When it comes to rendering walls, we usually leave it up to the experts to do what needs to be done. But it is easy for you to do it yourself if a wall needs patching or you're a handyman. 

What is rendering? How can you do it yourself? Read on to find out more. 

Rendering is when a coat is applied in the outer layers of walls to make it insulated, weather-resistant and protected or simply pretty as you can make various patterns. When you render walls, multiple layers of render are added.

What tools do I need to render a wall?

Rendering a wall should be done with the proper tools and safety equipment to complete a job well. You need tools to apply multiple coats to effectively protect the wall and add nice finishing touches. Here are some of the most essential tools you might need to render your wall.

Trowel

A trowel is a simple piece of equipment that is essential for all renderers. 

Why? Renderers use trowels to apply and spread render on the walls. The trowel is very easy to use and helps you apply a smooth layer to coat your walls. It can be used more than once and can be used for other home projects as well. For example, you can use a trowel to plaster your walls as well.

Straight edge

Straight edges are multipurpose metal sticks that are used for smoothing the layers of the render after a layer is placed. Without this tool, the foundation for the render will be crooked, making your wall uneven and wavy.

If a wavy style is what you intend to do, that’s a whole different story.

Scratching Comb

What happens after smoothing the first application of the render?

You start scratching the walls with a scratching comb! This creates depressions which help the next coating grip the wall better, ensuring that the coat lasts longer. Then after adding the next coating and smoothing with the straight edge, you are now ready for the next layer.

Bucket Trowel

The materials we use can be heavy and difficult to lug around without extra help. Bucket trowels (which look nothing like a bucket we may add), are used to lift and carry render from a bucket closer to where you are working.

They are used for carrying, scraping, and even mixing wall coatings.

Rendering tape

Rendering tapes are a type of tape that is specially made for the purposes of wall renders.

If you are looking for a clean finish and some straight lines in your wall, rendering tape is your best friend. It allows for you to render specific areas without touching the windows or paint, keeping them safe.

Sponge Float

After you apply the render using the trowel, you might notice that there are trowel lines that ruin the pattern of the wall. Although some like that rustic look, sponge floats can help smoothen these trowel lines giving it a polished look.

Sponge floats are usually used at the end of the rendering process. You could say this is the one that does the finishing touches.

Bucket

Buckets are straightforward to use but many forget to grab one. The bucket is used to mix the render, mortar, and water. A bucket is a very convenient piece of equipment that you can lug your render around in.

What materials do you need to render a wall?

After knowing the tools you need to render, you will now learn about the actual materials you need to render a wall. Although the brands and the types may change depending on the project, here are the basic materials most commonly used.

Render Mortar

There are many types of render mortar depending on what type of wall you're working on.

This is the primary material for rendering your walls. Mixing in water, the render mortar is used to apply on to brick walls. This is used to protect walls from weather, wear and tear. Be sure to mix the solution well before applying the render mortar.

Water

It's so basic but water is used to make the render mortar easier to spread on the walls. Without water, your render mortar will not stay on the wall.

That's why you need to add an appropriate amount of water to your render mortar for it to work properly. You can mix these solutions in a bucket or wheelbarrow, just follow the instructions stated on the packaging of the powder.

Looking for high quality render mortars? Contact Amaroc for your renders to be delivered now!

Health and safety tips to render a wall

Any construction task is risky, and rendering a wall is no exception.

There are many ways rendering can go wrong and one could easily get hurt. People attempting these jobs at home can sometimes neglect their safety, thinking it's a simple task. Although rendering is much safer than building a house, it's good practice to always remember to wear safety gear when working and applying the render.

Make sure you are wearing the following to stay safe while rendering walls:

Protective eyewear

Avoid getting anything in your eyes by wearing protective eyewear.

You should wear them when mixing the render mortar and the water, applying the render mix onto the walls, and scratching the wall with your scratching comb. Particulates, dust and liquid can get into your eyes, causing irritation and sometimes injury.

Be safe, not sorry!

Facemasks

Dust can get into the air when you are mixing powders, sediments and aggregates. You could accidentally inhale dust particles that can be harmful to your lungs.

It’s advisable to always wear a mask when you are working with these types of materials.

Heavy-duty gloves

Construction jobs require you to work with your hands.

Some tools you have are sharp, heavy, and downright difficult to clean so wearing gloves is good practice. More than that, wearing gloves reduces the wear and tear damage that your hands experience with this type of work.

Heavy Work Boots

Construction items can easily fall down and hurt your feet. To avoid losing a toe or five, wear heavy duty boots or shoes, preferably those with metal toe caps. It can save your foot from getting seriously injured.

Get the materials and tools you need to render a wall at Amaroc

Here at Amaroc, we have a wide selection of render mortars and tools to help you with your rendering.

If you have any questions on the materials you need to render a specific type of wall, call us for more information.