Description
Spray-applied across full commercial elevations at approximately 1.5 kg/m² (around 16–17 m² per 25 kg tub), Ceresit CT174 Machine 1.0 mm silicate-silicone render is supplied in 516 through-body Colours of Nature shades tinted on a dedicated Ceresit mixing machine at our Southampton warehouse, certified V2/W3 to EN 15824:2017 across five Ceretherm ETICS approvals (ETA 08/0309, 09/0014, 08/0308, 09/0037, 09/0026).
Where CT174 Machine 1.0 mm Performs Best — Large-Scale UK Facades
Large commercial and multi-block residential facades demand a render that covers fast, sprays consistently through professional pump equipment, and delivers a uniform fine-stone texture across every elevation — CT174 Machine 1.0 mm is the silicate-silicone hybrid finish formulated to meet that brief, covering approximately 16–17 m² per 25 kg tub at 1.5 kg/m² with V2 vapour permeability, W3 water resistance, and 0.6 MPa adhesion certified to EN 15824:2017. Part of the premium silicone render range, this machine-optimised finish combines silicate mineral hardness with silicone flexibility and hydrophobicity, giving rendering contractors a verified Ceretherm ETICS system component for new-build and over-cladding projects across all UK climate zones.
The 1.0 mm grain is engineered specifically for pump-and-spray equipment. It flows smoothly through a ≥6 mm nozzle at a minimum operating pressure of 2 bar on units including PFT G4, SPG Baumaschinen PG 20, and Wagner PC 830 — delivering substantially more facade area per crew shift than hand-applied alternatives. Through-body pigmentation runs colour through the entire render mass across all 516 Ceresit Colours of Nature shades, so minor surface scuffs never expose a different shade underneath, and the integrated BioProtect formula inhibits algae, mould, and fungi for the lifetime of the coat — meaningful protection on north-facing UK elevations where biological growth typically appears within three to four winters on unprotected surfaces.
Why Trade Contractors Choose CT174 Machine 1.0 mm
- Rapid Large-Scale Coverage: A two-person crew covers substantially more facade area per shift because the 1.0 mm grain is formulated specifically for professional pump-and-spray equipment, flowing smoothly through a ≥6 mm nozzle at 2 bar minimum operating pressure without clogging or inconsistency — the practical advantage that makes spray application viable on commercial elevations above 100 m².
- Walls That Breathe Freely: Internal moisture passes outward continuously through the render layer thanks to V2-rated vapour permeability (Sd 0.14–1.4 m to EN 15824:2017), keeping insulation dry, wall structures healthy, and indoor air quality high across every UK season.
- Rain-Repellent Self-Cleaning Surface: The silicone-siloxane binder creates a hydrophobic finish rated W3 to EN 15824 (w ≤ 0.1 kg/m²h⁰·⁵), so rainfall beads across the surface rather than soaking in — carrying atmospheric dust, pollen, and urban pollutants away with every shower and keeping the facade visually clean for years.
- Crack-Resistant Hybrid Formula: Seasonal thermal expansion and minor structural movement are absorbed by the dual silicate-silicone binder — the silicate component provides mineral hardness and UV stability, while the silicone component adds the flexibility that keeps the finish intact through UK temperature cycling from summer highs to winter frosts.
- Lower Material Consumption Per Square Metre: Each 25 kg tub covers approximately 16–17 m² at just 1.5 kg/m², using roughly 35–40% less material than the 1.5 mm variant at 2.5 kg/m² — reducing both cost per square metre and the number of pallet deliveries a large commercial site requires.
- Five Ceretherm ETICS Approvals: CT174 Machine is a verified finish layer across Ceresit Ceretherm Popular, Classic, Premium, Wool Premium, and Wool Classic systems (ETA 08/0309, 09/0014, 08/0308, 09/0037, 09/0026) — giving specifiers a single-source, BBA-supported build-up from insulation board through to decorative top coat.
