What are the Differences Between Plastering and Rendering?
If you’ve ever worried that you’re asking a plasterer for render when you need plaster, or vice versa, this blog is for you. There are real differences between plastering and rendering, which are to do with both their use and their composition. We’re taking a look at the purposes of each of them, in order to clear up any confusion.
What Do You Use Rendering For?
Rendering uses a kind of plaster for coating the exterior of a building. Once in place rendering provides waterproofing, fireproofing, and it determines the way your home or workplace looks to passers-by. There’s a number of different types of render, dependent on your requirements – and your budget!
- Sand & Cement. The most affordable option, though more than one coat may be needed.
- Acrylic Render. Looking for a vibrant colour? Acrylic render will provide it. It arrives pre-mixed and is very durable.
- Lime Render. This is one of the earliest kinds of render. Known as ‘breathing render’ because it stops moisture being trapped in the walls.
- Silicone Render. Provides the same vibrant colours as acrylic but it’s also self-cleaning and far more waterproof. Plus, it’s breathable.
- Monocouche Render. Mixed and pre-coloured on site, then sprayed onto the exterior in just one application.
What is Plastering Used For?
Plastering is a coating for interior walls and ceilings. The purpose of plastering is to create a smooth, professional finish in preparation for wallpapering or painting. Plaster that’s applied inside uses a finer sand in the mixture, in order to arrive at a better finish. Obviously, there’s no need for internal plasterwork to be weather-resistant, but it is water and fire-resistant.
When applying plaster internally, it’s important to give it plenty of time to dry before painting or papering. This can take anything between a week to a month. If you don’t want to wait, dry lining is a faster alternative. Dry lining is plaster board which is fixed to your internal walls or ceilings and then taped and jointed for a smooth finish. The surface is ‘paint-ready’ pretty much straight away.
FAQs on Plastering and Rendering
We get asked a fair few questions on this subject, so here are the top 3 queries with answers:
- How long does render last? It really depends on the quality of the exterior wall, and the kind of render you use. An acrylic, or silicone render will last between 20-35 years.
- When should you re-plaster a wall? If there are significant cracks or the plaster sounds hollow when you tap it, it’s time to re-plaster.
- What’s the difference between plastering and skimming? If a wall is already plastered, it can be skimmed with a layer of thin coat in order to create a smooth surface area.
About Logic Plastering
We’re a local business based in Bedford, and we’ve been providing high-quality plastering and rendering services across Bedfordshire for more than 10 years. These include render removal, plaster repairs and new internal and external finishes – including dry lining. Our team of professionals are guaranteed to turn up when they say they will, work to the agreed deadline, and clean up after themselves!
If you would like a free quotation for plastering and rendering finishes in Bedfordshire, call the Logic team today on 07809 228328