What to Expect During Your Home Rendering Project: A Week-by-Week Timeline
Ali Hamad • May 3, 2025
Thinking of rendering your home but not sure what the process looks like? You’re not alone. One of the biggest concerns we hear from Sydney homeowners is not knowing how long it’ll take, what’s involved, or how disruptive it might be.
At Alcore Rendering, we believe the key to a smooth and stress-free project is knowing what to expect. In this blog, we break down a typical rendering job into a week-by-week timeline so you can plan with confidence.
Week 1: Site Prep and Surface Preparation
Every great finish starts with solid prep. Before any render touches your walls, our team ensures the surfaces are clean, dry, and ready to go.
Here’s what we take care of:
Site protection:
Covering windows, doors, paths, and surrounding surfaces to avoid damage.
Cleaning:
Pressure washing the walls to remove dirt, loose paint, or debris.
Repairs:
Patching cracks, filling gaps, and grinding back rough or flaking areas.
Priming:
Applying a bonding agent or primer to help the render stick properly, this part usually takes 1–2 days depending on the size of the job and the condition of your surfaces.
Week 2: Base Coat Application
With everything prepped, it’s time for the first coat. If you’ve chosen cement rendering, this will involve a sand, cement, and lime mixture. If it’s acrylic rendering, the base will be a pre-mixed acrylic compound.
During this stage:
- We apply the render evenly using a trowel or spray, depending on the finish.
- Corners and edges are carefully formed for a clean, professional look.
- For larger jobs, we may break this into stages across a few days.
After application, the base coat needs time to cure, typically 2 to 4 days. During this time, it’s important the surface stays dry, especially in rainy Sydney weather. We’ll monitor forecasts closely and adjust schedules to avoid issues.
Week 3: Top Coat and Final Finish
Once the base coat has fully dried, we move on to the top coat or texture coat, this is where your final colour and texture come to life.
At this stage, you’ll see:
- Application of your chosen finish - smooth, sponge, or textured.
- Optional protective sealants or UV-resistant coatings.
- Colour matching to your home’s existing tones (especially with acrylic renders).
This process is typically completed within a few days. By the end of the week, your home will look completely transformed.
Clean-Up and Inspection
We don’t leave until everything is spotless and up to standard.
Clean-up:
All masking is removed, and the area is thoroughly cleaned.
Final inspection:
We check for uniformity, touch up any minor imperfections, and ensure everything is finished to Alcore’s high standards.
Client walkthrough: We’ll walk you through the completed work and explain any aftercare or maintenance tips.
How Alcore Rendering Keeps It Smooth
Every home is different, but most residential rendering jobs take around 7–14 days depending on weather, surface condition, and complexity. At Alcore Rendering, we pride ourselves on:
Reliable communication:
We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
Weather-smart scheduling:
We work around Sydney’s unpredictable climate to minimise delays.
Quality materials and techniques:
To ensure a durable, long-lasting finish.
Clean, respectful tradespeople:
No mess, no stress.
Conclusion:
Rendering your home doesn’t have to be a mystery or a hassle. With proper planning and the right team, it’s a straightforward process that delivers huge improvements to your property’s look, protection, and value. If you're considering rendering in Sydney, get in touch with Alcore Rendering, we’re here to make the process clear, simple, and stress-free from start to finish.
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When it comes to rendering your home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is the type of finish you want. While the material, acrylic or cement, is essential, the finish is what people actually see. Do you want something modern and sleek, or bold and textured? At Alcore Rendering, we guide Sydney homeowners through these choices every day. In this blog, we’ll break down the difference between smooth and textured render finishes, so you can choose the right look (and feel) for your home. Smooth Render Finish: Clean, Modern & Minimalist A smooth finish is exactly what it sounds like, flat, sleek, and uniform. It’s often chosen for contemporary homes or renovations aiming for a clean, fresh look. Key Features: Crisp, modern appearance Pairs well with bold architecture and minimalist design Typically uses acrylic render for a more refined surface Can be painted in a wide variety of colours Easier to clean and maintain compared to heavily textured finishes Best For: Modern homes and townhouses Coastal properties looking for a clean facade Homeowners who prefer a polished, low-maintenance surface Pro tip: Smooth finishes can show imperfections more easily, so it’s essential to have them applied by a professional renderer like Alcore Rendering. Textured Render Finish: Bold, Durable & Character-Rich Textured finishes add depth and dimension to your home’s exterior. They can be subtle or dramatic, depending on the style you choose. This includes sponge, bagged, or trowel-applied effects. Key Features: Adds visual interest and hides surface imperfections More forgiving on older or uneven brickwork Available in a wide range of textures and grain sizes Works well with both cement and acrylic rendering Offers a more traditional or rustic appearance Best For: Older Sydney homes with aged or inconsistent brickwork Homes in areas prone to dust or minor surface damage Those wanting a more dynamic, layered facade Pro tip: Textured finishes are fantastic for creating contrast or highlighting architectural features like entryways, columns, or outdoor walls. Smooth vs Textured: Which Is Right for You? Style : Smooth finishes offer a modern, minimalist appearance that suits contemporary architecture and sleek renovations. In contrast, textured finishes bring a bold, character-rich aesthetic that works beautifully on older homes or those aiming for a more rustic or traditional feel. Maintenance: Smooth render is generally easier to clean but can show marks and imperfections more readily. Textured finishes are better at hiding dust, scuffs, and general wear, although they may require a bit more effort to wash down due to the surface depth. Imperfection Masking: If your exterior walls are uneven or have existing blemishes, a textured finish is much more forgiving. Smooth finishes, while elegant, can highlight any flaws if the base surface isn’t properly prepared. Application: Smooth rendering requires a high level of skill and precision, making it essential to work with experienced tradespeople like Alcore Rendering. Textured finishes are generally more forgiving to apply, making them ideal for older walls or more complex surfaces. Best For: Smooth finishes are popular for new builds and modern renovations that aim for clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. Textured finishes are a great choice for heritage homes, feature walls, or anyone looking to add depth and visual interest to their facade. Conclusion Whether you’re drawn to the simplicity of a smooth finish or the personality of a textured surface, rendering is your chance to completely transform your home’s exterior. With expert advice and flawless execution from Alcore Rendering, you’ll get a finish that not only looks fantastic but also stands the test of time. Ready to upgrade your facade? Contact our team today for a free quote and personalised recommendations on the best render finish for your Sydney home.