Say Goodbye to Sand Cement: The Ultimate Silicone Rendering Guide for Your Home

For decades, sand cement render was the go-to choice for protecting and beautifying homes. But times have changed! Silicone render has emerged as a modern, durable, and low-maintenance alternative that outperforms traditional methods. At MidRender.co.uk, we’ve helped countless homeowners switch to silicone render—and never look back.

Why Choose Silicone Render Over Sand Cement?

Let’s start with the basics: Why is silicone render better than sand cement?

• Flexibility:
  • Sand cement is rigid and prone to cracking as your house settles or temperatures change.
  • Silicone render bends with movement, keeping your walls crack-free for decades.
• Breathability:
  • Sand cement traps moisture, leading to damp issues.
  • Silicone render lets walls “breathe,” preventing mould and dampness.
• Low Maintenance:
  • Sand cement needs repainting every few years.
  • Silicone render is self-cleaning (thanks to its hydrophobic properties) and retains its colour.
• Faster Application:
  • Sand cement requires multiple layers and long drying times.
  • Silicone render can be applied in two coats and dries quickly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Silicone Rendering a House

Let’s break down the process used in the video, using simple terms and actionable steps.

1. Prep Your Walls

What You’ll Need:

• Scabbling tool (to remove old render/paint)
• Stiff brush (for cleaning)
• Primer (e.g., Baumit Uni Primer)

Steps:

1. Remove Old Render: Hack off loose or crumbling sand cement using a scabbling tool or grinder.
2. Clean the Surface: Brush away dust, dirt, or flaky paint.
3. Prime the Walls: Apply a universal primer (like Baumit Uni Primer) to ensure the silicone render sticks properly.

Pro Tip: If your walls have old paint, grind it off completely. Primer alone won’t fix a poorly prepped surface!

2. Fit Beads and Expansion Joints

What Are Beads?
Beads are thin metal or plastic strips that create clean edges around windows, doors, and corners.

Steps to Fit Beads:

1. Mix a Sticky Render: Use a pre-mixed base coat (like KZP Render) to stick beads directly to the wall.
2. Level the Beads: Use a spirit level to ensure they’re straight.
3. Add Expansion Joints: For walls longer than 6 meters, install expansion joints to prevent cracks from temperature changes.

Video Highlight: In the video, beads were stuck to brickwork using render alone—no nails needed!

3. Apply the Base Coat

What You’ll Need:

• Base coat render (e.g., KZP Render)
• Mesh reinforcement
• Trowel and hawk

Steps:

1. Apply a Thin Layer: Spread the base coat (about 2-3mm thick) onto the primed wall.
2. Embed Mesh: Press mesh into the wet render to strengthen the wall and prevent cracks.
3. Scratch the Surface: Use a notched trowel to create grooves for the next layer to grip.

Key Advice: Work in small sections. If the render starts drying too fast, mist it with water to keep it workable.

4. Apply the Silicone Top Coat

What You’ll Need:

• Silicone top coat (e.g., Baumit Silicone Top Coat)
• Plastic float (for smoothing)

Steps:

1. Mix the Top Coat: Add a splash of water to the silicone render (follow brand instructions).
2. Apply Thin Layers: Spread the render evenly (2-3mm thick) using a trowel.
3. Float the Surface: Use a plastic float in circular motions to compact the render and create a smooth finish.

Video Tip: Spray a little water on the render before floating—it makes the surface smoother!

5. Finish with Arch Beads and Details

For Curves and Arches:

1. Bendable Beads: Use flexible arch beads to shape curves around windows or doorways.
2. Hand-Float the Edges: Work slowly with a small float to perfect curved sections.

Pro Result: In the video, the team created a flawless arch by combining arch beads and careful hand-floating.

Cost Breakdown: Silicone Render vs. Sand Cement

Why It’s Worth It: While silicone render costs more upfront, it saves money long-term with zero repainting and fewer repairs.

Top Silicone Render Brands We Trust

1. K Rend Silicone Render: Best for vibrant colours and crack resistance.
2. Baumit Silicone Render: Ideal for breathability and damp-prone homes.
3. Weber Silicone Render: Great for DIYers (easy to mix and apply).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping Primer: Primer ensures the render sticks properly. Don’t rush this step!
2. Ignoring Expansion Joints: Walls longer than 6 meters need expansion joints to prevent cracks.
3. Applying Too Thick: Silicone render should be thin (4–6mm total). Thicker layers crack!

Why Silicone Render is the Future

Sand cement had its moment, but silicone render is here to stay. With its flexibility, breathability, and stunning finish, it’s the smart choice for modern homes. At MidRender.co.uk, we’ve seen firsthand how silicone render transforms houses—from drab pebble dash to sleek, weatherproof masterpieces.

Ready to upgrade your home? Get a free quote or explore our other services like scratch coat render and Tyrolean render!

FAQs: Your Silicone Rendering Questions Answered