Render Basecoat

Raso W160 - Render Basecoat

Lightweight fibre-reinforced render basecoat for EWI systems and facade restoration

Raso W160 is a professional-grade lightweight render basecoat from Licata — a fibre-reinforced skim coat and adhesive formulated with Portland cement, polymer-modified resins and special mineral fibres. This render basecoat is specifically designed for licataTHERM EWI systems with EPS and mineral wool panels, and for reinforced repair of facades during restoration work.

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Product Type Render Basecoat

Application Interior & Exterior

Mixing Water 5.25–5.75L per 25kg

Standard UNI EN 998-1 GP

Features & Benefits

Why specify Raso W160 render basecoat?

Universal Render Basecoat

Raso W160 render basecoat adheres to the vast majority of substrates used in construction — making it a single versatile solution for new build and renovation projects alike.

Fibre-Reinforced for Crack Resistance

Special mineral fibres in this render basecoat provide controlled hygrometric shrinkage — minimising the formation of cracks and fissures during and after curing.

Outstanding Water Vapour Permeability

Raso W160 render basecoat is highly breathable — making it ideal for use with mineral wool and glass wool EWI panels where vapour permeability is critical.

Superior Workability

Latest-generation additives give this render basecoat outstanding thixotropy, an enhanced pot life and exceptional spreadability — reducing difficulty and delays on site.

Regulating — Up to 10mm Thickness

Raso W160 render basecoat can be used as a regulating product on uneven surfaces up to 10mm — a key advantage on existing facades undergoing restoration.

Ideal Substrate for Decorative Coatings

The fine particle size of this render basecoat provides an outstanding surface finish — suitable for direct application of silicone, acrylic, siloxane and silicate decorative coatings without further preparation.

Product Description

Raso W160 — Lightweight Render Basecoat

Raso W160 is Licata's lightweight render basecoat — a professional-grade, fibre-reinforced skim coat and adhesive for interior and exterior use. Manufactured with Portland cement, carefully selected sands, polymer-modified resins and mineral fibre additives, this render basecoat delivers considerable adhesive capacity, good workability and excellent shock resistance with flexibility.

This render basecoat is specifically designed for use with licataTHERM external solid insulation systems — compatible with EPS, graphite EPS and mineral wool panels. It is also the recommended render basecoat for reinforced repair of facades during restoration work, and for single or double layer skim coatings on renders or lime-based finishes.

Raso W160 render basecoat is an ideal preparation coat for all subsequent decorative finishes — silicone renders, acrylic renders, siloxane coatings and silicate coatings can all be applied directly over this render basecoat without further preparation, thanks to its fine, uniform particle size curve with a maximum diameter of under 1.0mm.

Compliance

Certified in accordance with UNI EN 998-1 as a GP (General Purpose) mortar. Available in Grey and White.

Supported Substrates

Render basecoat compatible substrates

licataTHERM EWI systems — EPS, graphite EPS and XPS panels

licataTHERM EWI systems — rock wool and glass wool panels

Lime and cement-based renders

Clay brick

Precast and cast-in-place concrete

Autoclaved aerated concrete

Old paint and coatings (clean, sound and well adhered)

Mixing

How to mix this render basecoat

Substrate preparation: Remove all dust, loose or crumbling parts and clean thoroughly — free of detergents, oils, greases, waxes, gypsum traces and salts. Remove any protective film from insulation panels before applying the render basecoat.

Mixing water: Use 5.25–5.75 litres of clean water per 25kg bag (21–23% by mass). Pour the render basecoat into a clean tub containing three quarters of the mixing water.

Mixing: Mix for around 3 minutes by hand or machine, gradually adding the remaining water until you achieve an even, lump-free thixotropic mixture. Leave to rest for 1–2 minutes then remix before use.

Important: Use the render basecoat as supplied — add clean water only. Do not split bags for partial mixes. Product stored in opened bags may no longer meet the technical specification.

Temperature: Ensure the ambient temperature, substrate temperature and product temperature during application fall between +5°C and +35°C. Monitor curing for at least the first 24 hours — protect fresh mortar against rapid drying, direct sunlight, strong wind and heavy rain.

Application

Applying the render basecoat

Bonding on unrendered surfaces: Apply a 3–5cm strip of render basecoat along the perimeter of the insulation panel and 2–3 rings in the middle.

Bonding on rendered or flat surfaces: Apply the render basecoat on a full bed using a toothed trowel.

Skim coating — first coat: Apply evenly and flat using a toothed trowel, embedding the licataTHERM 160 reinforcement mesh in vertical strips with joints overlapping by at least 10cm.

Skim coating — second coat: Apply at least 24 hours after the first coat using a smooth stainless steel trowel, covering the reinforcement mesh entirely. Skim with a sponge float as the render basecoat begins to dry.

Curing: This render basecoat reaches a degree of curing suitable for subsequent processing after 7 days at +20°C, unless laying conditions, substrate type or temperature dictate otherwise.

FAQs

Render basecoat — frequently asked questions

A render basecoat is a reinforced intermediate coat applied over insulation panels or prepared substrates before the decorative render finish. It provides structural strength, crack resistance and a stable, uniform surface for the decorative top coat. Raso W160 render basecoat also incorporates a reinforcement mesh to improve impact resistance and flexibility across the facade.

Raso W160 render basecoat provides an ideal substrate for silicone renders, acrylic renders, siloxane coatings, silicate coatings and paintwork. The fine particle size ensures a smooth, uniform surface that does not require further preparation before applying any of these decorative finishes.

Yes. The outstanding water vapour permeability of Raso W160 render basecoat makes it specifically recommended for licataTHERM systems using rock wool or glass wool insulation panels, where breathability through the render basecoat is essential to the performance of the system.

Raso W160 render basecoat reaches a degree of curing suitable for subsequent processing after 7 days at +20°C. Curing times will vary depending on the ambient temperature, substrate type and laying conditions. The second skim coat can be applied at least 24 hours after the first coat.

Yes, provided the existing paint or coating is clean, sound and well adhered to the substrate. Any loose, flaking or contaminated areas must be removed and the surface thoroughly prepared before applying the render basecoat. Contact our technical team if you are unsure about substrate suitability.

Buy Raso W160 render basecoat

Available from all six Licata branches across the UK. Speak to our team about pricing and technical specification support.

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