Tools and Materials for Rendering

Wall rendering is a popular way of improving the appearance, structure and insulation of an internal or external wall. It involves applying a thin layer of cement-based mortar, usually with sand and lime added, over a masonry surface such as brick or stone.

The mortar can be coloured and textured to create different effects and finishes, ranging from smooth plain surfaces to more decorative textures like stucco effects – popular in Mediterranean settings. There are many tools required for rendering walls that are available commercially which make it easier to accomplish the task efficiently.

Basics Tools Required For Wall Rendering

The most basic set of tools needed for wall rendering include: trowel, float (also known as a darby or mason’s float), bucket, hawk (also known as a plasterer’s board) and sponge. The trowel is used for the application of mortar, with different sizes available depending on the size of wall area to be worked on.

A float is then used to level off the surface and remove any bumps or hollows left by the trowel. The bucket is needed to mix up batches of mortar, while the hawk provides a flat surface on which extra mortar can be scooped up when needed. Finally, a soft damp sponge will help clean away excess material from around edges and corners after completion of rendering.

Advanced Tools For Wall Rendering

In addition to the basic tools, there are a range of additional equipment available that can make the job much easier and speed up the process. Wall rendering can be complicated in the corners of a room, but using a corner-trowel will help get into tight spaces with greater accuracy.

A pointing gun is also useful for filling in any holes or gaps left by bricks or stones before rendering begins. For larger projects an electric mixer will save time spent on manually mixing batches of mortar. As wall render dries quickly it is important to work fast, and having some form of sprayer like a hopper gun will provide extra reach and allow you to spread the material faster.

Materials Used In Wall Rendering

The main materials used for wall rendering are cement, lime and sand. All of these materials come in a variety of forms, such as dry powder or pre-mixed mortar. For internal walls the most popular material is usually a one part cement and three parts sand mixture.

This should be mixed with enough water to make it into a spreadable paste before applying to the wall. Lime can also be added to give extra strength and flexibility to the mix, especially if there are extreme temperatures which could cause cracking.

Finishing Touches for Wall Rendering

Once your wall has been rendered you may wish to add further features for decorative purposes, such as trowelling on smooth marble textures or adding a stucco effect with rough-cast plastering techniques.

A cranked-trowel is the perfect tool to use if you want to apply a textured finish. If a coloured render is desired, pigment can be added to the mortar mix before it is applied. It’s also easy to make your own lime wash with a mixture of slaked lime and water for an attractive, traditional look.

Conclusion

Wall rendering provides a great way of improving the aesthetic appearance and durability of any wall area in your home or garden. With the right tools and materials, such as trowels, floats and mortar mixes, anyone can undertake wall rendering tasks with confidence.

There are many finishing techniques available should you wish to create even more interesting effects on the walls surface. Overall, wall rendering offers an easy and cost effective way of giving your home an improved look.