Acrylic Render vs Cement Render

When it comes to finishing the exterior of your home, choosing the right render is a critical decision that impacts both the aesthetic appeal and durability of your property. Two of the most popular options on the market are acrylic render and cement render. This guide will provide a comprehensive comparison of acrylic render vs cement render, covering their pros and cons, costs, and ideal applications to help you make an informed choice for your home.

What is Acrylic Rendering?

For those looking for curved surfaces or a more bespoke approach to your building project, a more flexible rendering solution is the go. By adding acrylic to the rendering mix, you can achieve this flexibility without sacrificing any of the strength or durability.

The key benefit of acrylic rendering is a flexible approach without the risk of cracking or other damage in the long term. It is an ideal solution for lightweight substrates like fibre cement sheeting which are prone to movement due to thermal expansion, a situation where acrylic renders prove to be extremely valuable. Our rendering products, which incorporate acrylic, offer superior flexibility, helping to prevent the appearance of cracks when the substrates undergo minor movements.

At Vicrender, we provide three distinct types of acrylic render, each selected based on the intended purpose such as finish, texture, or basecoat:

Coloured Render: This is a dual-purpose topcoat and finish, eliminating the need for painting after application. Our range of Coloured Render offers various textures and finishes and can be tinted in any commercially available colour.
Painted Textures: Painted Textures are acrylic renders with texture that require a topcoat of paint such as Vicrender Armour (membrane paint). Our Painted Textures come in an array of sand profiles, providing you with a textured finish beneath the topcoat.
Basecoats: Our Polymer Render Grey and Off White are flexible acrylic basecoats, ideal for application over substrates such as fibre cement and painted substrates where movement tolerance and good adhesion are crucial. Vicrender Polymer Render Grey can also be sponged to achieve an appealing coarse finish and is perfect for overcoating with Vicrender topcoats.

Acrylic Render Pros and Cons

Pros of Acrylic Rendering:

There are numerous compelling reasons to select acrylic rendering for a brick wall over other options. These include:

Crack Resistance: Over time, natural movement will place stress on the structure of your building. When you require a more flexible render, it can be susceptible to cracking. Adding acrylic helps prevent this cracking process and provide an adaptable and strong rendering material.
Variety of Finishes: Acrylic rendering can complement various home styles due to its broad spectrum of available colours and textures. It can be applied in diverse ways to create unique finishes, whether you’re after a smooth concrete-like finish or an appealing textured one.
Adaptable to Various Surfaces: Acrylic rendering’s versatility is another advantage. It can adhere to a multitude of surfaces, including painted walls, concrete, timber, and fibre cement. This adaptability is a key point in the acrylic render vs cement render discussion, as traditional render can’t adhere to all these surfaces.
Quick Drying: Acrylic render dries swiftly, curing within a few days instead of the weeks that traditional render might need (especially if you intend to paint it).

Cons of Acrylic Rendering:

While acrylic rendering offers many benefits, it may not be the best choice for every home. Potential drawbacks include:

Reduced Breathability: Acrylic render forms a tight seal to prevent moisture intrusion and inhibit mould and mildew growth. However, this also means it’s less breathable than some alternatives, such as silicon render.
Higher Initial Costs: The starting cost for acrylic render is roughly equivalent to that of concrete render, but it usually ends up being slightly more expensive. However, its durability means it won’t need to be reapplied as frequently, potentially saving money in the long run.
More Challenging DIY Application: While acrylic render could be a feasible DIY project for those with confidence in their skills, it’s generally more difficult to apply than cement render.

What is Cement Rendering?

Cement rendering can significantly enhance the appeal of your property by transforming tired, deteriorating walls into fresh, visually stunning exteriors built to last. After all, a home with peeling paint and crumbling walls can look more like a haunted house than a welcoming residence.

Living in Australia, a land of endless summers, dramatic storms, and heavy rainfall, it’s only natural that homes will wear over time. But don’t worry, we’re not pointing fingers – it’s simply that paint isn’t as resilient as cement rendering! This is where Vicrender comes in, applying a fresh layer of cement render to shield your home from the elements and boost its aesthetic appeal.

The exterior of your home is the first thing people see, and first impressions do count! So whether you’re trying to keep up with the neighbours, impress your in-laws, or preparing to put your house on the market, house rendering can help your home look its best.

If you’re asking yourself, ‘What exactly is cement rendering?’ – don’t worry, you’re not alone. Most of our clients are unsure about how cement rendering can enhance their homes.

At Vicrender, we understand that not everyone knows the ins and outs of cement rendering. As experts in the field, we’re here to demystify the process while keeping industry jargon to a minimum.

Cement rendering is a blend of cement, sand, water, and lime or clay. It’s ideally suited to rough surfaces around your home like concrete blocks, stone or brick, and even painted walls (though only a professional should attempt this). The aim is to create a smooth finish on what was once a rough surface, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing outcome.

Cement Rendering Pros & Cons

Pros of Cement Rendering:

Cement rendering is a favoured finish for homes and other structures. Some of its main advantages are:

Wide variety of finishes
Suitable for DIY
Cost-effective

Cement render can be painted any colour, and you can achieve a very smooth or textured finish on your walls depending on your render application technique.

Concrete render is the most budget-friendly rendering option, permitting large-area coverage without overspending.

Concrete render is simpler to apply DIY than acrylic render, provided your walls and cement mix are adequately prepared beforehand.

Cons of Cement Rendering:

While cement rendering is a great choice, there are some potential drawbacks to consider.

Not suitable for all surfaces
Preparation can be challenging
May be susceptible to cracking

Concrete render can be applied to most masonry types, but it’s typically used on bricks. Other options like acrylic render can be used on a broader range of surfaces.

Even if you choose to apply render yourself, you might still need a professional to properly prepare the exterior walls. The final rendered finish’s success hinges on how well-prepared the walls are. The render also needs to be correctly mixed at the right ratio before use.

Concrete rendering can be more susceptible to cracking over time, and it may also exhibit efflorescence (staining from salt leaching out of the bricks) which is why you should always choose the experts at Vicrender who can ensure the most robust and reliable concrete rendering solutions.

Which Will You Choose: Acrylic or Cement Render?

In the debate of acrylic render vs cement render, the best choice ultimately depends on your needs and priorities. If you are looking for a flexible, and crack resistant finish with a range of colour options, acrylic render is the superior choice. However, if you are on a tighter budget and prefer a more traditional look, cement render is a viable option. For expert advice and a professional rendering service in Melbourne, contact Vicrender today.