Do you use sharp sand for rendering?

Asked by: Nick Garrison

The sand must be plastering sand or rendering sand, not building sand – do not use building sand for rendering because it shrinks and cracks. Sometimes you can add some building sand to the mix for the base coat but it shouldn’t be your primary sand.

What type of sand is used for rendering?

coarse sand

The best sand to use for rendering is coarse sand, which can give a smooth finish appropriate for most vernacular buildings. This type of sand holds even when the mix is a little richer in lime than a standard pointing mix.

Is rendering sand the same as sharp sand?

Builders sand is for bricklaying and sharp sand is for rendering.

What is the correct mix for render?

A common mix ratio used for rendering is 6 parts sand, 1 part cement and 1 part lime. Any general purpose cement can be used, although the sand should be fine and clean of impurities. Coarser sand is usually used as the base layer and slightly finer sand for the top layer.

What is the best mix for rendering a wall?

there are many ways but my reccomendation would be 4:1 plastering sand and opc (not mastercrete) and absolutely definately a render additive used in the correct proportions. this mix for both coats.

Can I render a wall with sharp sand?

Getting the Correct Mix for Your Render
Your equipment, including mixer, water, soft sand, sharp sand and cement should be as close to the work as possible to save on time running backwards and forwards. Also remember to clean your tools thoroughly after and between usage.

Can you use yellow building sand for rendering?

Mixed Plastering sand is a mix of soft building sand and Sharp sand to create an ideal mix for rendering. It’s supplied in strong recyclable bulk bags.

Do you PVA a wall before rendering?

I’ve never pva bonded brickwork before rendering because pva will reduce suction so the render is more likely to sink & belly. Just brush down the wall to to remove loose mortar & dust then hose down the wall if it’s external work then apply your scratch coat.

How do I get a smooth render finish?

A smooth finish – also known as a traditional, sponge, or float finish – is achieved by smoothing down a base coat render with a sponge float and coating with an external quality paint.

How do I stop my render from cracking?

The first prevention tip is stopping the plaster or render from drying too quickly. This means avoiding plastering and rendering in direct sunlight or where there is a strong wind. The premium time for plastering or rendering in the warmer months is early in the morning, as it is less humid at this time of day.

Why does render fall off?

Over time, the structure will become saturated and in winter the water can freeze. This expansion of the water will cause the render to be pushed off the wall and for the cracks to increase in size. Ultimately the render will become hollow and start falling off.

Why is New render cracking?

The right product for the right substrate
Using the wrong render product for the substrate can cause the water to dry out too fast, due to suction from the substrate, so causing cracking. Delamination occurs if the render product does not adhere – either by chemical key or by suction.