Licata system finishes
Render finishes, brick slips, facade profiles and decorative coatings
We have a wide range of system finishes for external wall insulation, new build and refurbishment — from BBA certified insulated render systems and thin coat renders through to brick slips, facade profiles and decorative plaster.
A render system finish for every specification
The render system finish does more than determine how a building looks. It carries the weathering performance of the whole system, and it is the layer that has to cope with UK rainfall, frost and UV for the next thirty years.
Licata manufactures a wide range of render systems and system finishes suited to different substrates, from traditional masonry to timber frame and modular construction. Whether the requirement is a thin coat render, a silicone thin coat finish, a monocouche render, an acrylic thin coat render, a brick slip finish for a planning-sensitive elevation, or a decorative interior plaster, the finish is specified and supplied as part of a tested system rather than as a standalone product.
All our systems and products are durable and of high quality, and our textured finishes are available in acrylic, silicone and silicate. Every finish is compatible with our external wall insulation systems and supported by our technical team from specification through to completion.
Silicone render finishes
Silicone render is our most widely specified thin coat finish and the standard choice across BBA certified insulated render systems. Applied over a reinforced base coat and primer, it is highly water repellent while remaining fully breathable, allowing moisture vapour to leave the wall rather than becoming trapped behind the finish.
We manufacture a wide range of render systems, all suitable for different substrates, and offer a choice of textured finishes from acrylic, silicone and silicate. All our systems and products are durable and of high quality.
Why choose a coloured silicone render?
The coloured render is not a new idea, but recent advances in the formulation of these systems by Licata have opened up new possibilities regarding the application of these systems to home exteriors. A coloured render by Licata creates a bridge between the traditional paint job and exterior cladding.
With the colour infused directly into the rendering material there is no loss of colour over time, no chipping, peeling or bleaching, and no need for constant touch-ups to keep a home looking picture perfect. Silicone renders also carry a self-cleaning characteristic, shedding dirt with rainfall and holding their brightness longer than conventional finishes.
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Monocouche render finishes
Monocouche render is a through coloured render applied in a single layer, giving a traditional render finish in one pass. Because the colour runs through the full thickness of the material rather than sitting on the surface, minor surface damage does not expose a different colour underneath.
Why choose monocouche render?
Monocouche is fast to install, which makes it well suited to new build programmes and larger schemes where speed on site matters. It is applied directly to masonry substrates such as blockwork and brick, and can be finished with ashlar lines, a scraped texture or a fine texture finish depending on the elevation.
Where a project calls for maximum crack resistance, a wider colour range or application over insulation, a thin coat system will usually be the better specification. Our technical team can advise which route suits the substrate and the programme.
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Mineral brick slip finishes
Mineral brick slips provide the traditional appearance of a brick finished building but with the technology of a lightweight mineral brick slip finish. Mineral brick slips are an ideal finish for external wall insulation systems used on new build or renovation of older buildings. They can also be used with timber frame, metal frame or modular construction where speed and weight are important in the design but traditional brick slips would not be recommended.
Why choose Licata mineral brick slips?
Licata mineral brick slips are the durable, attractive and affordable way to give an exterior or interior the look and feel of real brick without the installation and maintenance costs that come with it. They are available in nearly three dozen colours, are fully weather resistant, are washable, paintable and impact resistant, and will not put undue stress on exterior or interior walls.
If you are looking for an attractive, affordable, easy to install cladding solution for your exterior or interior walls, Licata mineral brick slips are the environmentally responsible, cost-effective solution that will enhance the look of any home or business.
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Clay brick slip finishes
Licata clay slips are a versatile thin brick cladding that simulates the look of traditional clay brickwork whilst providing greater insulation and more flexibility of style and application.
Why choose Licata clay brick slips?
It is hard to beat the look and feel of natural brick, whether on a building exterior or interior. But brick is not always a practical or affordable option. That is where Licata clay brick slips come in. These handsome, easy to install brick slips provide not only an affordable way to achieve the aesthetic you are after but also impressive insulation capabilities.
Our clay brick slips are suitable for both low-rise and high-rise buildings, are offered in a variety of textures, colours and finishes, and are equally adaptable to exterior and interior applications.
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Exterior facade profile finishes
Our stucco facade profiles are impact resistant and fit both classic and modern buildings. The profiles can be applied in the form of bands surrounding doors and windows. They can also be used as a cornice separating floors of the building, or as a horizontal or vertical decorative element. At the same time they are flexible, and can be created to an interesting template with unique forms and design.
Decorative plaster and paint finishes
Special plasters for interior and exterior use — the most advanced and innovative solutions for decorative wall paints and exclusive ranges. Decorative finishes offer a new way of decorating surfaces with unique visual and tactile sensations. The result is a spectacular decorative effect with appealing and refined design solutions.
The benefits of Licata decorative plaster and paint finishes
Ease of application. Our decorative plaster and paint finishes are easy to apply and dry quickly on any surface. Both residential and commercial customers benefit from minimal disruption to their normal routine.
Low maintenance. Unlike standard paint or wallpaper applications, Licata plaster and paint finishes require very little maintenance while displaying impressive durability.
Unparalleled aesthetic appeal. No matter what type of look you are after, Licata paint and plaster finishes allow you to achieve it with minimal fuss.
Moisture resistance. This is an important issue in the UK, one of the dampest nations on earth. Many of our plaster finishes are highly water-resistant, making them an excellent choice for exterior facades.
