracking when the render hardens. The sand should be clean and contain no clay or plant matter. Coarser sands are used for undercoats, while finer sands are generally used for topcoats. Lighter cement is used when the wall needs to be light in colour.

If you prefer a coloured render, your professional cement renderer should make a sample and allow it to fully dry before starting the rendering job in earnest. This will ensure the render is the correct colour you are looking for.

Rendering can also provide a variety of decorative effects depending on the finishing techniques used, but this is a tricky process and should only be done by a highly experienced professional.

Acrylic render

Acrylic render, as the name suggests, uses plastic acrylic in the render itself. Because of this, it’s much more resistant to cracking than most other types of render. It’s also fast drying, taking only two days to cure and dry, while traditional renders can take up to 28 days. Acrylic render can be used to cover up small hairline cracks in masonry surfaces, and because it is permeable to water vapours, it allows the materials underneath (e.g. brick) to breathe. Acrylic render can be trowelled or rolled on, depending on the specific product being used.

Solid plastering

Solid plastering involves a mix of lime or gypsum along with sand and water. It provides a smooth, rendered finish thanks to plaster being quite a soft material. It’s therefore suitable for finishing work rather than anything structural or load-bearing. In terms of aesthetics, you have more options than ever with plaster, as it can be finished in a range of textures and colours.

What are the main steps for cement rendering?

Your tradie will first need to prepare the surface for rendering. Surfaces must be prepared correctly before any render is applied, and this usually involves dirt and grime being hosed off. However, if there is any evidence of mould, your renderer should use a fungicidal wash on the walls. Any existing paint must also be removed, as render won’t stick to paint. Your chosen professional will take care of all this preparatory work for you.

Now it’s time to apply the render. Exterior rendering should only be done in good weather, and not in areas that are subjected to strong winds. The surface to be rendered needs to be wetted so that the wall is damp but not glistening with moisture. Cement render, in particular, should be kept damp between coats – this is so the render doesn’t crack while it’s setting.

The main problem with rendering is getting the render to adhere to the surface. To make this easier, the surface can be roughened (especially if it is smooth – like concrete) or a preparation such as BondCrete may be applied to the wall and added to the render. The render should suit the surface which it is being applied to and be applied in the correct thickness. Most renders take two or three coats, but this will depend on the surface being rendered, and which render your tradie is using.

How much does a cement renderer cost?

Rendering is typically quoted on a per-square-metre basis, though you will likely get a total-cost figure for your job. Prices can range from $30 per square metre for cement render up to $80 per square metre for acrylic, depending on the specifics of the job. Bear in mind that to get the best finish, you will generally need at least two coats of render as well as a waterproofing sealer for exterior surfaces.

According to Render Rite, a full render for an average home can cost anywhere from $12,000 to $20,000 for a high-quality render.

What to ask when hiring a local cement renderer

Here are some questions to ask cement renderers you find through hipages:

• How long have you been working as a cement renderer?

• What materials and techniques do you use for rendering?

• Can you walk me through the rendering process and timeline?

• What kind of surfaces can be rendered?

• Will you be able to match the existing texture and finish of the wall being rendered?

• What kind of warranty or guarantee do you offer on your work?

• How much maintenance or upkeep is required for the rendered surface?

Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.