- 516 Through-Coloured Shades Mixed On Site: Every shade from the Ceresit Colours of Nature palette is tinted on a dedicated Ceresit machine at our Southampton warehouse using UV-stabilised hybrid pigments — every tub arrives ready to spray with next-day UK dispatch, and bespoke RAL or NCS matching is mixed to order on the same equipment.
Technical Specifications — CT174 Machine 1.0 mm Data Sheet
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Pack Size | 25 kg |
| Binder Type | Silicate-silicone hybrid (water dispersion of synthetic resins with mineral and pigment fillers) |
| Grain Size | 1.0 mm — fine stone texture |
| Density | 1.9 kg/dm³ |
| Coverage Rate | Approx. 1.5 kg/m² — approx. 16–17 m² per 25 kg tub |
| Vapour Permeability | V2 (Sd 0.14–1.4 m) — EN 15824:2017 |
| Water Absorption | W3 (w ≤ 0.1 kg/m²h⁰·⁵) — EN 15824:2017 |
| Adhesion to Substrate | 0.6 MPa — EN 15824:2017 |
| Thermal Conductivity | λ = 0.61 W/(m·K) — EN 15824:2017 |
| Application Temperature | +5 °C to +30 °C (air and substrate) |
| Open Time | Approx. 15 minutes |
| Rain Resistance | Approx. 24 hours after application |
| Recommended Nozzle | ≥6 mm |
| Minimum Operating Pressure | 2 bar |
| Recommended Machines | PFT G4 · SPG Baumaschinen PG 20 · Wagner PC 830 |
| Colour Range | Full Ceresit Colours of Nature palette (516 shades, through-body pigmented, UV-stabilised) |
| Biological Protection | BioProtect — algae, mould, fungi (lifetime of coat) |
| Mandatory Primer | Ceresit CT 16 quartz primer (24 h cure before render) |
| System Certification | Ceretherm ETICS — ETA 08/0309 · 09/0014 · 08/0308 · 09/0037 · 09/0026 |
| Standard Compliance | EN 15824:2017 · DoP 00426 / 00420 / 00428 / 00430 / 00424 |
| Shelf Life | 12 months in original sealed packaging, dry cool conditions, protected from frost and direct sunlight |
How to Apply CT174 Machine 1.0 mm — Substrates, Priming, Equipment
CT174 Machine integrates into the Ceresit Ceretherm ETICS build-up as the decorative finish layer, bonding to a fully cured reinforced basecoat that has been primed with Ceresit CT 16 quartz primer at least 24 hours before rendering. Prime the cured basecoat with a quartz primer from the exterior render primers range — specifically CT 16 to match the certified Ceretherm system — and embed 150 g/m² fibreglass mesh in the basecoat layer to create the stable, crack-resistant substrate this fine-grain finish is designed to sit on. These two companion products are typically ordered alongside the render to complete the system from insulation board through to decorative top coat.
- Compatible Insulation Types: Certified finish over graphite EPS boards, standard white EPS, mineral wool slabs, and XPS boards within ETICS assemblies — covering new-build facades, retrofit solid-wall insulation, and over-cladding projects across UK climate zones.
- Substrate Versatility: Works best on reinforced basecoats made with Ceresit CT 85, ZU, CT 190, CT 100, or CT 87 adhesives over masonry, concrete, and existing well-bonded mineral renders — provided the surface is clean, dry, structurally sound, and primed with CT 16.
- Machine Equipment Compatibility: Formulated for professional rendering units including PFT G4, SPG Baumaschinen PG 20, and Wagner PC 830, with a recommended minimum operating pressure of 2 bar and a nozzle aperture of ≥6 mm — always run a test panel on a spare board to calibrate consistency, flow rate, and pressure before committing to the facade.
- Weather Window: Schedule application when air and substrate temperatures sit between +5 °C and +30 °C with humidity below 80%, and protect from direct strong sun, driving rain, and wind for at least 24 hours after spraying.
For the full step-by-step method covering tools, technique, and finishing sequence, the thin-coat render application step-by-step guide covers the complete process for UK walls, and the seasonal application timing guide covers weather-management protocols throughout the UK calendar year.
