Render Mix Ratio of 6 Parts Sand, 1 Part Cement and 1 Part Lime

Key points from the infographic

• The infographic gives a render mix ratio of 6:1:1, meaning 6 parts sand to 1 part cement and 1 part lime, with water added.
• It opens by saying the best mix largely depends on what you are rendering.
• It lists three steps: combine the mix in a cement mixer, apply it in thin, smooth coats, and brush to create an aesthetic finish.
• The graphic was made by All Division Building LTD, a building company based in Kent, England, to go with its blog post on render mixes [1].

The render mix ratio infographic in text

Title: What is the Best Mix for Rendering? Under it: “The answer to this question largely depends on what you are rendering.” Then: “Most renders are typically made up of Sand, Water, Cement, and Lime.”

The bars beside each ingredient are drawn to scale, so the sand bar is six times as long as the others. A banner reads: “Render Mix Ratio. The most appropriate mix follows the 6:1:1 ratio.”

Under the heading The Rendering Process, beside a drawing of a cement mixer:

1. The components of the render mix should be combined in a cement mixer.
2. The mix should be applied in thin, smooth coats.
3. Brush to create an aesthetic finish.

Footer: All Division Building LTD logo, www.alldivisionbuilding.co.uk and the phone numbers 07814 693131 and 01322 784028.

What each part of the mix does

All Division Building’s article explains the choices behind the ratio. It says any kind of cement will do, but the sand should be fine and free from impurities, with rendering or plastering sand the best choice. Coarser sand is usually used for the base layer and slightly finer sand for the top layer [1].

The lime makes the mix more elastic and helps stop it cracking as it dries, and the article recommends hydrated lime. It warns against using more than one part lime to one part cement, because the lime needs the cement to help it set [1]. It also says many renderers leave lime out and use plasticisers instead, but that lime has proved the better option [1].

The article’s main rule is never to make the render stronger than the wall it covers. A wall moves as it expands and contracts, and a render that is too strong, or has too much cement, will shrink and crack [1].

How the 6:1:1 ratio compares with other guidance

Wikipedia’s article on cement render gives the same mix: 6 parts clean, sharp, fine sand, 1 part cement and 1 part lime, used in some parts of the world. It agrees that lime makes render more workable and reduces cracking, and that coarser sand goes in the base layer and finer sand in the top layer. It also notes that in the United Kingdom cement is optional in render, while in other countries lime is optional [2].

DIYdata lists several render mixes rather than one ratio. Its cement render is 5 parts sand to 1 part Portland cement, and its cement and lime render is 5 parts sand to 2 parts Portland cement, with hydrated lime of no more than 15% of the cement’s volume. For that mix it says the same basic mix was used for all layers, but the final layer should contain more lime than the layers beneath [3]. Ratios therefore vary with the wall, the layer and the finish, which matches the infographic’s opening line.

Notes on this infographic

• One ratio, many walls. The infographic gives a single 6:1:1 mix, while also saying the best mix depends on what you are rendering. Other published mixes differ [3].
• Parts by volume. The graphic does not say whether the parts are measured by volume or weight, and it gives no amount of water.
• Ready-mixed renders. The creator’s article notes that acrylic and silicone renders are also available as ready-mixed products, as an alternative to mixing your own [1].
• Company details. The phone numbers on the graphic are the creator’s own and match its website [1].

Questions about render mix ratios

What is the mix for render?

This infographic recommends 6 parts sand, 1 part cement and 1 part lime, mixed with water in a cement mixer [1]. Wikipedia gives the same 6:1:1 mix [2].

What sand do you use for rendering?

All Division Building recommends rendering or plastering sand that is fine and free from impurities, with coarser sand for the base layer and slightly finer sand for the top layer [1].

Why is lime added to render?

All Division Building says lime makes the render mix more elastic and helps stop it cracking as it dries, and it recommends hydrated lime [1]. It warns against using more than one part lime to one part cement, because the lime needs the cement to help it set [1]. Wikipedia's article on cement render also says lime makes render more workable and reduces cracking [2].

Why does render crack?

According to All Division Building, render cracks when it is stronger than the wall it covers or contains too much cement [1]. A wall moves as it expands and contracts, so a render that is too strong will shrink and crack, which is why the article's main rule is never to make the render stronger than the wall [1].

Sources

1. All Division Building, What is the Best Mix for Rendering? (9 September 2019), the creator’s post with this infographic.
2. Wikipedia, Cement render.
3. DIYdata, Render and Stucco, mixing ratios for different applications.

Last reviewed 30 October 2026