Acrylic vs. Cement—Which Stands Up Better in Harsh Weather?

When it comes to protecting your home from Australia’s harsh climate, choosing the right render isn’t just about looks; it’s about long-term performance. 

Whether you’re building from scratch or upgrading existing rendered walls, your decision between cement render and concrete render can make a big difference.

From the humid coasts to dry inland regions and storm-prone suburbs, Aussie homes face a mix of environmental challenges. That’s why understanding the pros and cons of flooring and rendering options is key to keeping your property strong, weather-resistant, and easy to maintain.

Each material has its benefits, but not every option works for every home. In this blog, we’ll compare acrylic and cement render in detail to help you make an informed decision that stands up to your region’s weather without compromising on style or durability.

What is Acrylic Render?

Acrylic render is a type of render made by adding acrylic (a type of plastic) to traditional render mixes. 

This addition makes the render more flexible and less likely to crack, even as buildings expand or contract with changing weather. It’s lightweight, quick to apply, and dries faster than traditional cement render, which makes it a popular choice for modern homes and renovations.

One of the biggest advantages of acrylic render is its excellent adhesion. It sticks well to a wide range of surfaces, including concrete, painted walls, fibre cement, and even brick. Thanks to this, rendered walls with acrylic coating are known for their smooth finish and long-lasting appeal.

It’s commonly used in areas with extreme weather, whether hot, wet, or windy, since the flexibility of the material helps resist damage. Plus, many homeowners love that acrylic render can be tinted in various colours, reducing the need for painting after application.

If you are after a durable, low-maintenance, and visually appealing option for your home’s exterior, acrylic might just be the right choice.

What is Cement Render?

Cement render, also known as concrete render, is one of the most traditional and widely used finishes for external and internal walls in Australia. 

Made from a mix of cement, sand, and water, this type of render has been a go-to for homeowners and builders for decades due to its strength and durability.

Cement render is typically applied in layers over surfaces like brick, stone, or concrete blocks. It provides a hard, protective coating that also offers a smooth or textured finish, depending on your style preference. 

While it’s more prone to cracking compared to acrylic render, it can still last many years with proper care and painting.

This type of rendered wall is best suited for areas where structural stability is already strong, as the cement doesn’t have much flexibility. It’s commonly used on exterior walls and fences, especially in dry or temperate regions of Australia.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and long-lasting wall finish, cement render remains a solid choice, especially when paired with paint or sealants to improve weather resistance.

Weather Resistance: Acrylic vs. Cement

When it comes to choosing between acrylic render and cement render, weather resistance is a major factor, especially in a country like Australia, where the climate can vary from scorching heat to heavy storms. 

Let’s break down how each type performs under harsh weather conditions.

1. Performance in Heat, Rain, and Storms

Acrylic render is designed to be flexible. 

This flexibility helps it handle extreme heat and sudden weather changes without cracking. It also dries faster and is more water-resistant than traditional cement render, making it ideal for wet or coastal regions where rain and humidity are a concern.

On the other hand, cement render (or concrete render) is strong but not very flexible. It performs well in dry and stable climates but can struggle with moisture. If the surface moves or shifts slightly due to temperature or weather, cement render may crack over time.

2. Cracking and Fading

Cracking is more common in cement render, especially if it’s not applied properly or the building moves slightly. Once cracks appear, water can seep in and damage the wall structure, leading to costly repairs.

Acrylic render is far less likely to crack thanks to its elastic nature. It can stretch and move slightly with the wall, which helps it last longer without needing fixes.

As for fading, both types of rendered walls may lose color over time due to sun exposure. However, acrylic render often holds paint better and stays vibrant longer, especially when UV-resistant coatings are used.

3. Water Resistance

Acrylic render is naturally water-resistant, which means rainwater is less likely to soak into the surface. This helps prevent moisture damage and mould growth, great for areas that get a lot of rain.

In contrast, cement render needs a proper sealer or paint to protect it from water. Without that added protection, it can absorb moisture, especially in cracks or porous spots.

What Should You Choose?

If you live in a region with extreme heat, frequent storms, or high humidity, acrylic render offers better protection and durability. For dry areas or if you're looking for a more affordable option, cement render is still a solid choice, but keep in mind that it might require more maintenance.

In both cases, understanding the pros and cons of flooring and rendering options can help you make a smart, long-term decision for your home.

Application and Drying Time

When choosing between acrylic render and cement render, it's important to know how they differ in terms of application process, drying time, and the overall impact on your renovation or building project timeline.

Time, Tools, and Skills Required for Each

Cement render is the traditional option and is generally made by mixing cement, sand, and lime. 

Applying it requires experienced hands because the mix must be done on-site and applied with care to ensure an even surface. 

The tools are fairly basic trowels, straight edges, and floats, but applying cement render properly is a labour-intensive job that takes time and precision. It’s best handled by seasoned tradies familiar with concrete render techniques.

Acrylic render, on the other hand, usually comes pre-mixed and ready to use. It’s easier to apply and more forgiving, thanks to its flexible texture. 

It can be rolled, troweled, or even sprayed on, making it quicker for skilled tradies to cover large areas efficiently. Since it bonds well to various surfaces, including painted walls, brick, and fibre cement, it’s often the preferred choice for modern homes and renovations.

