For applicators, achieving a high-quality render finish is only one part of the job.
The time spent on preparation, application and finishing can make a significant difference to the overall cost of a project. Rockcote’s Cerano has long been a trusted product in its Coloured Render range, delivering a smooth, seamless finish with the flexibility and durability of a premixed acrylic coating.
Now, Cerano Hydratech takes that performance further by incorporating water-repellent technology directly into the coating. The result is a flexible, water-repellent finish that maintains vapour permeability without the need for a separate sealer system. For applicators, this means fewer coats, less product handling and potential savings in labour and material costs, while maintaining the smooth Cerano finish.
What Makes Cerano Hydratech Different?
The key difference between Cerano and Cerano Hydratech is how water repellency is achieved.
The existing Cerano system requires a separate application of Rockcote Repel, typically applied in two coats, with additional coats where required.
Cerano Hydratech incorporates water-repellent technology throughout the coating film itself. This removes the need for a separate Repel application while maintaining the product’s water-resistant performance.
Here’s how the two systems compare:
| Current Cerano System | Cerano Hydratech System |
|---|---|
| Apply 2 coats of Cerano | Apply 2 coats of Cerano Hydratech finish |
| Apply first coat of Repel | No Repel application required |
| Apply second coat of Repel | No Repel application required |
| Additional Repel where required | Water repellency built into the coating |
Cerano Hydratech still requires two coats, as specified in its Technical Data Sheet (TDS). However, removing the separate Repel application reduces the number of coats required across the complete finishing system.
On larger projects, this can mean a considerable reduction in labour, product handling and application time.
How Does Hydratech Technology Improve Performance?
Cerano Hydratech is more than a change to the application process. Its formulation combines advanced polymer technology with integrated water repellency to deliver a durable, flexible and breathable finish.
1. Integrated Water Repellency
Traditional surface-applied water-repellent treatments rely on a separate application over the finished coating.
Cerano Hydratech works differently.
Hydratech technology is incorporated throughout the coating film, rather than relying on a separate surface sealer.
This provides integrated water resistance and improved long-term durability while maintaining vapour permeability.
For applicators, the benefits include:
- No separate Repel application.
- Fewer coats required to complete the finishing system.
- Less time spent handling and applying additional products.
- Water-repellent performance incorporated throughout the coating film.
By building water repellency into the coating itself, Hydratech also reduces the reliance on a separate surface treatment to provide the required protection.
2. Polymer-Enhanced Flexibility
Cerano Hydratech is formulated using advanced polymer technology, which provides flexibility within the coating.
This flexibility is an important part of its overall performance, helping deliver a durable finish across a range of properly prepared substrates.
The coating is suitable for both interior and exterior applications, including:
- Brick and block
- Concrete and cement render
- Rockcote render
- Fibre cement sheet
- AAC panels and blocks
- Plasterboard
For applicators working across different projects, this versatility means the same finishing product can be specified for a wide range of suitable applications, provided the substrate is correctly prepared.
3. Water Resistance Without Compromising Breathability
Water resistance and vapour permeability are both important considerations when selecting an exterior coating.
While Cerano Hydratech helps resist water at the surface, it also maintains vapour permeability, allowing moisture vapour within the substrate to escape.
This balance is important for maintaining the performance of the finished coating over time.
Because the water-repellent technology is incorporated into the coating itself, Cerano Hydratech delivers this performance without relying on a separate sealer system.
It is important to note that Cerano Hydratech is not suitable for areas of continual damp or surfaces submerged in water.
What Does Cerano Hydratech Mean for Application Time and Costs?
Removing the separate Repel application can make a noticeable difference to the time and labour required to complete a project.
Every additional coat involves preparing materials, moving around the building and applying product across the required wall area.
On larger residential or commercial projects, these additional application hours can quickly add up.
Comparing Application Costs on a Typical Project
Consider an example residential project with 200m² of external wall area.
