Render application has been known to enhance the look of any building – be it residential or commercial. Besides lending visual appeal to the structure, it also acts as a protective layer against the harmful ultraviolet and gamma radiation of the sun as well as rain, wind, and frost. Rendering traditional polystyrene cladding involves mixing of sand, clay, and water to form a paste-like substance which is then used on internal and external concrete wall structures. In order to render lightweight polystyrene cladding, you need to thoroughly mix the materials, bring them to a correct thickness and then wait patiently for the curing time. Here’s a small guide to help you achieve the same:

  • Firstly, all the materials required in the rendering application should be prepared. 
  • You then need to ensure the cleanliness, dryness and the absence of any powdery or oily residue on the substrate as it can impact the adhesiveness of the Polyboard Render.
  • Now, pour the 20kg bag of Polyboard render into a clean and dry bucket to start preparing the mixture. The next step is to add about 5 to 5.5 liters of water into the bucket and mix till you achieve a lump-free, thick consistency. The quantity of water may vary to a certain extent but it should not exceed 5.5 liters for every 20kg of Polyboard render. Excess of water in the mixture can cause surface crazing, delamination, and cracking. The mixture should then be left to settle for about 5 to 10 minutes and then remixed. 
  • Now, the Polyboard render mix so prepared needs to be applied to the Polystyrene Cladding. In order to do so, you will have to use a trowel and hawk. The Concrete Trowelling Machines at SHG Trade Solutions are currently available at exciting prices – hurry does not miss the offer!! Now, take about 2mm to 6mm of Polyboard render mix and start applying it on the Polystyrene Cladding from bottom upwards. Make sure that you do not overwork the area. It has been observed that applying the mixture in 4mm to 6mm thickness range yields best results. 
  • The drying time of Polyboard render is between 2 to 8 hours, at a temperature of 25 degree Celsius and relative humidity around 50%. The Curing time is relatively longer for lower temperatures and higher relative humidity. It will take about 7 days for you to be able to overcoat the lightweight polystyrene cladding with the desired texture coating.