Quick Render vs Conventional Sand and Cement Render

Rendering offers a great way to give an interior or exterior wall a new lease on life or create an eye-catching finish.

But there’s more than one option available, with conventional sand and cement render or Rockcote Quick Render among the options to choose from.

So, when it comes to your next professional or DIY project, which render should you select? Let’s walk through the differences between sand and cement render and Rockcote Quick Render, along with the pros and cons of each.

A Render Recap

Render is a paste-like substance that can be applied to level and straighten a wall and can be applied to both exterior and interior walls as a base coat over various substrates.

It’s an excellent way to complete a new project or bring a tired area back to life with a clean, solid finish.

Rockcote Quick Render

Rockcote Quick Render is a practical alternative to ‘site mix’ or sand and cement render. As it is pre-blended – it’s easy to mix (just add water), time efficient and boasts unrivalled quality and consistency.

Rockcote Quick Renders can be used over a range of substrates, including brick, block, concrete, AAC blocks and panels, and tilt up, and can be texture coated or painted after 48 hours*.

Rockcote Quick Render Pros:

  • Suited to a wide range of substrates
  • Consistent quality through controlled manufacturing
  • Can be used on interior or exterior walls
  • Quicker curing and recoat times, than conventional sand and cement renders
  • Can be texture coated or painted after 48 hours*
  • Suitable as base coat for Rockcote’s Coloured Render, acrylic texture coatings or membrane paint range

Rockcote Quick Render Cons:

  • Slightly more expensive than traditional sand and cement render

Sand and Cement Render

Sand and cement render combines substances such as cement, sand, water and clay or lime to create a render finish.

Typically mixed on site, the consistency can be varied to suit the application, and it can be used on brick, concrete blocks, or stone.

Traditional sand and cement render requires a minimum 28 days of curing before coatings can commence.

Sand and Cement Render Pros:

  • Cost effective
  • Can serve as a base coat for acrylic render

Sand and Cement Render Cons:

  • Uncontrolled render mix ratios which can impact the quality and durability of the render
  • A lengthy curing time (min. 28 days)
  • Greater potential for efflorescence
  • More likely to crack and go drummy over time
  • Sand and cement render is only suited to a limited range of substrates
  • Longer scaffolding times and costs

How to choose between Rockcote Quick Render and Sand and Cement Render

Choosing the right render for your next project comes to a series of key considerations, including:

  • The substrate will determine the render – Rockcote Quick Render range is available for a wider range of substrates
  • Time constraints – Rockcote Quick Render offer quicker recoating times from 48hours*
  • Mixing – Rockcote Quick Render is made to an exacting formulation unlike sand and cement renders, giving you consistency each and every time
  • Budget – Rockcote Quick Render material may be is slightly more expensive than cement render mixed on-site, but will save on time and other site costs

Rockcote’s Quick Render range

Rockcote has a range of base coat render options suitable to a variety of substrates that can transform any area of the home.

You can view our full range of renders, texture, membranes paints, and other products here.

*Depending on weather condition