Render
Render is a cement-based coating applied to masonry or concrete walls to weatherproof and level the surface. Sand/cement, polymer-modified and acrylic types explained.
Ask Chalkline about this →Render is a cement-based coating applied to masonry, concrete, or other prepared substrates to weatherproof the wall, create a level surface, and provide a base for paint or texture. In Australian residential construction, render is most commonly applied to single-skin brick or block walls as the primary weather-sealing coat, fulfilling the requirement under NCC 2022 Housing Provisions Part 5.7.6 (verified 2026-05-10) for a waterproof coating on external single-leaf masonry.
Three main types are used in residential work: traditional sand/cement (site-mixed, three coats, 15 to 22 mm total), polymer-modified cement (pre-blended bag product, one or two coats, 6 to 15 mm), and acrylic render (factory-tinted, applied as a finish coat over a set cement base). The trade responsible for render is the plasterer.
Also known as: cement render, wall render, external render, plaster (historically, though “render” is now preferred for external work).
Category: External finishes / wall systems
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Last updated: 2026-05-10. Verified: 2026-05-10. Quarterly review for currency.