Basic Differences Between Plastering and Rendering

A house is basically the four-walled structure with a ceiling and a floor. But it is not the brick and mortar that keeps the entire structure intact. There are various processes that provide strength and durability to the structure and provide safety from any sudden fall. Plastering and rendering is one such process which is applied to protect the walls from the exterior and interior factors which could damage the wall. Usually, plaster is applied on the interior walls while rendering is done on the exterior walls. While hiring any plasterers, we often confuse in various aspects.

The differences between the two terminologies are not so large. But both the processes plastering, and rendering involve different techniques and materials which the plasterer should understand and know very clearly. Both terms have different meanings and are not at all interconnected to each other. However, the only similarity between plaster and render is that both of them are applied to cover the walls.

All the differences you need to know between Plastering and Rendering

Mentioned below are a few common differences that one should know regarding plastering and rendering and get enough benefits with the correct usage.

• The consistency of the mortar: Mortar’s consistency is one of the vital factors which differentiate the render from a plaster. The use of cement is more in the render and less in the plaster. This is particularly because the outer walls have to withstand all weather changes and conditions without deteriorating the quality. However, as plaster is done on interior walls, it is not necessary to make it weather resistant. Hence, it contains less cement.

• Purpose of using: Rendering is particularly done on the mud blocks because due to constant exposure to water and moisture, such blocks collapse easily. Hence, it is suggested to render the entire exterior in order to save it from collapsing due to constant moisture exposure. The parts of the building that is subjected to the weather conditions should be rendered. Plastering, on the other hand, is done to enhance the interior looks of a house or a building. It is basically done to provide a clean and smooth finish which alternatively can even be used for decorative purposes.

• Type of material used: the mixture of the mortar is the major difference between plastering and rendering. For the process of rendering, coarse sand and cement are used in greater quantities in order to make the walls a weatherproofing. On the other hand, in plaster, usually fine sand is used in the least quantity so that smooth finish is obtained at last. Hence, the quality and type of sand used is the major point to consider. It not only depends upon the plasterer but the individuals as well as what they would prefer.

• Type of surfaces: With the advancement of technology, constant effort has been made in order to introduce such material and composition which can be used both for plastering and rendering. The rendered surface is generally rough. This, however, is not with the plaster. However, for the purpose of aesthetics, rendering can even be used in interiors at some spots.

• Protection: basically, rendering is used to protect the walls from external elements which can harm the wall. On the other hand, earlier plastering acted as the fireproofing material. The buildings that were made up of clay or mud generally used plaster to make the interior walls fire resistant.

These were the few basic differences which every person doesn’t know about plastering and rendering. There are some parts of the house that requires extra care. Hence, while using any process like render or plaster, it is important to know whether it would safeguard it from getting damaged or not.