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Frequently Asked Questions

If you need information about application of the Ecorend products see below or call us we would be happy to help 

  • What is the best way to apply render to multiple different substrates, mixed bricks or an old substrate?
    When applying the MR1 Monocouche system, firstly apply a 1st coat Ecorend K11 Key Coat Primer then trowel down with 6mm notch trowel to get 3mm thickness. Lightly embed mesh corner and head beads. Lightly embed fibre reinforcing mesh vertically, top to bottom, into the 1st pass ensuring that the mesh is overlapped minimum 100mm at the mesh joints then add 500 x 500 mm additional fibre mesh reinforcing patches at stress points around windows and door openings etc. Apply a 2nd coat of Ecorend K11 Key Coat Primer at 2mm, level and lightly key in preparation to receive finish coat. Ecorend MR1 top coat should be applied whilst Ecorend K11 Key Coat Primer is green. Minimum thickness 5mm. When applying an Ecorend Thin Coat Render system use Ecorend X32 Base Coat applied by hand using a hawk and trowel, or spray applied using suitable equipment to the required minimum thickness of 10mm leaving a flat finish. The 1st pass should be applied to the substrate with a stainless-steel trowel or spray pump, and for ease of application a serrated feather edge and finishing spatula can be used. Apply the 1st pass to minimum 8mm thickness and lightly comb horizontally using a 10mm notched trowel in preparation to receive fibre reinforcing mesh. Lightly embed mesh corner and head beads. Lightly embed fibre-reinforcing mesh vertically, top to bottom, into the 1st pass ensuring that the mesh is overlapped minimum 100mm at the mesh joints. No mesh joint overlaps within 150mm of any openings. Additional fibre-reinforcing mesh stress patches of 500 x 500mm should be added at all openings i.e. windows, doors and reveals for additional substrate stress protection. Once stiffened the 2nd pass should then be applied to a minimum 2mm thick wet on wet to the 1st pass, levelled flat using a spatula or straight edge. The base coat should be finished to a smooth, flat finish using a sponge float in preparation to receive the Ecorend SP15 Silicone Primer. Minimum thickness = 10mm. Ecorend SP15 Silicone Primer is applied to the base coat when fully cured and dry using a lamb’s wool roller, paintbrush or is sprayed depending on the size of the substrate. The wall should be masked where required before application of the primer. This is temporary whilst the primer is being applied and should be removed as soon as the application is finished. The base coat must be 100% covered with Ecorend SP15 Silicone Primer. Once Ecorend SP15 Silicone Primer is fully cured and the substrate is dry, apply Ecorend SR15 Silicone Thin Coat Render using a stainless-steel trowel, or suitable spray equipment depending on the grain size. Use the size of the aggregate to gauge the thickness of the render when applying to the substrate i.e.: Ecorend SR15 Thin Coat Render = thickness 1.5mm. Once the render is applied, finish with a plastic float working the material in small circular motions, this will create a natural random, textured finish.
  • Can I render over multiple base coats with either MR1 or SR15? If so how would I do this?
    Yes, you can. If finishing with MR1, always ensure the Ecorend base coat has been brush keyed and the Ecorend MR1 is applied over the Ecorend base coat whilst green. If finishing with an Ecorend Thin Coat Render system, always ensure the suitable Ecorend base coat has been sponge float finished and is fully cured prior to applying the primer and top coat.
  • Can I apply MR1 as a top coat over OCR if so what is the best way to do this?
    You can but it’s not best practice. Apply Ecorend S10 Bonding Primer followed by a 1st coat Ecorend OCR Base Coat, then trowel down with 6mm notch trowel to get 3-4 mm thickness. Lightly embed mesh corner and head beads. Lightly embed fibre-reinforcing mesh vertically-top to bottom into the 1st pass ensuring that the mesh is overlapped minimum 100mm at the mesh joints then add 500 x 500 mm additional fibre mesh reinforcing patches at stress points around windows and door openings etc. Apply a 2nd coat of Ecorend OCR Base Coat at 2-3 mm levelling coat and lightly key in preparation to receive finish coat. Minimum OCR thickness – 5mm. Ecorend MR1 is then applied whilst OCR Base Coat is green at a minimum thickness of 12mm and scraped back to 10mm leaving a minimum 15mm total thickness.
  • I am unable to apply the second pass of Ecorend base coat wet on wet. Is it ok to dampen the first pass and apply to the second pass the next day.
    If work is interrupted due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, then generally speaking the base coat can be left a couple of days before applying the 2nd pass. However, if the base coat looks really dry then dampen the surface down before applying the 2nd pass.
  • How long does it take for an Ecorend base to dry before applying the SP15 thin coat primer
    There is no set time as it is dependent on weather conditions, however, the base coat will go from dark grey to light grey, so when you can see a difference and there are no damp patches you can begin priming. It is critical that a base coat and primer is fully cured prior to applying Silicone and Acrylic top coats as this will have a negative effect on the setting times as the water in the top coat struggles to evaporate into an air that is saturated by high humidity. Any trapped moisture in the base coat and render combined with the slow drying conditions and the orientation of the walls in winter drying conditions can often lead to ‘Wash off’ of the top coat; even days after being applied if it has not be exposed to suitable humidity and UV light exposure which delays the renders capability to begin curing.
  • What is the recommended drying time for Ecorend silicone thin coat primer SP15
    This is weather dependent, on a warm day after a couple of hours the primer should be dry enough to render onto however on a colder day it could be longer. The best advice is when the primer is touch-dry then it’s ready to render onto. Ecorend’s SR15 Silicone Thin Coat Render system has been carefully designed to be flexible, highly breathable and incredibly weather resistant. The silicone resin technology used in our SR15 system makes this ultra-water repellent and extremely flexible and its suitability for hand or spray application makes it easy to apply.
  • What are the different finishes you can accomplish with MR1
    Scratched finish Roughcast finish Sponge float finish (not a typical finish) Ashlar
  • What are the different finishes you can accomplish with SR15
    The finish for Ecorend Thin Coat Render Systems is dependent on whether the applicator hand or spray applies the top coat. The finish should always be completed to match approved on- site sample.
  • Why do I have to prime the substrate with S10 bonding primer when applying MR1
    Ecorend S10 Bonding Primer is designed to be used on masonry substrates prior to a render system in order to offer the following benefits: Using the primer will control suction rates which in turn ensures an equal drying rate of the render system therefore supporting colour consistency. The primer is also used to promote good adhesion of the system to the substrate. Standard, new, medium density 7 Newton block may only require wetting down prior to application of the MR1, however it is always recommended to seek clarification on substrate suitability by either contacting Ecorend Technical Services before commencing with render works or downloading our MR1
  • Can I wet fix my beads or do I have to mechanically fix my bead to the substrate
    Either process is acceptable and seen as best practice in accordance to our application guides which can be downloaded see below This generally depends on the contractors’ preference, however in some instances it may be best to do one over the other, (may not have the option to mechanically fix the beads in place for example).
  • Which product should I use for porotherm blocks?
    MR2 Monocouche One-Coat Fibre Plus Render system
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