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How to apply a top coat to render

Overview

Applying a tinted top coat to render saves you from having to paint, while making sure your surfaces are protected. We'll show you how to use a premixed render that is available in a wide range of colours to suit your home. This is a simple job you can do with just a few tools and the help of a friend. 

Steps

1Mask off the surface with painter tape

First you need to mask the borders of your surface with painters tape to protect the surrounding areas. In this case we masked off the flashing and neighbouring fence to make sure no product spills over.
A wall covered in render, with the painter's tape yet to be removed

2Apply the top coat

Start by placing a suitable amount of product onto your hawk. Then get up on the scaffold and, using your trowel, start from the top of the wall and work your way down from the corner. Use a firm arching action to apply the product for the best result.

A Bunnings team member applying render to a concrete wall with a trowel

3Apply the render

To get the render from your hawk onto the trowel, use a tipping motion and apply at a 30-degree angle. Apply a tight coat with a firm arcing action. Once you have enough on your wall, make sure you clean your tools as the product can dry onto these very quickly.  

A Bunnings team member mixing render on a hawk before applying it to a wall

4Apply the finish to your wall

Use your plastic float to apply the finish in small circular motions. You might need a friend to help you for this step if it is over a large area. For large areas, keep a wet edge for a seamless finish. Avoid applying the product in direct sunlight as this it will set too hard.

A trowel being used to smooth render on a wall

5Remove tape to finish

Allow the render to dry and harden, which usually takes 2-3 hours. Once the render has firmed up, all you need to do is remove the painter's tape from around the surface and you're done.  
Painters tape being peeled free of a wall corner

Suggested products

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.