Unitex Base Coat Renders

The Foundation of Every Quality Render System

A base coat render does more than fill the surface — it creates the bond layer that determines how well the entire finishing system performs over time. Choose the wrong product for the substrate and you face adhesion failures, cracking, and costly remediation. Choose the right one, applied correctly, and you have a stable, durable base that supports decades of performance.

Unitex has been formulating base coat renders in Dandenong, Victoria since 1983. Every product in the Unitex render range draws on more than four decades of polymer chemistry expertise, developed specifically for Australian conditions — the UV intensity, the temperature extremes, and the substrate types builders and applicators work with every day.

All Unitex base coat renders are manufactured in Australia using quality raw materials, with continuous raw material evaluation to ensure consistent performance and product improvement. Where possible, recycled materials are incorporated without compromising quality.

The Unitex Base Coat Renders Range

Unitex produces base coat renders in both powder and pre-mixed wet formulations, covering EPS cladding systems, brickwork, blockwork, fibre cement sheeting, AAC panels, and more. All products are designed for easy application by trowel, with options suited to a range of project types, exposure conditions, and finishing requirements.

Aero Render

A lightweight, pre-mixed render designed for ease of application and excellent coverage. Aero Render is well suited to interior and exterior applications where a consistent, workable product is required. Its lightweight formulation reduces fatigue during application and supports faster project completion.

Base Board Render BBR 8.5

Specifically formulated for application over factory-coated Uni-Base Board EPS cladding panels. BBR 8.5 is a cement-based, polymer-modified render that can be applied in a single pass at thicknesses of 6–16mm, achieving the render build required for BAL 19.5, BAL 29, and BAL 40 compliance when used within the Unitex Base Board System. It is ready-mixed by adding water and produces a consistent, high-build result. BBR 8.5 is an essential component of the CodeMark-accredited Base Board System and must be used as specified to maintain system accreditation.

Beach Render Non-Combustible

A non-combustible render formulation certified to AS 1530.1 and tested by CSIRO. Beach Render is suited to coastal and exposed environments where salt, wind, and moisture are ongoing factors. Its non-combustible classification makes it appropriate for projects where fire performance requirements apply to the render layer.

Fast-R Render Non-Combustible

A fast-setting, non-combustible base coat render for projects where programme constraints are critical. Fast-R reduces dwell time between render and finish coat application, helping applicators maintain momentum on time-sensitive builds. Certified to AS 1530.1.

Harbour Fine™ Non-Combustible

A fine-textured, non-combustible render producing a smooth, consistent surface suitable for high-quality finish coat application. Harbour Fine is particularly suited to projects where the final texture requires an exceptionally even base — decorative finishes, fine sand textures, and similar demanding applications. Non-combustible certification to AS 1530.1.

HiLite Render™

A versatile base coat render with excellent workability and adhesion across multiple substrate types. HiLite Render is a reliable general-purpose option for applicators working across a variety of residential and light commercial projects.

Panel Patch (4hr Fire Rating)

A specialised patching and repair render rated to 4-hour fire performance. Panel Patch is designed for use where fire-rated assemblies require repair, patching, or penetration fill — ensuring the fire rating of the assembly is maintained after works are completed. An important compliance product for projects where fire-rated wall assemblies are specified.

Polymer Render Wet

A pre-mixed, polymer-modified wet render ready for direct application. Polymer Render Wet offers excellent adhesion to a wide range of substrates and is a practical choice where a ready-to-use formulation is preferred over powder products. Suitable for brickwork, blockwork, fibre cement sheeting, and other common substrates.

Redi Render™ Non-Combustible

A non-combustible, ready-to-use render for projects where both ease of application and fire performance certification are required. Redi Render combines the convenience of a pre-mixed formulation with non-combustible classification to AS 1530.1, making it a flexible option for residential and commercial projects with fire performance requirements.

Why the Right Base Coat Render Matters

Substrate Compatibility Is Non-Negotiable

Not every render performs equally on every surface. Brickwork, EPS cladding, AAC panels, fibre cement sheeting, and blockwork each have different porosity, texture, and surface energy characteristics that affect how a render bonds and cures. Applying the wrong product — or the right product incorrectly — can result in delamination, cracking, or finish coat failure regardless of how well the topcoat is applied.

Unitex base coat renders are formulated for specific substrates and system contexts. The product descriptions and application manuals detail which render is appropriate for which surface. If you are unsure which product suits your project, the Unitex technical sales team can advise before you commit.

