CLEANING PRODUCTS

The right render cleaner depends on what is on the surface. Renders World stocks three Atlas cleaners from the render systems range: a render cleaner for growth, one for cement residue and one for resin residue.

• Green or black growth (algae, mould, lichen and moss on facades and render): Atlas Mykos Plus.
• Cement, lime and gypsum residue (on tiles, stone, chrome and other acid-resistant surfaces after building work): Atlas Cement Away.
• Primer, protective agent, emulsion paint and resin render residue (on tiles, stone, steel and plastic): Atlas Resin Away.

Match the Render Cleaner to the Contamination

Choose by what is on the wall or tile

You may see these two names on older labels: Cement Away is the same product as SZOP, and Resin Away is the same product as SZOP 2000. Only the name and label changed.

At Renders World, a wall that is past cleaning starts with a fresh coat of render.

Atlas Mykos Plus for Green and Black Growth

Mykos Plus is the render cleaner for growth: a concentrated fungicide and algaecide. It removes extensive deposits of algae, mould, lichen and moss, and it has a preventive effect against biological corrosion of the surface. As a mould remover for renders it suits facades (insulated and non-insulated), render and plaster, concrete, limestone and stone. It is also made for terraces, cellars, laundries, bathrooms, kitchens and swimming pools. Use it on mineral surfaces and on window frames, but not on wood. On any non-mineral surface, test a small area first.

Three steps on the wall

1. Cure the damp first. Fix the cause, such as failed insulation, poor roof flashings or weak ventilation.
2. Clean, then soak. Pre-clean by hand or with a pressure washer. Remove heavy growth mechanically and scrape light growth with a wet brush. Dilute with water at no more than 1:5, using less dilution on heavy growth. Apply evenly and generously with a brush, roller or sponge until the surface is fully wet. Leave it at least 6 to 12 hours, then remove the growth mechanically.
3. Coat twice, then leave it. Two coats is the rule; a third only in exceptional cases such as very heavy growth or a very absorbent surface. Let the first coat soak in before the second. Do not wash the facade after the last coat, and start painting or other finishing work no earlier than 48 hours later.

One 5 litre pack treats up to 50 m² of infected surface. Heavy growth needs less dilution, so allow more.

Finish with a silicate or silicone paint, as Atlas recommends, to lower absorbency and slow regrowth; our silicone masonry paints are the place to look. Not sure what is growing? The red algae and green algae guide helps you tell them apart, and the guide to cleaning silicone render without damaging the surface covers the washing before treatment.

Cement Away and Resin Away for Residue After Building Work

Atlas Cement Away

A concentrate that contains inorganic acid. It removes cement, lime and gypsum residue after building work where mineral mortars were used. It also deals with mineral deposits from water and rust stains.

It is made for acid-resistant surfaces: ceramic tiles (glazed, terracotta, porcelain stoneware and clinker), stone, sanitary ware, chrome, lacquered and stainless steel surfaces, and plastic. If you want a cement remover for renders, note that the render itself is not what it is made for. Use it on the tiles, stone and metalwork around the wall.

• Old, coarse residue: use neat.
• Haze left by adhesive, grout or mortar: dilute 1:3 to 1:5.
• Dirt and lime: dilute 1:5 to 1:10.

For rust and tap-water stains, dilute 1:10 to 1:15. Wet the area lightly first, apply with a brush or sponge, and leave heavy soiling neat for a few minutes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. On cement grout the joint can wash out or discolour without dilution, so always dilute it properly first. On absorbent, porous surfaces the dirt can be hard to remove, so try it first on a less exposed part.

Atlas Resin Away

A concentrate that removes resin render and primer residue, along with protective agents and emulsion paint: priming emulsions such as Uni-Grunt, protective agents such as Delfin, emulsion paints and dispersion (resin) renders. It can be used inside and outside, on ceramic tiles, stone, sanitary ware, chrome, lacquered and stainless steel surfaces, and plastic.

Dilute with water at no more than 1:5, or use it neat on very heavy soiling. Leave it for 15 minutes, work it off with a stiff brush, repeat if needed, then rinse thoroughly with water. Keep it off wooden surfaces and window glass, and test a small area first if in doubt.

Why Choose These Atlas Cleaners

• One job each. Choose a render cleaner by the residue, and you are not guessing which bottle to open.
• Concentrates you dilute to the soiling. You mix only what the job needs.
• A preventive effect. Mykos Plus works against regrowth as well as removing what is there.
• Indoors and out. Resin Away is made for interior and exterior use, and Renders World supplies all three together.

Questions About Cleaning Products for Renders

How much Mykos Plus do I need for a wall?

Plan on up to 50 m² of infected surface per 5 litre pack. Heavy growth needs less dilution, so allow more for badly weathered walls.

Can I use Cement Away on the render?

No. Cement Away is made for acid-resistant surfaces such as tiles, stone and chrome, and render is not one of them. White salt stains on a render wall have a different cause; the efflorescence and white stains guide shows how to deal with them.

Which render cleaner do I need?

Pick the render cleaner by what you want gone:

• Living growth on render or masonry: Mykos Plus.
• Hard cement, lime or gypsum: Cement Away.
• Dried primer, paint or resin render: Resin Away.

How long do they keep?

Counted from production, Cement Away keeps 36 months, Mykos Plus 24 months and Resin Away 12 months. Check the date on the pack before you order for a large job.

What precautions do I need to take?

• Cement Away contains acid and causes severe skin burns and eye damage (danger), so wear gloves, goggles or a face shield and protective clothing.
• Resin Away irritates skin and eyes (warning), so wear gloves and eye protection.
• Mykos Plus irritates skin and eyes, may cause an allergic skin reaction, and is very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects, so avoid releasing it to the environment, collect any spillage and send contents and containers to an authorised waste company.