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How to render

Overview

Freshen up an old brick wall with some render. This video will show you how to prepare your surface, a couple of rendering techniques and how to get a smooth surface that will look great.

Steps

1Prepare the surface with a broom

Before you render, you need to prepare the wall by cleaning it with a stiff bristled broom. This will ensure your surface is dust-free and grease-free.

2Mix the render

Add the render product to some water in a bucket according to the instructions on the bag. Then use a mixing drill to combine. You're aiming for a toothpaste consistency for the render.

3Apply the render to your surface

You'll generally only need one coat of render, and it should be 4-6ml thick. Your aim is to apply the render as flat and smooth as possible. For rendering course bricks, you may need to add a little water to the surface before you start. There are a couple of different techniques to applying render; tilt the hawk onto the trowel and then apply the render at a 45° angle, or you can place the hawk's edge on the wall and brush up from there. If you've got vents on your wall, render up to the vent with a slight overlay around the edges, then cut away when dry to finish.

4Flatten out the wall by screeding and then touch up

Let the render dry for about 30 minutes until it's firm to touch. Then use a straight edge to screed, or flatten out, the render. Next fill in any hollows left over with more render. You'll see the hollows because of their lighter colour. Screed the wall again for a flat surface.

5Float the wall to close the surface

Next, you'll need to float the wall to fill in any small hollows. This will also close the surface to make it durable. You may need to add a little water as you work, depending on how dry it is. 

6Sponge the wall for a smooth finish

The last step is sponging the wall, which will give it that nice, smooth finish. Use a damp sponge – not too wet – for the perfect job. Rinse out your sponge as you go to avoid a scratchy finishing.

7Clean up around any vents

If you need to cut around a vent, use the edge of your float to give you a straight line. Find the edge of the vent and use a small tool to gently cut around it. Then sponge any marks off for the perfect finish.

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.