Choosing the right external render is about more than protecting a building from the elements. Colour, texture and finish all play an important role in creating a façade that looks great and performs for years to come.
Silicone render is available in a wide range of colours, including white, off-white, cream, grey and more vibrant shades. With Baumit's extensive Life colour system and dedicated 12 Shades of White collection, homeowners, architects and applicators can find a finish to complement almost any property.
But what exactly is silicone render, what are its benefits, and which colours are available?
What Is Silicone Render?
Silicone render is a decorative external wall finish formulated using silicone resin technology. It is designed to provide a durable, weather-resistant surface while allowing water vapour to pass through the wall construction.
Unlike traditional sand and cement render, silicone render is typically supplied ready-mixed in tubs, making it convenient for professional applicators.
Baumit SilikonTop is a ready-to-use silicone resin topcoat suitable for use on compatible render substrates and as part of Baumit External Wall Insulation (EWI) systems.
Its key benefits include:
- Water repellency: Helps prevent rainwater from penetrating the finished surface.
- Breathability: Allows water vapour to pass through the render, supporting moisture management.
- Dirt resistance: Helps reduce dirt accumulation on the façade.
- Colour choice: Available in a broad selection of colours to suit different architectural styles.
- Versatile finishes: Different grain sizes and textures allow a variety of decorative appearances.
These characteristics make silicone render a popular choice for both new-build properties and refurbishment projects.
Can You Get White Silicone Render?
Yes, white silicone render is widely available in the UK and is one of the most popular choices for external walls.
White render creates a clean, contemporary appearance and can work equally well on traditional homes, modern developments and commercial buildings.
However, not all whites are the same.
Some white renders have warm undertones that create a softer appearance, while others feature cooler undertones for a crisp, modern finish.
The choice can significantly influence how a building looks, particularly when combined with different window frames, roofing materials, brickwork and architectural features.
For customers looking beyond a standard white finish, Baumit offers a dedicated collection designed to make selecting the perfect white easier.
Discover Baumit's 12 Shades of White
White is timeless, versatile and consistently popular in façade design. But finding the right white for a building can be more challenging than it first appears.
That's why Baumit developed its 12 Shades of White collection: a carefully selected palette of twelve distinctive white tones designed specifically for façades.
From crisp, bright whites to softer, warmer shades, the collection demonstrates how subtle differences in colour can transform the appearance of a property.
Warm Whites vs Cool Whites
Warm whites contain subtle undertones of yellow, orange or red. They create a softer, more welcoming appearance and work particularly well alongside natural materials such as timber, stone and traditional brickwork.
Cool whites feature hints of blue, green or violet, creating a cleaner, sharper appearance. They are particularly effective on contemporary properties with dark window frames, modern cladding or minimalist architectural details.
Whether you're aiming for a bright modern façade or a softer traditional finish, the Shades of White collection provides a range of options.
White façades also reflect a significant proportion of incoming sunlight, which can help reduce solar heat absorption compared with darker surfaces.
Explore the Baumit 12 Shades of White to discover the collection and find inspiration for your next project.
Please note: Product availability varies by shade. W1200 StarWhite is not available in SilikonTop; other Shades of White colours are listed as available in SilikonTop in the Baumit UK catalogue.
What Colours Does Silicone Render Come In?
Although white and grey remain popular choices, silicone render is available in far more colours than many people realise.
The Baumit Life colour system features over 1,000 colours, offering a comprehensive palette for residential, commercial and architectural projects.
Not every Baumit Life colour is available in every render product. Colour suitability should always be checked against the selected finish and system requirements.
Explore the Baumit Life Colour System to browse available shades and find inspiration.
Choosing the Right Silicone Render Finish
Colour is only one consideration when selecting external render. Texture also has a significant influence on the finished appearance.
Baumit SilikonTop is available in different grain sizes, allowing applicators to create finishes ranging from finer textures to more pronounced decorative surfaces.
For example, a finer texture can create a subtle, contemporary appearance, while a coarser grain provides a more textured finish.
The appropriate texture will depend on the project design, substrate, system specification and desired appearance.
It is important to consider both colour and texture together, as the same colour can appear slightly different depending on the surface finish and lighting conditions.
Is Silicone Render Better Than Traditional Render?
Both silicone render and traditional mineral renders have their place in construction.
Traditional sand and cement render is generally mixed on site and may require subsequent decoration depending on the specification.
Silicone render, by comparison, is commonly supplied as a ready-mixed, through-coloured decorative finish, reducing the need for an initial coat of façade paint.
Its water-repellent properties, vapour permeability and range of colours make it particularly attractive for modern façade systems.
However, the most suitable render depends on the building's construction, exposure conditions, substrate and overall system design.
For EWI projects, the render must form part of a compatible, appropriately specified system.
Can Silicone Render Be Used with External Wall Insulation?
Yes. Silicone render is commonly used as the decorative finishing coat within External Wall Insulation (EWI) systems.
Baumit SilikonTop can be incorporated into compatible Baumit EWI systems, providing the final decorative surface over the reinforced basecoat.
The render contributes to the appearance and weather protection of the completed façade, while the insulation system improves the thermal performance of the external walls.
For reliable performance, all components must be selected and installed in accordance with the relevant system specification.
Frequently Asked Questions About Silicone Render
Can you get white silicone render in the UK?
Yes. White silicone render is available in the UK, including Baumit SilikonTop in suitable white shades. Baumit also offers its 12 Shades of White collection, with product availability depending on the selected shade.
What colours does silicone render come in?
Silicone render is available in a wide variety of colours, including white, cream, beige, grey, pastel shades and stronger architectural colours. Baumit's Life colour system offers over 1,000 colours, although not every shade is available in every render product.
Is silicone render ready-mixed?
Yes. Baumit SilikonTop is supplied ready-to-use in 25kg buckets. The material must be prepared and applied in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
Does white silicone render need painting?
White silicone render is supplied with colour incorporated into the finish, so it does not normally require painting immediately after installation. Over time, compatible façade paint may be used for refurbishment or colour changes following appropriate assessment and preparation.
Is silicone render waterproof?
Silicone render is highly water-repellent and designed to resist weather exposure. However, it should not be confused with a waterproofing membrane. Effective weather protection depends on the complete wall system, including correct detailing and installation.
How do I choose the right render colour?
Consider the property's architectural style, surrounding materials, exposure to sunlight and the desired appearance. Always assess a physical colour sample before making a final decision, as screen colours and printed swatches may differ from the finished render.
Find Your Perfect Silicone Render Colour with Baumit
Whether you're looking for a crisp white façade, a warmer off-white finish or something more distinctive, Baumit offers a wide range of decorative render colours and textures to help bring your project to life.
From our carefully selected 12 Shades of White collection to the extensive Baumit Life colour system, there's a finish to suit a wide variety of architectural styles.
Ready to explore your options?
Discover Baumit's 12 Shades of White
Contact Baumit UK for advice on selecting a suitable render finish and system for your project.