K-Rend is a popular choice for exterior wall finishes, and with a bit of guidance, you can apply it yourself. Whether you’re sprucing up your home or learning new skills, this guide will walk you through the process, from preparing the surface to the final touches.
First, make sure the wall surface is ready. K-Rend sticks best to surfaces like block walls or render boards. If part of your wall has wood, cover it with a render board because K-Rend won’t stick well to wood. Attach the render board to the wall securely, then add a base layer with mesh to help prevent cracks.
Tip: Use edge beads at the corners and along the bottom for neat, clean lines.
For K-Rend, you’ll need a big container for mixing. Add a bit of water first, then slowly add K-Rend powder. Mix a little at a time to avoid clumps. This keeps the mixture smooth and easy to spread.
Safety Tip: Always wear a mask when mixing to avoid breathing in the dust.
Start spreading the K-Rend mix from the top of the wall. Working from top to bottom helps you keep an even thickness. Move the trowel smoothly across the wall to apply a thin, even layer.
Tip: Cover nearby windows and brickwork to avoid splashes, as dried K-Rend can be hard to remove.
Once the first layer is on, use a leveling tool to smooth out any bumps and ensure the wall is even. This also creates a rough texture that helps the second layer stick better. If you see any dips, fill them in to keep the surface smooth.
After the first layer dries, apply a second layer of K-Rend. This will help give your wall a smooth, polished look. Use the leveling tool again to ensure there are no high or low spots. Focus on getting an even surface.
Tip: Add extra K-Rend around the edges to help reinforce these areas.
The next day, inspect the wall carefully. Use a scraping tool to remove any small lumps or rough spots. Be sure to check for shiny areas or white spots, as these could show up when the wall is fully dry.
After you’re done with the scraping, brush down the wall to remove any dust. For any K-Rend that has splashed onto colored surfaces, use a bit of WD-40 to clean up without leaving marks.
K-Rend works best on stable surfaces like concrete blocks or render boards. Avoid applying it directly to wood; instead, cover wood sections with render boards for a smooth, lasting finish.
Render boards provide a solid base for K-Rend when there are areas of wood on the wall, as K-Rend doesn’t adhere well to wood. Render boards help create a consistent surface and prevent cracking.
Start by adding about a quarter of water to your container, then add the K-Rend powder in stages, mixing after each addition. This prevents clumps and ensures an even mix. Always wear a mask, as the powder can be dusty.
Yes, applying a base coat with mesh on render boards is essential. This strengthens the surface and reduces the risk of cracks over time, giving a durable foundation for the K-Rend top coats.
Applying K-Rend from the top down allows for more control over the thickness and helps you achieve an even application without excess material building up at the bottom.
After applying the first coat, use a scraping rule to level the surface. For the final coat, scrape and smooth any high or low spots, filling as needed. A clean, level surface is key for a professional finish.
Cover these areas with protective tape or plastic before starting. If K-Rend accidentally gets on them, it’s best to clean it off while still wet. Once dry, it can be difficult to remove.
Shiny or white spots indicate uneven coverage and should be scraped or brushed away. Inspect the surface in natural light for these imperfections, as they’ll be more visible once the render fully sets.
Brush down the surface to remove any dust after scraping. If K-Rend gets on colored plastic areas, use a bit of WD-40 to remove any residue without leaving white marks.
K-Rend tends to produce a fair amount of waste during the scraping stage. Be prepared to dispose of a bag or two of excess material, as this is a normal part of the process.