How Does It Affect Project Timelines?

The drying time is one of the biggest differences between the two:

• Cement render can take up to 28 days to fully cure before it’s ready for painting or sealing. This longer timeline can delay the next steps in your renovation.

• Acrylic render typically dries within 2-3 days and is ready for painting shortly after, which helps speed up the overall project.
  
  

So, if you're looking to complete your wall rendering faster, whether for a renovation, sale, or rental, acrylic render can significantly reduce delays.

In summary, if time is tight or you want a quicker turnaround with less room for application error, acrylic render is the way to go. But if you're working on a budget and don’t mind a longer timeline, cement render still gets the job done with solid results.

Cost Comparison

When deciding between acrylic render and cement render, cost is a major factor for many homeowners and builders. 

Let’s break down the material and labour costs, and see which one offers better value for money in the long run.

Material and Labour Costs

• Cement Render:

• Materials: Cement render is made from basic and affordable components cement, sand, and lime. Because these are easily available and inexpensive, the upfront cost of cement render is generally lower.

• Labour: However, applying cement render is labour-intensive. It takes more time, skill, and multiple coats, especially on uneven surfaces. This means higher labour charges, even if the materials are cheap.

• Acrylic Render:

• Materials: Acrylic render comes pre-mixed with polymers and special additives, making it more expensive per bag than traditional cement. But you pay for added flexibility, weather resistance, and ease of use.

• Labour: Since acrylic render is easier to apply and dries faster, it reduces labour time and cost. Some professional tradies even use spray-on applications to speed things up, especially for larger projects.

Value for Money in the Long Run

• Cement render may save you money initially, but it can develop cracks over time, especially in regions with extreme weather. These cracks often require patchwork or full re-rendering in just a few years, adding to the total cost over time.

• Acrylic render, while more expensive upfront, offers long-term durability. It’s less prone to cracking, more resistant to water damage, and flexible enough to handle movement in the wall surface. This means fewer repairs and maintenance costs down the road.

Additionally, acrylic render can boost the value of your property. Its smooth, modern finish and lasting quality make homes look newer for longer, which can appeal to buyers or renters.

Best Choice for Coastal, Urban, and Rural Homes

When choosing between acrylic render and cement render, it’s important to think about where your home is located. 

Australia's diverse climate, ranging from salty coastlines to humid tropics and dry inland zones means not every render works well everywhere. Here’s a look at what works best depending on where you live.

Coastal Homes: Go Acrylic for Durability

Coastal areas like Sydney, Gold Coast, or Perth are exposed to salty air, heavy winds, and high humidity. This can wear down building materials faster than inland regions.

• Why Acrylic Wins: Acrylic render is highly resistant to moisture and salt, which helps prevent issues like cracking, bubbling, and surface breakdown. It creates a flexible coating that can move with your walls without peeling or flaking.

• Bonus: Its water-resistant properties also protect against mould, which is a common concern in damp environments.

Best for: Beachside homes or properties close to the ocean that face regular exposure to salt and humidity.

Urban Homes: Acrylic or Cement—Both Can Work

In metropolitan areas like Melbourne, Brisbane, or Adelaide, homes deal with less environmental stress compared to coastal or rural zones. However, factors like pollution, dense construction, and changing weather still matter.

• Cement Render Pros: For homeowners in cities looking for a traditional finish and a tighter budget, cement render is still a reliable choice, especially when applied well and maintained over time.

• Acrylic Render Pros: If you want a sleeker, modern look with minimal maintenance and quicker installation, acrylic render is more suitable for busy urban projects.

Best for: Homeowners who value a balance between aesthetics, cost-efficiency, and durability.

Rural and Outback Homes: Cement for Simplicity, Acrylic for Strength

In rural and inland areas like the Northern Territory, western Queensland, or remote parts of NSW and WA, the climate can be harsh extreme heat, dry air, and heavy dust being common.

• Cement Render Benefits: It’s a traditional go-to in rural zones due to its availability, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for brick or block homes.
  Downside: However, cement render is more prone to cracking under intense heat and movement caused by shifting ground.

• Acrylic Render Advantages: Acrylic render holds up better under thermal stress and is less likely to crack over time. It also helps reduce long-term maintenance, which is a plus in remote areas where hiring tradespeople frequently can be a hassle.

Best for: Homeowners looking for a low-maintenance, durable option that withstands climate extremes.

So, before selecting between cement render or acrylic render, consider the unique demands of your local environment. A region-specific approach can save you money, time, and unnecessary repairs in the long run, while keeping your rendered walls looking fresh and strong.

Conclusion

Choosing between acrylic render and cement render isn’t just about looks, it’s about long-term protection and performance tailored to your location. 

While cement render offers a classic, cost-effective solution, it may not hold up well in all environments. On the other hand, acrylic render provides flexibility, weather resistance, and a sleek finish, making it ideal for homes in coastal, urban, or harsh rural climates. 

Whether you’re building new or renovating, understanding the pros and cons of flooring and rendered walls helps ensure your home stays strong and stylish for years. For expert advice and quality application, consider hiring professionals through the Trusted Tradie Network to get the job done right.