Best Practices for Cleaning the Surface after Wall Rendering

Rendering is a decorative process that involves the application of a fine material such as plaster or cement to walls and other surfaces. The end result is generally attractive, but can easily be spoiled if not cleaned properly after the rendering has been applied. As such, it’s important to consider some best practices for cleaning the surface after wall rendering in order to ensure a smooth and pristine finish.

In this article, we’ll take you through some of the key tips to bear in mind when cleaning up after wall rendering. Let’s get started!

Types of Rendering and Cleaning Requirements

The type of render used will have an impact on the techniques required to clean off any excess material from the surface. First, it’s important to identify what type of render has been used. Types of wall rendering include:

Acrylic Render

This is a water-based, dry powdered material that needs to be mixed with clean water and applied with a trowel. It can be hard to remove any excess from the surface after application as it dries quickly and sets quickly.

Polymer Render

This is a flexible, highly adhesive type of render which is resistant to shrinkage and cracking. As it sets faster than acrylic render, careful cleaning is necessary to prevent damage or blemishes appearing on the surface.

Silicate Render

A silicate render uses quartz sand as an aggregate in the mix for added strength. This type of render is highly porous and needs to be cleaned with a slightly acidic solution when it’s dry to remove any residue from the surface.

Lime Render

Lime render uses lime as a binding agent for added durability, flexibility, and breathability. It will require extra care during cleaning as it can easily be damaged by abrasive materials or aggressive scrubbing.

Cleaning Tips for After Wall Rendering

Once you’ve identified the type of rendering that has been used, there are some basic tips which should be followed in order to clean off any excess material:

• Use a soft-bristled brush and gentle pressure when brushing away any excess material from the surface. This is particularly important for lime renders which are easily damaged.
• Avoid using any abrasive or harsh materials as this can cause damage to the render, leaving behind unsightly marks.
• The use of soapy water and a soft cloth is usually enough to clean off any excess material from acrylic and polymer renders.
• If necessary, you may need to use a slightly acidic solution in order to remove residue from silicate renders. This should be done carefully and sparingly as it can potentially damage the surface if overused or left on for too long.
• Ensure that all cleaning materials are kept away from lime renders, as these types of renders react poorly with certain chemicals which can corrode or damage the surface.

Checking for Cleanliness

Once you’ve finished cleaning off any excess material from the surface, it’s important to check that it is completely clean before applying any sealants or protective coatings. To do this, run your hand over the rendered surface to make sure there are no marks or blemishes left behind.

If necessary, you may need to use a damp cloth in order to remove any residue which remains after brushing away. Once you’re satisfied with the results, then you can proceed with applying sealants and/or protective coatings as required.

Conclusion

Cleaning up after wall rendering can be an arduous task if done incorrectly – but following these best practices will help ensure that you get a smooth and pristine finish. Be sure to identify the type of render used, use the appropriate cleaning materials, and check for cleanliness before applying sealants or protective coatings. With these tips in mind, you can be confident of achieving great results every time!

We hope this article has been helpful in providing you with some guidance on how to best clean up after wall rendering. With the right approach, anyone can achieve a beautiful finish.