Tyrolean Render - Creating A Tyrolean Render Finish
Here we will take you through the steps needed to create a tyrolean render finish with plastering.
What Is A Tyrolean Finish In Plastering Terms?
Tyrolean finish is an exterior rough finish whose name originates from the traditional alpine building process and gives a weathered look to walls.
Tyrolean is a traditional finish in the UK and is available in different colours.
If applied properly, tyrolean finishes resist cracking unlike plaster and cement finishes.
Tyrolean finishes resist rain and snow and provides some insulation for both temperature and sound.
Tyrolean finishes are applied on top of a rendered wall.
If a tyrolean finish is desired on top of a brick or block work wall, render must be applied first and allowed to cure for at least four days prior to tyrolean finish coat.
Tools Needed To Apply Tyrolean Finish To Rendering
Tyrolean finish can be purchased as a dry mixture needing only water to prepare for application.
The main tool for tyrolean application is the tyrolean flicker gun hand tool. These are available from most builders merchants or large DIY stores. It is also possible to hire these from tool hire stores or again, from major builders merchants. You are also able to buy these online via such platforms as Amazon.
Hire of a tyrolean flicker gun costs around £25.00 per day (as at December 2017), and you will also need to pay a deposit on the tool. You can buy a tyrolean flicker gun from Amazon for around £55.00 (as at December 2017).
This tool consists of a reservoir, a hand crank attached to a spindle with comb like wires and a tension bar to adjust the amount of splatter.
Other than the flicker gun, the only tools required for applying a tyrolean finish are a bucket and a trowel or stick for mixing and, if necessary, a ladder or scaffold.
The flicker gun tool uses the wires to scoop the material and flick it in splotches onto the wall surface.
It is possible to hire the tool daily or weekly however, the tool itself is not that expensive to purchase.
Tyrolean finish is applied in thin layers and usually requires 4-6 coats.
Tyrolean mixture should be a slurry consistency thin enough to flick but thick enough not to slide off the wall.
The tyrolean mixture should be mixed in a bucket and kept nearby for refilling the flicker gun tool.
It is extremely important to remix prior to refilling the tool.
It is helpful to refill approximately the same amount into the flicker tool each time in order to keep the application even.
How To Apply The Tyrolean Finish To Plastering / Rendering
Once the wall is prepared, through a thorough cleaning and repairing any cracks, the tyrolean mixture can be applied to the wall.
While keeping the flicker tool square to the wall and approximately 250 mm from the wall, turn the hand crank with a steady motion and work slowly and consistently across the wall surface.
In order to keep the layer a consistent thickness, keep the gun at the same angle, move at a consistent speed and turn the hand crank at a steady rate.
A good pattern for application is to work from the top left to right then down and back to the left.
Although arm fatigue is an issue with the hand crank, it is important to work with a wet edge; if the edge dries, a noticeable line may be present in the finish.
It is a good idea to practice first if this is your first attempt at using the tyrolean flicker tool.
Once the first layer begins to set, apply the next layer. Repeat the process until there are 4-6 thin coats.
Remember, if you need to compare quotes for plastering work, you can always use our free tradesmen quotes comparison service to get matched with local plasterers and tradespeople near you.
Simply use the job posting form to get started, without obligation, and we will do the rest.
Tyrolean Render Mix (Mixture Ratio and Ingredients)
The mix for this type of tyrolean render finish rendering is usually a combination of lime, cement, sand and water and the ratio for the mix is 1 (cement) : 2 (sand) : 1 (lime).
When making up a mix ensure that the water is clean and that you add it gradually to ensure that you create the right consistency and don’t overshoot the proportion of water to end up with a runny mixture too early.
Tyrolean Render Colours
The amount of colours available for this type of decorative finish product will vary according to the supplier you visit, however, e.g. Weber Cullamix tyrolean comes in 6 colours (cream, ivory, parchment, silver, stone grey and white).
It is always best to visit suppliers direct and ask to see a sample of these type of products.
Wetherby Building Solutions (WBS) have more colours available (20) - (Arran, Buttermilk, Champagne, Cinnamon, Cream, Fintry Stone, Green, Grey, Ivory, Oatmeal, Pewter Grey, Polar White, Powder Blue, Salmon Pink, Sandstone, Sterling White, Stone, Terracotta, White, York).
Tyrolean Render Suppliers
A popular supplier of tyrolean render finish is Weber, with their Cullamix Tyrolean, but there is also WBS (Wetherby Building Solutions), who also have their own tyrolean finish product.
You should find that in addition to going direct to these suppliers it is highly likely you will be able to get these products via some of the more popular builders merchants, (e.g. Travis Perkins, Buildline, Wickes, B & Q, etc).
