In short
- Sand and cement render is built up in two or three coats, then painted with a breathable masonry paint.
- It is the cheapest system to install, at around £40–£80 per m² in 2026, but needs repainting every five to ten years.
- Mixes with added lime are more flexible and less prone to cracking than strong cement-only mixes.
- It is widely used for repairs and patching to match existing painted render.
How traditional render is applied
A traditional render goes on in coats. The first, the scratch coat, is scored to give the next coat a key. The second, the floating coat, is levelled with a straight edge and float. On exposed walls a third coat may be added. Once cured, the wall is decorated with a masonry paint.
Mix strength matters. A render that is stronger than the wall it sits on will crack and can de-bond. Many renderers use a cement, lime and sand mix, such as 1:1:6, to add flexibility and workability, and a weaker mix again on softer brick.
When sand and cement is the right choice
- Repairs and patches on houses already finished in painted render.
- Small areas such as garden walls, plinths and chimneys.
- Tight budgets, where you accept repainting as part of ownership.
- A smooth painted look that suits some 1930s and Arts and Crafts houses.
The real cost over time
The installed price is lower than silicone or monocouche, but a painted render needs redecorating, typically every five to ten years depending on exposure. Each repaint needs scaffolding on a two-storey house. Over 20 years, a painted render can end up costing as much as a through-coloured system. See how long render lasts.
Costs in 2026
Published 2026 UK ranges put sand and cement render at about £40 to £80 per m² applied, plus £10 to £18 per m² for painting, plus scaffolding. The cost guide compares the systems side by side.
Questions people ask
How long does sand and cement render last?
The render itself can last 20 to 30 years or more if it is well applied and kept painted. The paint finish needs renewing every five to ten years.
Why does sand and cement render crack?
Common causes are an over-strong mix, drying too fast in sun or wind, no movement joints, and movement in the wall behind. See why render cracks.
Can I switch from painted render to silicone later?
Yes. Sound painted render can often be over-rendered with a thin-coat system after cleaning and priming, provided the paint is well adhered. We check adhesion first.