As contractors we sometimes get asked to “plaster an external wall” but far from us wanting to correct and admonish our customers for using the wrong terminology, we thought we would highlight the basics and the differences between plastering and rendering.
Plastering and rendering are two construction techniques commonly employed to achieve a flat and even surface on walls. However, there is an important distinction between them.
Plastering and rendering differ in their materials used. Plastering typically consists of cement, water, lime gypsum and sand; on the other hand, render is much heavier in composition.
The biggest difference is that plastering is largely INTERNAL, whereas rendering is almost almost EXTERNAL, but it is really as cut and dried as that?
Interior Plastering explained
Plastering and rendering are terms used to describe the application of mortar over brickwork. However, there is a distinct difference between plastering walls inside homes and those outside them.
Interior plastering is the process of coating the inside of a wall with an impregnating mixture made up of cement, sand, and water. It may also include lime or other materials to produce an even surface that’s ready for painting.
Traditional plaster is made up of Gypsum (a soft sulphate mineral composed of calcium sulphate dihydrate, with the chemical formula CaSO₄·2H₂O) , plus also water and sand.
Plaster of Paris is typically applied with a trowel or other tool, spreading the mix over the wall. After application, allow it to dry for several weeks before painting or wallpaper can be applied on top.
This process can be accelerated by opening windows and using a dehumidifier.
A quality plaster should be resistant to moisture, abrasion and damage. Furthermore, it must be breathable so air can pass freely through it without becoming trapped inside.
Plastering has many applications, such as covering rough walls, concealing holes or cracks in the wall and levelling surfaces. It is also widely used to prepare a wall for painting.
Rendering, on the other hand, is a building technique that coats exterior walls to protect them from weather elements and wear and tear. It has been around for many years.
The primary distinction between rendering and plaster is their cement content.
Rendering contains much more cement, giving it greater resilience against weather elements, while plaster has less cement content and emphasizes aesthetics.
Both techniques are beneficial in protecting brickwork from rot and weathering, as well as strengthening it.
Commercial buildings typically render interior walls before applying plaster in order to reduce condensation and moisture build-up that could otherwise cause serious damage over time.
Plastering is generally an easier task than rendering, plus plastering can be done all year round, whereas rendering is usually for the warmer, drier months.
Exterior Rendering. What is it?
Plastering and rendering are distinct crafts with distinct advantages. Plastering is more of a traditional craft, while rendering is more modern and can be used to achieve various finishes on exterior walls.
Render is a cement mixture applied to the exterior of walls to give them an even surface, smoothness or texture. It can be applied over brickwork, masonry blocks or stone surfaces alike and not only adds visual interest but also protects buildings against weather damage.
The finished product can provide both aesthetic appeal and weather resistance at once!
Home staging can be an ideal way to freshen up a home’s aesthetic without needing extensive remodelling projects. Furthermore, it may increase the property’s value before it goes on the market for sale.
Before beginning the render project for your home, there are a few things to consider. First and foremost, consult an expert before taking on this job yourself, rendering a wall is certainly not easy, which is why people contact us for a quote for wall rendering.
Second, it is essential to remember that rendering can be a lengthy and laborious process.
It could take a few days for it to dry completely in colder weather.
Finally, it is essential to remember that if you decide to render your house, regular upkeep will be required in order to keep it looking its best. This may be particularly challenging if you live in an area with harsh climates that damage building materials faster than expected.
If you need your house rendered, hiring a local plasterer or wall coating specialist is recommended.
Not only will this give you the best results and guarantee proper work, but it can save money in the long run as they often provide warranties on their services.
Before selecting one for your render job, ask around for recommendations of quality local plasterers.
Skirting boards, architraves and mouldings can also be used to accentuate the base of walls at wall/floor intersections or for decorative purposes.
Skirting boards are narrow bands designed to fit around the base of walls and floors. They come in a range of materials, such as timber or metal.
Materials commonly used in plastering and rendering
Plastering and rendering are both techniques used to cover up rough walls or uneven surfaces.
Both involve mixing together cement, sand, water, and sometimes lime; however there are some key differences between them.
Plastering and rendering are fundamentally distinct; plastering applies primarily to interior walls, while rendering covers exterior ones. Rendering is a much tougher coating, capable of withstanding more extreme temperatures than its plaster counterpart.
Interior plaster should NEVER ever be used externally.
Both materials are composed of the same basic combination of ingredients, but render has a heavier composition than plaster due to its need to be strong enough to withstand weather elements while maintaining its integrity.
Another significant distinction between rendering and plaster is their higher cement content; this allows them to provide greater waterproofing and fireproofing efficiency, particularly on exterior facades of buildings.
Alternatively, rendering can be applied to the inside of a house to reduce condensation and moisture build-up within walls. This helps protect against fungi growing within the wall cavities, which could otherwise lead to mildew or mould growth.
Renders come in a range of finishes. Some are ultra-smooth, while others display more texture and unfinished edges.
These are excellent for drawing attention to the base of walls and protecting them from scratches and scuffs. You can paint them to blend in with the rest of the building, or leave them as-is for a more organic appearance.
Skirting can also provide protection from weather events like rain or hail. It also creates a uniform appearance around windows.
Appearance
Plaster walls or ceilings are an eye-catching finish that can add to the appeal of any room. Not only are they more durable, less likely to show signs of wear and tear than drywall, but plaster requires less cleaning than drywall – making it popular in bathrooms and kitchens alike.
Gypsum-based plaster is one of the most common types of interior walls and ceiling plaster used for interior applications. This material can be applied to various surfaces such as wood, plasterboard, and concrete.
Gypsum-based plasters used to be mixed with hair or fibreglass to increase their durability and resistance to flexing and other factors. A binding medium is added to prevent cracking during drying or moisture exposure.
When working with gypsum-based plaster, it’s essential to use the correct technique and apply a thick layer of material. Doing so helps prevent bubbles from forming and makes it simpler to eliminate lumps or inconsistencies later on.
Plaster application is a technical endeavour that requires professional experience and knowledge, but it’s possible for homeowners to do the job themselves with some basic guidelines in mind.
Plaster the walls with a trowel to create an even, glossy surface. Next, use a handheld float to even out the plaster from corner to corner and eliminate lumps. Once dry, your walls can be painted or wallpapered as desired!
Another method for creating a smooth plaster is by adding aggregate (sand or gravel) into the mix. This creates a course texture, similar to that of sandstone or stone veneer.
The plaster must then be repeatedly applied over the surface with a wood float so that all of the aggregate is brought to the surface.
Plaster of Paris is the most widespread plaster finish and can be applied to virtually any surface. It provides a foundation for more advanced decorative treatments like marbleizing and faux bois.
Interior plasterers often add a coat of water-based paint to the plaster before it dries, giving the surface an elegant sheen and giving it a polished appearance. This can be done to achieve various looks from basic greys to warm browns and greens.
I hope that the above information has answered the question “what is the difference between plastering and rendering”. Thank you for reading, please use the buttons below to SHARE with others.