What is acrylic rendering?

Acrylic render is an appealing and versatile material applied to brick or cement walls. In recent years, it’s been used widely in construction and renovation projects. Acrylic rendering provides a durable and smooth finish to both interior and exterior walls, and offers a range of benefits over traditional rendering methods.

In this guide to acrylic rendering, we explore:

• What is acrylic render?
• The pros and cons of acrylic renders
• Acrylic render vs cement render
• How long does it last for, and
• How much does acrylic rendering cost?

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What is acrylic render?

Acrylic render is an exterior finish applied to walls made of cement, brick, or other masonry materials. It typically consists of a mixture of acrylic polymer emulsion (plastic), cement, and fine aggregates. The mixture is applied to the wall surface with a trowel and then smoothed to create a durable and water-resistant finish.

Acrylic rendering is a popular choice because of its strength, flexibility, and resistance to cracking and fading. It comes in a wide range of colors and textures, perfect for both residential and commercial buildings.

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What are the pros and cons of acrylic render?

The pros

Acrylic rendering offers a number of benefits, including:

• High resistance to cracking, chalking, fading, and other forms of weathering
• Water resistant and protects the underlying wall from moisture damage
• Flexible and accommodating to the natural movement of the building’s structure
• Comes in a wide range of finishes
• Easy to maintain
• Energy efficient, providing a thermal barrier that reduces heat loss
• Cost effective

The cons

Acrylic rendering has some disadvantages to consider as well. This includes:

• Being vulnerable to UV rays
• Unsuitable for application over wood, metal, or painted surfaces
• Should not be used in areas of high humidity or in the presence of moisture
• Requires extensive surface preparation and skilled labour
• It’s fast drying and once the setting process starts it can’t be worked on further.

It’s important to weigh up the benefits and disadvantages of acrylic rendering before deciding if it’s the right choice for your project. Consult with professionals and review all the options available to you.

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Acrylic render vs cement render

Acrylic render vs cement render, what’s the difference? The main point of difference between acrylic render and cement render is the type of binder used to hold the mixture together.

Cement render uses a combination of sand, cement, and water as the binder, while acrylic render uses an acrylic polymer. Acrylic render is more flexible and resistant to cracking than cement render, making it ideal for use in areas with temperature fluctuations and movement. It also does a better job at bonding with other substrates.

Cement render is a more traditional and economical option, and is suitable for basic rendering needs. Acrylic and cement render both come with their own list of benefits and drawbacks. When deciding between the two, you’ll need to carefully consider the specific needs of your project.

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Alternative options to acrylic render

There are several different materials you can choose from if you don’t want to use an acrylic based mixture. This includes:

• Traditional cement or concrete render
• Lime render
• Clay render
• Stone cladding
• Brick or blockwork
• Texture coating

Each of these options has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and the best option for your project will depend on your needs, budget, and style preferences. To get the best result for your home, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional before making your final decision.

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How long does acrylic render last?

Acrylic render is a long-lasting finish for exterior walls. Typically, acrylic rendering should last anywhere from 20 to 35 years, or more, with proper maintenance. Conversely, cement render can start to crack after just seven to 15 years.

The exact lifespan of an acrylic render will depend on a variety of factors, including:

• Quality of application
• Quality of materials
• Surface preparation
• Exposure to weather
• Whether regular maintenance is carried out

It’s important to note that even with proper application and maintenance, acrylic render will eventually need to be re-applied. When done correctly, acrylic render can provide a long-lasting and low-maintenance finish for exterior walls.

How much does acrylic rendering cost in Australia?

The cost of acrylic render in Australia can vary depending on a number of factors, including:

• The size of the area to be rendered
• Type of finish desired
• Experience and skill of the renderer, and
• The location of the project.

On average, the cost of acrylic rendering is around $30 to $70 per square meter, but can be as high as $100 per square metre for a high-end finish. Generally, the cost includes the price of materials and labor. Keep in mind, this is a general guide and it’s important to obtain several quotes from different renderers to get a better idea of the actual cost of your project.

Additional factors like scaffolding, surface preparation, and repainting may also increase the overall cost of the project.

We recommend sourcing multiple quotes from local professional renderers to compare prices and workmanship. Be sure to provide as many details as possible about your project to get accurate quotes.

Want to find a local renderer in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide?