22 January 2019
By
Thinking of redecorating or giving your property a face-lift? Then you might consider rendering your brick walls or painting an existing rendered surface. Cement render refers to a (generally smooth) concrete application to external and/or internal brick or concrete walls in order to achieve a smooth or deliberately textured surface. It could be a concrete render finish or another form of brick wall render.
What some people do not realise is that there are two key decorative options which can be considered:
- Painting the render
- Using a tinted render
Here’s a quick look at both in comparison.
Advantages of tinted/ coloured render
Rendering a wall with tinted renders offer a timeless and beautiful quality that painted surfaces simply cannot achieve. Rendered brick walls can help recreate the casual elegance of a sophisticated smooth finish or a deliberately rustic aesthetic with high-performance finishes. What’s more, the depth of colour permeates the entire render layer maintaining a rich, full colour.
Coloured renders offer a tough, flexible and water-resistant finish with long-term exterior protection, designed for brick walls.
Disadvantage of coloured render
Because of its granular surface, it allows dirt to “sit” in it, the paint component is the binder which keeps it on the wall. Tinted render is more expensive; we always recommend using it because it is a longer-term solution.
Advantages of painted render
Paint rendered brick walls are “self-cleaning”. Whilst not technically correct, painted surfaces are ‘sealed’ meaning with rain and wind they will wash the dirt away.
Another consideration is that5 it costs less in the short run to paint render brick walls, a perfect option for those pressed for time or short of budget. Furthermore, painted render is easier to strip back and repaint should you wish to change the colour of it.
Disadvantages of painted render
While painting render is a generally cheaper and a time-saving option for concrete render finishes, as a standalone finish, you’re more likely to see hairline cracks develop within the paint which can really damage its overall appearance. This is pure because it lacks the strength that a render possesses.
The day you apply the last coat of paint to the bricks on your home, is the first-day paint degradation begins, and you will more, in the long run, to repaint your wall over again.
These are a few considerations and there are many more to keep in mind when planning for a concrete render finish. For more insights on which render to choose for your commercial, heritage, or industrial structural repair needs, consult with the experts from Remedial today.
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