A Guide on Rendering Blueboard

There’re several types of materials used for lining external walls. Among them, blueboard is commonly used due to its ease of installation. It’s a form of plasterboard sheet or drywall. Blueboard walls can be rendered with a high-quality acrylic render. The blueboard surface has to be prepared properly before rendering to allow for a smooth render finish and prevent cracks.

If you want to render your blueboard walls by yourself, it’s important to learn more about preparing the surface, the best render material to apply, and rendering blueboard appropriately. However, if you lack the time or DIY skills needed for the job, then consider hiring a professional rendering contractor to assist you.

What’s blueboard?

You’ve probably heard about the term blueboard in the construction industry but don’t really know much about it. Blueboard sheets are a form of plasterboard sheet or drywall. A standard blueboard sheet has a thickness of about 7.5mm. It’s specially designed for lining external walls as a form of cladding. It’s usually fixed or nailed on a steel or timber frame to give it structural support.

The name blueboard comes from its blue paper covering that allows render to stick on the blueboard. Just like drywall or plasterboard, blueboard is designed in the form of sheets comprising gypsum set between two paper sheets.

Since gypsum lacks water-resistant properties, it’s important to render it to make it waterproof. Blueboard is preferred by builders due to its lightweight nature and ease of installation. It doesn’t need any jointing compound to install. It only requires taping and plastering the seams.

Required Tools for Rendering Blueboard

If you’re planning to do a DIY rendering job, ensure you get the required tools for the job. These tools include a wooden and metal trowel, sponge, square edge, plastic float, masking tape, hammer, bucket, clean water, wheelbarrow, shovel, and brushes. Also, have the necessary protective gear before starting the project such as gloves, face mask, goggles, and proper footwear.

How to Prepare Blueboard before Rendering

It’s important to prepare the blueboard surface properly before rendering. The most important thing to do is to prepare the joints. If you fail to do so, cracks may develop sooner. Start by applying an appropriate joint compound such as a fiberglass mesh onto the blueboard joints. The mesh should be alkaline resistant. It’ll assist in preventing cracks. Also, get an appropriate render material such as a polymer or acrylic render.

Step by Step Guide on Rendering Blueboard

Here’re the steps you need to follow to ensure you render your blueboard walls properly as long as the boards are properly prepared with all seams taped and flush.

Step 1– First, apply render from the bottom with a trowel. Push the render upward from the left toward the right. Apply the render in an even and flat finish. Make sure you spread the render upward with even spreads. Apply it across the entire blueboard surface and aim to achieve even and consistent thickness.

Step 2– Smoothen the render with a float in circular motions.

Step 3– In case you want to apply a second layer, allow the first layer to cure. Then scour the first layer to allow the second layer to stick.

Step 4– Decide the kind of texture or finish you want to apply to the rendered surface.

Step 5– Allow the render to cure for about 3 to 5 days. Doing so will prevent the render from cracking.

There’re several textured effects that you can apply using sponges, hessian, or trowels. Some products also allow for textured finishes without further modification after application. Check the label on the package to know whether it features a rough, medium, or smooth texture depending on the grain size.

What’s The Exact Cost of a Rendering Job?

In case you lack enough time to do the job by yourself or you’re not a DIY handy person, consider hiring a qualified expert to assist you. The exact cost of rendering blueboard varies from one project to another. The cost depends on factors such as:

  • The extent of the work in terms of square meters
  • The amount of preparation work required
  • The number of windows on the wall. More windows require more time to apply render around them.

Tips for Hiring a Professional Rendering Contractor in Sydney

Before you sign a contract with a potential rendering contractor in Sydney, it’s important to check details such as:

  • Whether they’re licensed
  • Whether they’re insured
  • The time it’ll take to complete the job
  • Examples of their work
  • Whether they can give you a free quote
  • References to follow up with

You can compare quotes from several local contractors to have an idea about the current market price.

FAQs on Blueboard Rendering

Is it possible to render blueboard?

Experts advise that it’s safe to render blueboard. However, only use a product that’s designed to stick on a blueboard wall.

What does rendering blueboard involve?

Rendering blueboard walls involve:

  • Preparing the blueboard surface
  • Getting the right rendering material for blueboard surfaces
  • Mixing the render appropriately
  • Apply the mixed render appropriately
  • Finishing the rendered surface with the right tool
  • Allowing the render to cure
  • Scouring the rendered surface in case you want to apply a second layer

Are blueboard surfaces waterproof?

Blueboard surfaces are not waterproof. Thus, blueboard shouldn’t be installed in wet rooms or outdoor environments. However, blueboard can be weatherproofed by rendering it with an appropriate rendering material and make it safe for use in wet rooms or outdoor settings.

 

Also read: A Guide on How to Apply Render