Render finishes

Silicone render

Silicone render is a thin-coat, through-coloured render containing silicone resins, applied 1–2mm thick over a reinforced base coat. It repels water while staying vapour-open, which helps it stay cleaner and resist algae longer than older renders.

Water-repellent surface that dries quickly after rain
Vapour-open, so walls can still breathe
Through-coloured — no painting needed
Fine, even grain from about 1–2mm
Used as the finish on most EWI systems
Can also go straight onto prepared masonry

Get a guide price See prices

A gloved hand finishing off-white textured silicone render with a steel trowel

Free survey for silicone render

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How is silicone render applied?

On masonry, the wall is prepared and any loose material removed. A base coat with glass-fibre mesh is applied over the whole wall to resist cracking, followed by a primer and the silicone finish, trowelled to its grain size. On EWI, the same base coat, primer and finish go over the insulation boards.

Typical build-up

Thickness: 1–2mm finish over base coat and mesh
Colours: Through-coloured
Water: Repellent surface
Vapour: Open
Typical lifespan: 25 years+ with maintenance

Is silicone render maintenance-free?

Not quite. It stays cleaner than most renders because water runs off and dries quickly, but north-facing or tree-shaded walls can still gather algae. A gentle biocide wash every few years keeps it looking new. Pressure washing is avoided because it can damage the surface.

Finishing a thin-coat silicone render to an even grain.

Silicone or monocouche?

Monocouche is a thicker single-coat cement render used mainly on new blockwork. Silicone is thinner, more flexible and usually more resistant to staining, and it's the finish used over insulation. On older or mixed walls, silicone over a mesh-reinforced base coat is generally the safer choice.

Silicone render prices

Silicone render guide prices
Item	Guide price	Notes
Silicone render on masonry (with base coat + mesh)	£66–£102 per m²inc VAT	Excluding scaffold
Front and side of a semi (≈60 m²)	£3,960–£6,120inc VAT	Plus scaffold
As the finish on EWI	Included in EWI rates

Guide prices are confirmed by a fixed written quote after a free survey. Prices include VAT at 20%.

How it works

Tell us about the property
Use the quote tool or form, or call free on 0800 088 6248.
Free survey
We measure the walls, check condition and confirm planning and building control.
Fixed written quote
The system, details, access, exclusions and VAT, in writing. Anything hidden is priced and agreed before extra work.
Installation and handover
Work planned around the weather, then inspected and documented.

Silicone render: questions

Can silicone render go over old render?

If the old render is sound and well bonded, often yes after cleaning and priming. Hollow or cracked areas are cut out and repaired first.

How long does silicone render take to dry?

It's touch-dry within hours but needs dry weather above about 5°C for the first day or two to cure properly.

Does silicone render crack?

The mesh-reinforced base coat and the render's flexibility make cracking much less likely than with sand and cement, but structural movement in the wall can still show through.

Can I paint silicone render later?

Yes, with a compatible silicone paint, though through-coloured render rarely needs it.

Reviewed 19 October 2026 by the Render and Insulation technical team.