Acrylic rendering versus cement rendering

The difference between cement and acrylic render is that cement render contains cement while acrylic render does not. There are many properties to each style of render to consider when choosing which to apply to your surface.

Cement Render ($35-$45/m2)

It is the most commonly used style of render and consists of a mix of concrete, sand and lime or clay. Unlike newer types of render, cement render does not come pre-mixed and requires water to activate. It can be applied to most surface at up to 15 cm in thickness and is the cheapest render mix on the market, however the render often becomes brittle over time and subject to cracking.

Advantages:

• Affordable
• Can be applied up to 15cm in thickness
• Comes in a range of colours

Acrylic Render ($45-$55/m2)

Acrylic render contains petroleum and plastic polymers giving it greater flexibility and water resistance than a concrete render. This flexibility means that your exterior surfaces are immune to possible hairline fractures over time from natural expansion and contraction. This type of render comes pre-mixed and is usually applied as a thin top coat, which means that it requires an initial base coat.

Advantages:

• High durability
• Water resistant
• Fast drying
• Comes in a range of colours and textures

If you are looking for a cheap and short term solution for a surface, cement rendering is perfectly fine. However it is worth spending the extra money on an acrylic render if you’re looking for a coat that will last.

Pricing information correct as at March 2018.

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