FR - Fireplace Render

Vitcas Fireplace Render is a dry powder material formulated to protect brick and masonry surfaces from extreme heat. Withstanding temperatures up to 1400°C (2550°F), it is ideal for use in fireplaces, recesses, and chimney breasts. The render is a fully blended material with a maximum aggregate size of 5mm and requires only water for mixing to a trowelling consistency. The recommended water amount is approximately 200ml per kilo. Due to its thermal accumulation properties, the render efficiently stores heat and gradually radiates it, thereby enhancing the thermal performance and energy efficiency of the room.

Rendering New Brickwork and Surfaces: Allow the backing material to dry completely before applying Vitcas Fireplace Render.

Instructions for Existing Surfaces:

1. To ensure maximum adhesion, rake out mortar joints to a depth of 12mm and roughen brick or stone surfaces with a sharp tool where necessary. Brush away any loose material.
2. Use clean tools to not contaminate other materials and mix Vitcas Fireplace Render with cold tap water to a stiff, trowelling consistency.
3. Dampen the surface slightly before applying the render. Use a trowel or float, working from the base upwards to provide maximum support.

Recommended Thickness and Applications:

• Free-standing stoves: For wood-burning stoves in a recess or against a wall, apply a minimum 12mm layer to all surrounding walls and back recess wall.
• Open fires or fireplaces with log baskets: A 25mm layer is recommended, which can be applied in one or more layers as needed.
• Chimney breasts: Around cassette stoves (inset or hole-in-the-wall), use Vitcas Fireplace Render as a base coat for Vitcas Heat Resistant Plaster. Adjust the render thickness to a minimum of 12mm to allow for a 3-6mm plaster finish.
• Boilers and other heating appliances: For boilers, as well as residential and commercial heating appliances, a minimum layer thickness of 12mm is recommended to ensure optimal protection and efficient heat management.

Finishing:

• For a smooth surface that can be painted later, float the render to be as smooth as possible. Avoid adding cement dye or pigment.
• If using as a base coat for Vitcas Heat Resistant Plaster, leave the surface as a scratch coat to provide a good key for the heat resistant plaster to adhere to. Once applied, cover the render with a plastic sheet overnight and allow it to dry naturally for 48 hours. Ensure the render is completely dry before applying Vitcas Heat Resistant Plaster, ideally using heat to aid the drying process.

Pre-heating: Before exposing the render to high temperatures, it is necessary to preheat it to evaporate any retained moisture. This process minimises the risk of cracking or damage to the material.

• Use a very hot electric fire or fan heater placed in the grate to pre-heat the render.
• Alternatively, light a small paper and cardboard fire in the centre of the fireplace, ensuring that flames do not directly touch the render.
• Keep a fire guard in place and maintain pre-heating for several hours.
• Once pre-heated, a conventional fire can be lit, but keep a fire guard for the first two hours.
• Do not coat the render with any material until pre-heating and initial firing are completed to prevent cracking or shattering due to moisture build-up.

Storage: Store any unused material in a cool, dry place, away from children and pets.

For exact product quantities, you can use the Vitcas Quantity Calculator to help determine how much render you'll need.