When it comes to external rendering, the finish you choose makes all the difference. Beyond just colour, the texture and detailing of render can transform the appearance of your property—whether you want a rustic cottage look, a clean contemporary façade, or something in between.
In this guide, we’ll explore the most common render finishes and where they work best.
1. Smooth Finish
- A flat, uniform finish created by carefully trowelling render.
- Gives a sleek, modern appearance—perfect for contemporary homes.
- Works best with silicone, acrylic, or monocouche renders.
- Easy to clean and maintain but requires a well-prepared substrate.
2. Scratch Finish (Monocouche Render)
- Achieved by applying a coloured monocouche render and scratching back the surface to reveal an even texture.
- Provides a subtle grain, reducing glare and giving more depth than a smooth finish.
- Popular on both traditional and modern homes.
- No painting required as the colour runs through the render.
3. Roughcast Render
- A coarse finish where a mixture of sand and cement (sometimes with pebbles or gravel) is thrown onto a base coat.
- Creates a rustic, traditional look often used on cottages or older properties.
- Very durable and excellent at hiding surface imperfections.
- More difficult to clean than smooth finishes but long-lasting.
4. Dash Finishes (Pebbledash & Dry Dash)
- Pebbledash: Stones or pebbles are thrown and pressed into the surface, leaving them partially embedded.
- Dry Dash: Decorative stones are thrown onto wet render and left fully exposed.
- Extremely tough and weather-resistant.
- Provides a distinctive textured appearance, often seen on 20th-century homes.
5. Ashlar Lines
- A decorative finish where grooves are cut into a smooth render surface to mimic large masonry blocks.
- Adds elegance and visual interest, commonly used on Georgian and Victorian-style homes.
- Works well with through-coloured renders for sharp contrast.
- Requires skilled application for precise lines.
6. Tyrolean Finish
- Created using a spray gun to flick a slurry mix of cement and lime onto the wall.
- Produces a dappled, stippled effect with small raised spots.
- Lightweight, breathable, and ideal for covering uneven surfaces.
- Often found on older or mid-century properties.
7. Textured Finishes (Silicone & Acrylic)
- Available in fine, medium, or coarse grains depending on the aggregate size.
- Flexible and resistant to cracking.
- Ideal for modern builds wanting a clean but slightly textured look.
- Can be tinted in a wide variety of colours.
Choosing the Right Render Finish
- For traditional homes: Roughcast, pebbledash, lime render, or ashlar lines keep heritage character.
- For modern properties: Smooth, scratch, or silicone finishes create sharp, contemporary styles.
- For high-traffic or coastal areas: Dash and roughcast finishes provide durability and weather resistance.
- For decorative features: Ashlar lines or textured coatings add detail and depth.
Final Thoughts
The render finish you choose can completely change the character of your property—whether you prefer the timeless durability of roughcast and dash, or the crisp modern appeal of a smooth silicone finish.
At Complete Render South West Ltd, we offer all major render finishes, applied by skilled tradesmen to ensure lasting quality and style.
Need help deciding on the perfect finish? Contact us today for expert advice and free samples.