Non-Combustible Certification Simplifies Compliance

Several products in the Unitex base coat render range carry non-combustible certification to AS 1530.1, independently tested by CSIRO. For projects where the NCC requires non-combustible materials — Class 2–9 buildings, or projects in bushfire-prone areas where the render layer is part of the BAL compliance system — non-combustible certification removes uncertainty from the specification process.

Using a certified non-combustible render from the Unitex range means the fire performance of the product is independently verified, not assumed. That is a meaningful protection for builders and specifiers managing compliance on regulated projects.

Australian Polymer Chemistry, Applied to Australian Conditions

Every Unitex render is formulated using acrylic polymer technology developed for Australian climate conditions. The UV intensity, coastal salinity, thermal cycling, and rainfall patterns of Australia’s diverse climates create different stresses on render systems than those encountered in Europe or North America. Unitex renders are developed and tested locally, by a team with decades of hands-on knowledge of Australian construction conditions.

High impact strength, excellent adhesion to well-bound surfaces, and weather resistance are consistent features across the Unitex render range — because the Australian market demands it.

Part of a Complete System

Unitex base coat renders are designed to work as part of a complete facade system — not as isolated products. When used with Unitex textures, finishes, cladding systems, and sealers as part of a specified system, performance is predictable and consistent. System-based specification is particularly important for CodeMark-accredited assemblies, where substitution of components outside the specified range affects the validity of the accreditation.

Where the Unitex Base Board cladding system is specified, BBR 8.5 is the required base coat render. For all other substrates, refer to the System Specifications guides and Application Manuals to confirm the appropriate render selection.

Substrate Compatibility Overview

Unitex base coat renders are compatible with the following substrate types, subject to correct surface preparation as detailed in the Application Manuals:

Clean brickwork, deeply raked brickwork, painted brickwork, AAC panels, concrete blockwork, fibre cement sheeting, the Unitex Base Board System (EPS cladding), and raw polystyrene. For each substrate, Unitex publishes a System Specification guide covering preparation, product selection, application method, and finish coat compatibility.

Before specifying or ordering, confirm your substrate type against the relevant System Specification. If your project involves a substrate not listed, contact the Unitex technical team — non-standard substrates are assessed regularly and the team can advise on the most appropriate approach.

Order, Enquire, or Get Technical Support

Unitex base coat render products are available through Unitex Render Warehouse (URW) branches in Oakleigh South (VIC), Seven Hills (NSW), and Dry Creek (SA), open from 6:00am Monday to Friday for trade pickup. Products are also available through Dahlsens trade stores across Victoria and southern NSW, and through Walkers in Geelong and Ballarat.

For project quantities, call 1800 RENDER (1800 736 337) or email sales@unitex.com.au. The Unitex technical sales team can assist with product selection, system specification, quantity estimates, and application guidance. Use the Request a Quote form on the Unitex website to submit project details for a tailored response.

Frequently Asked Questions — Unitex Base Coat Renders

Which Unitex render do I use over the Base Board cladding system?

Base Board Render BBR 8.5 is the specified base coat render for the Unitex Base Board System. It is the only render approved for use within the CodeMark-accredited assembly. Using a different render product over Base Board EPS panels will affect the system accreditation and warranty. Refer to the Base Board Application Manual for full specification details.

Are Unitex renders non-combustible?

Several products in the range — Beach Render, Fast-R Render, Harbour Fine, and Redi Render — carry non-combustible certification to AS 1530.1, tested by CSIRO. Not all products in the range are non-combustible certified. If non-combustible performance is a project requirement, confirm the relevant product’s certification status before specifying.

Can Unitex renders be applied over painted surfaces?

Polymer Render Wet and some other products in the range are compatible with prepared, painted brickwork. Surface preparation is critical — the substrate must be well-bound, clean, dry, and free of laitance, grease, or loose material. Refer to the System Specifications — Painted Brickwork guide for full preparation and application requirements.

What is the difference between powder and pre-mixed wet renders?

Powder renders are mixed on site with water to the applicator’s preferred consistency, offering flexibility in workability. Pre-mixed wet renders (such as Polymer Render Wet and Redi Render) are supplied ready to use, reducing site preparation time. Both perform to high standards — the choice typically depends on site logistics, project size, and applicator preference. The Unitex technical team can advise on the most practical option for your project.

Do Unitex renders require a primer before application?

Surface preparation requirements vary by substrate. Some substrates require a Unitex sealer or primer (such as Uni-Substrate Sealer or Cembond) before render application to ensure proper adhesion. The relevant System Specification guide details primer requirements for each substrate type. Skipping primer where required is a common cause of adhesion issues — always follow the specification.