Rendering
a wall is the act of applying a layer of material such a sand & cement
(lime can also be used) to a brick or masonry wall to render it smooth with the
help of cement rendering in Sydney. The
wall may then be painted if desired.
Things you'll need: Wire brush, Plastic or wooden float,
Wire scratcher, Steel trowel, Wooden battens, Straightedge, Spray bottle
Preparation is the key: Make sure your wall to be rendered is
really clean and etched so you get maximum keying and suction between render
and masonry. Chip away any old render or loose mortar. Brush off any organic
growth or material. If the bricks have a smooth surface texture, chip away at
the front of the bricks to create a key for the render.
Fix
vertical battens to the wall about 10mm thick, and about every 900mm, packing
them out where necessary to take up undulations in the wall.
When
fixing the first batten to a corner or the wall, make sure it is straight and
upright even if the wall is not. Each space between these screeding battens
will be filled separately. This method is the easiest way to keep the render
flat and even. Before you start, spray the wall lightly to make damp...this
will help to achieve good suction.
Render Mix:
1 part cement....6 parts clean sharp sand (tip...try and use plastering sand)
Add
the correct amount of clean water to get the best trowel able mix, too wet and
it will slump and too dry and you won't be able to apply it (it will crumble).
Also add a waterproofing plasticizer to the mix. This helps to stop water
penetrating the finished render and improves flexibility
Application:
Starting at the top, load the hawk and then pick up the mortar on the trowel.
Pushing upwards in a slight arc and keeping a firm pressure, build up the
render on the wall between the battens. Level this undercoat off by
"see-sawing" the straightedge upwards along the battens. When each
bay is filled scratch the surface using a wire scratcher. Allow to dry before
removing the battens and filling with the same mortar mix.
The
render coat can be built of up to two or three layers, first a rough keying
scratch coat 5-10mm, a second body coat of 10-15mm with scratching and then a
final coat 5-8mm (the thickness can vary depending on the state of the
wall..i.e. a "straight" or "plumb" wall should only require
the two coat system.
In hot
conditions outside you may need to control excessive drying, shrinkage and
cracking by keeping the render moist with a sprayer (though not dripping wet)
Finishing:
To achieve a matt slightly rough finish, rub over with a plastic or wood float,
or a steel float for a smooth paintable finish.
If
you’re in Australia and cement rendering in Sydney looking for the best service at affordable price then you should
definitely try Seven Star Rendering P/T.