Under the existing Cerano system, applicators would complete the Cerano finish before applying the separate Repel treatment.
With Cerano Hydratech, the Repel application is no longer required.
To demonstrate the potential labour savings, the following example uses an assumed application time of three hours per coat for two applicators, at an indicative labour rate of $75 per person per hour.
| Cost Consideration | Current Cerano System | Cerano Hydratech |
|---|---|---|
| Repel coats required | 2 | 0 |
| Labour hours for Repel application | 12 hours | 0 hours |
| Labour cost for Repel application | $900 | $0 |
| Separate Repel product cost | Additional cost | Not required |
Indicative example only. Assumes two applicators working three hours per Repel coat at $75 per person per hour. Actual labour rates, application times and project costs will vary. The example excludes preparation, the Cerano finish, equipment costs and differences in product pricing.
In this example, removing the Repel application represents a potential labour saving of $900, before accounting for the cost of the Repel product itself.
However, total project savings also depend on the price difference between conventional Cerano and Cerano Hydratech.
What About Material Costs?
The existing Cerano system requires the purchase of a separate Repel product in addition to the Cerano finish.
Because Cerano Hydratech has integrated water-repellent technology, there is no separate Repel product to purchase or apply.
To compare the total material costs of the two systems, applicators should consider:
- The quantity and cost of conventional Cerano required.
- The quantity and cost of Cerano Hydratech required.
- The quantity and cost of Repel required under the existing system.
- Any additional coats or material requirements for the project.
Cerano Hydratech has a stated coverage rate of approximately 30–40m² per 15L pail, although actual coverage will vary depending on the substrate, preparation and application methods.
For an accurate material cost comparison, applicators should calculate the required quantities using the relevant product coverage rates and current pricing.
The overall cost benefit will depend on the combined effect of material pricing and the labour saved by removing the separate Repel application.
For larger projects, reducing the amount of product handling and the number of full application passes around a building can also help applicators manage their time more efficiently.
Application Specifications
| Technical Specification | Cerano Hydratech |
|---|---|
| Application method | Trowel recommended; can also be brushed or rolled |
| Number of coats | 2 |
| Coverage rate | Approximately 30–40m² per 15L |
| Dry film build | Approximately 0.35mm per coat |
| Touch dry | 2 hours |
| Dry to recoat | 4 hours |
| Drying time | 24 hours |
| Application temperature | Between 5°C and 35°C |
| Packaging | 4L and 15L |
Drying times are based on conditions of 25°C and 50% relative humidity. Actual drying times may vary depending on site conditions.
Substrate Preparation and Application
Before applying Cerano Hydratech, applicators should ensure the substrate is clean, sound and properly prepared.
The TDS also outlines several important requirements:
- Substrate moisture content must not exceed 15% before application.
- Fresh cementitious substrates may require up to 28 days of curing.
- Rockcote Quick Render requires a minimum curing period of 48 hours under suitable drying conditions.
- The product should not be applied when air or surface temperatures are below 5°C or above 35°C.
- The finished surface must be protected from rain and moisture for 24–48 hours after application.
Mixing the product thoroughly, maintaining a wet edge and planning application around weather conditions are also important for achieving a consistent finish.
Maintaining Colour Consistency When Changing Products
As Cerano Hydratech replaces the existing system, applicators should take care when managing old and new stock.
There may be colour variation between conventional Cerano and Cerano Hydratech, so the two products should not be mixed or used interchangeably across the same wall.
For best results:
- Purchase all material required for a project at the same time.
- Use material from the same batch wherever possible.
- Check the tinted colour before application.
- Box material together when using multiple batches of Cerano Hydratech to minimise potential colour variation.
- Avoid mixing conventional Cerano with Cerano Hydratech.
Following these practices will help maintain the smooth, seamless finish Cerano is known for.
Visit your local Rockcote Trade Hub or distributor for Cerano Hydratech samples, technical information and training, or contact the Rockcote team to find out more.