Choosing the right render is an important part of any external wall insulation (EWI) or external rendering project. The render is not only the visible finish of the wall; it also needs to be suitable for the system and materials being used underneath.
With different Atlas render products available, the right choice depends on the type of finish required, the EWI system, the substrate and the specification of the project.
This guide explains the key points to consider when choosing an Atlas render for a UK building project.
What Is Atlas Render?
Atlas is a range of building products used in external wall insulation and rendering systems. Its product range includes render products, basecoats, primers and other components designed to work as part of compatible systems.
For an EWI project, render should not normally be selected in isolation. The insulation boards, basecoat, reinforcing mesh, primer and finishing render all form part of the overall system.
This means that compatibility should be checked before choosing a particular product.
1. Start With the Type of Finish You Need
One of the first things to consider is the appearance you want for the finished wall.
Atlas offers different render options, including products such as Atlas Gemini RS and Atlas Silicone Hybrid Render With Colour.
A coloured or through-coloured render can provide the final decorative finish without relying on a separate paint coating to create the required colour.
When comparing products, consider:
- The required colour and appearance
- The desired render texture
- Whether a thin-coat finish is appropriate
- The overall specification of the EWI system
- The appearance required for the building
The visual finish should be considered alongside the technical requirements of the system rather than treated as a separate decision.
2. Consider the EWI System
If the render is being used as part of an external wall insulation system, compatibility is particularly important.
An EWI system can include:
- EPS insulation boards
- Insulation fixings
- Basecoat adhesive
- Reinforcing mesh
- Primer
- Finishing render
- Corner beads and other profiles
Each component has a specific role. The finishing render is applied over the prepared layers below it, so the complete system needs to be considered when selecting the final product.
For example, Infinity PM supplies a range of EWI materials alongside Atlas render products, allowing different components of a project to be sourced together.
3. Think About the Render Texture
Render texture is another important consideration because it affects the final appearance of the wall.
Atlas Gemini RS is available in a 1.5mm texture, making the texture specification an important part of product selection.
Before ordering, check the required texture against the project specification and the appearance you want to achieve.
A consistent texture can make a significant difference to the finished appearance, particularly across larger external wall areas.
4. Check Whether You Need a Coloured Render
Colour is often an important consideration for external render projects.
A coloured render can provide the final appearance directly through the render product. Atlas also offers Silicone Hybrid Render With Colour, giving another option where a coloured render is required.
When selecting a coloured render, consider the colour specified for the project rather than choosing purely on the basis of the product name.
It is also worth checking the manufacturer's available colour options and product information before placing an order.
5. Don't Forget the Primer
The finishing render is only one part of the final render system.
A compatible primer can be required between the prepared base layer and the finishing render. Atlas Cerplast Priming Mass is one of the products available from Infinity PM for this type of application.
The primer should be selected according to the system and manufacturer's requirements.
Using the correct preparation product helps ensure that the finishing layer is being applied to the appropriate prepared surface.
6. Match the Render to the Project Specification
There is no single Atlas render that should automatically be selected for every project.
The correct product can depend on factors such as:
Building type: Different buildings can have different external finish requirements.
EWI system: The finishing render needs to be compatible with the system beneath it.
Texture: The required texture should match the project specification.
Colour: The available colour range should be considered where a coloured finish is required.
Product specification: Always check the current technical information and manufacturer's guidance before selecting a product.
For trade projects, it is useful to establish these requirements before ordering materials. This can help avoid selecting a finish that does not match the rest of the specified system.
Atlas Gemini RS or Silicone Hybrid Render?
Two Atlas products that may be considered for projects supplied by Infinity PM are Atlas Gemini RS and Atlas Silicone Hybrid Render With Colour.
Gemini RS is available as a 1.5mm render and can be considered where that specified finish is required.
Atlas Silicone Hybrid Render With Colour provides a coloured render option.
However, the decision should be based on the actual project specification and system requirements rather than simply choosing one product over another.
If you are unsure which product is suitable, check the relevant Atlas technical documentation and system specification before ordering.
Why System Compatibility Matters
One of the most important points when buying render for an EWI project is that the wall should be considered as a complete system.
For example, selecting EPS insulation boards, a basecoat, reinforcing mesh and finishing render from unrelated specifications can create compatibility questions.
Instead, check that the materials being used are appropriate for the intended EWI system.
This is particularly important when working on a project where the specification has already been established.
Buying Atlas Render for Your Project
Infinity PM supplies Atlas render and EWI materials for UK trade projects. The range includes products such as Atlas Gemini RS, Atlas Silicone Hybrid Render With Colour, Atlas Cerplast Priming Mass and other EWI system components.
If you are planning an EWI or external rendering project, establish the required system, finish, texture and colour before ordering.
This makes it easier to identify the appropriate Atlas render and ensure that the other materials are considered as part of the same project specification.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an Atlas render is not simply about picking the product with the most suitable appearance. The finishing render needs to be considered alongside the complete EWI or external rendering system.
Start by identifying the required finish, texture and colour. Then check compatibility with the insulation, basecoat, mesh, primer and other system components.
Products such as Atlas Gemini RS and Atlas Silicone Hybrid Render With Colour provide options for different project requirements, but the final selection should always follow the relevant product and system specification.
For Atlas render, EWI materials and related building supplies, explore the range available from Infinity PM and check the product information before ordering.