Environmentally friendly. Licata plaster finishes typically consist of natural raw materials such as lime and marble dust, and pose no short or long-term threat to the environment.
Variety. You would be hard-pressed to find plaster and paint solutions offering such a wide variety of choice in style, texture, pattern or colour.
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External paint finishes
For external use, our paint finishes provide high resistance to atmospheric agents and pollution. They also provide excellent adhesion to the substrate and high resistance to washing and, thanks to a special anti-mildew additive of which they are composed, add resistance to algae, fungi and moulds.
Explore external paints →Sustainable render solutions
At Licata, we understand that sustainable construction is becoming essential for modern projects. Our render systems are developed to reduce environmental impact while enhancing the durability of buildings. Each render system finish, including our thin coat render, is designed to meet high performance standards.
Whether you have a low rise home or a larger commercial building, our products support your environmental goals without compromising quality. We carefully select materials that offer significant benefits across the life of the building, from installation through to long-term maintenance.
- Improved thermal insulation
- Lower energy consumption
- Eco-friendly, long-lasting coatings
Advanced protection for your property
Protecting buildings from harsh weather conditions is crucial in the UK. Our render systems are specially developed to be weather resistant, ensuring your property stays protected and attractive throughout the year. We offer flexible systems suitable for various substrates, from traditional masonry to modern timber frame constructions.
Choosing Licata render ensures your building remains visually appealing and structurally sound, making it an ideal choice for both residential and commercial projects. Our completed projects show how these systems perform across a range of exposure conditions.
- Resistance to moisture ingress
- Protection against frost and UV rays
- Reduced maintenance costs over time
Licata's range of colour choices
A beautiful property deserves an equally attractive render finish. At Licata, we provide an extensive variety of colours and textures to help you achieve the exact look you envision. Our render finishes can easily complement different building styles, from traditional to contemporary designs.
Whether you prefer subtle tones or vibrant shades, our coloured render systems help you achieve striking aesthetics that remain attractive year after year. Colour and texture samples are available for any project, and we recommend a sample panel on larger elevations.
- Rich colour selection for every taste
- Silicone-based renders with lasting brightness
- Consistent colour stability without fading
Durable render for all weather conditions
Durability is key when selecting a render for exterior finishes. Our polymer modified systems offer outstanding toughness and flexibility, ideal for handling changing UK weather conditions. Our external wall insulation systems strengthen your property's exterior, ensuring your building withstands time.
With Licata's durable render finishes, your property remains well-protected, attractive, and strong enough to cope with harsh climates across the full range of UK exposure zones.
- Long-term durability against wear
- Flexibility to prevent cracking
- Reliable performance for any specific project needs
Expert application support by Licata
The right product combined with expert application guarantees the best outcomes. At Licata, our experienced team supports you through every step of your render application. From selecting the right systems to offering further information about product compatibility, we are always here to help.
Do not hesitate to contact us for guidance on your specific project requirements. With Licata's expertise, your render system finish will enhance both the appearance and longevity of your property.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between thin coat and monocouche render systems?
Thin coat systems involve multiple layers including a primer, reinforced base coat and final coat. These are fully breathable, water repellent, and allow for flexible application on difficult substrates. Our acrylic thin coat renders and silicone thin coat options are ideal for properties needing a smooth, weather resistant surface.
Monocouche render, on the other hand, is a through coloured render applied in a single layer. It offers a traditional render finish with options like ashlar lines and a fine texture finish. While monocouche is fast to install, thin coat renders deliver enhanced performance, better crack resistance, and a wider colour and texture range for the final product.
Is acrylic render better than sand and cement for external walls?
For most modern applications, yes. Sand and cement render is rigid and prone to cracking as the substrate moves, and it relies on paint for both colour and weather protection, which means repainting every few years.
Acrylic render is polymer modified, so it flexes rather than cracks, and the colour runs through the material rather than sitting on the surface. It is also lighter, which matters on insulated systems and on timber or metal frame construction.
Can I use silicone render on external wall insulation systems?
Yes. Silicone render is one of the most common finishes for external wall insulation and is included within our certified system build-ups. It is highly water repellent while remaining breathable, allowing moisture vapour to leave the wall rather than becoming trapped behind the finish.
It should be specified as part of the complete system rather than selected separately, so that the base coat, mesh, primer and final coat are compatible and covered by the same certification.
How do different types of render finishes vary in terms of appearance?
The main variables are grain size and application technique. A finer grain produces a tighter, smoother surface that suits contemporary elevations. A coarser grain gives more visible texture and is more forgiving of minor substrate variation.
Application method changes the result again — a float finish, a scraped finish and a rilled finish all read differently in the same colour. We recommend viewing a sample panel in daylight before committing on a large elevation.
What are the benefits of using a base coat and final coat system?
Separating the two coats lets each do one job well. The reinforced base coat, with mesh embedded within it, provides impact resistance and controls cracking by distributing stress across the elevation rather than letting it concentrate at weak points.
The final coat then handles weathering, colour and texture without also carrying structural duty. The result is a finish that holds its appearance longer and is far less likely to crack at openings and junctions.
Can I order samples before choosing a render finish?
Yes. We supply colour and texture samples, and for larger projects we recommend a sample panel applied on site so the finish can be assessed at scale and in the actual light conditions.
Contact your nearest branch or our technical team to arrange samples for a specific project.
Specifying a render system finish?
Send us the substrate, the exposure and the look you are after, and we will come back with a system recommendation and the supporting documentation.