Installation Notes — Mixing, Spraying, Drying
Getting the preparation and machine calibration right at the start of each project day is the single step that determines the quality of your finished CT174 Machine facade. Stir the full tub contents with a low-speed mechanical mixer until the consistency is uniform, then adjust with up to 2% clean water to suit your machine's flow characteristics. Run a sample spray on a spare board to calibrate nozzle delivery rate and operating pressure before committing to the elevation — this five-minute step protects hours of work on every bay.
- Spray Technique: Hold the nozzle vertically at approximately 40–60 cm from the wall and apply in two passes using circular motion — or one horizontal pass followed by one vertical, wet-on-wet — until the full 1.0 mm grain thickness is achieved with complete, even coverage.
- Open Time Awareness: The 15-minute open time means texturing needs to happen immediately behind the spray pass; on wider elevations a second operative with a plastic float working no more than two metres behind the nozzle closes the surface before the silicate binder begins to firm.
- Seamless Elevations: Complete each elevation face in a single continuous operation rather than stopping and restarting — this eliminates the visible join lines that become apparent in raking light once the render cures.
- Drying Schedule: Surface reaches rain resistance approximately 24 hours after application under standard conditions (+20 °C, 50% RH); protect from rain, frost, and direct strong sun during this initial cure window.
For comparing spray application against hand trowelling on similar projects, the machine vs hand-applied render comparison covers equipment setup, crew coordination, productivity rates, and the full technique trade-offs for contractors weighing their options on large-scale projects.
Pro Tips From UK Installers Using CT174 Machine 1.0 mm
The finest grain in the CT174 range is the most rewarding to spray when calibration is right — and the most unforgiving when it is not. These site-tested habits keep texture uniform and elevations consistent across real UK commercial projects:
- Run a 1 m² test panel every morning: The 1.0 mm grain is noticeably more sensitive to consistency changes than the 1.5 mm variant, so spending five minutes calibrating machine pressure and water addition at the start of each shift saves hours of rework on a full elevation.
- Keep texture two metres behind the nozzle: The 15-minute open time means a second operative with a plastic float working immediately behind the spray pass is the most reliable way to close the surface before the silicate binder firms.
- One surface, one batch number: Mineral pigments can shift slightly between production runs, and on a large smooth facade the difference becomes visible in raking light. Check container batch numbers before opening and group identical batches per elevation.
- Budget at 1.5 kg/m² plus 5–10% wastage: Use the render coverage calculator to build the full materials list before ordering — equipment priming, hose clearance, and edge detailing all consume material beyond the wall surface area.
- Plan ETICS cure times into the programme: Adhesive cure (3 days), basecoat plus mesh cure (3 days), CT 16 primer cure (24 hours), then spray — adding the full week into the programme up front avoids the temptation to compress curing windows under weather pressure on commercial timelines.
Is CT174 Machine 1.0 mm Right for Your Project?
- Yes — for large-scale spray-applied commercial facades: CT174 Machine is the right choice when you are a professional rendering contractor with calibrated spray equipment covering large commercial or multi-block residential elevations, with V2 vapour permeability, W3 water resistance, 0.6 MPa adhesion, and certified integration into five Ceretherm ETICS systems — ideal for new-build housing schemes, commercial facades above 100 m², and over-cladding projects where coverage rate and texture uniformity matter most.
- Need a coarser grain for hand or mixed application? The CT174 1.5 mm silicate-silicone render in the same hybrid range offers a versatile stone texture suitable for both trowel and machine application at approximately 2.5 kg/m², covering around 10 m² per tub — a better fit for smaller domestic elevations, mixed-method projects, or sites where the higher V1 vapour permeability is the priority.
- Looking for a pure silicone or BBA-certified system? The Atlas Silicone Render and Atlas Gemini RS systems within the premium silicone render collection offer pure silicone hydrophobicity and third-party BBA certification for standard EWI retrofits and new builds — with extended open times of 30+ minutes that suit solo renderers and complex detailing.
FAQ — CT174 Machine 1.0 mm Coverage, Compatibility, Ordering
How many tubs of CT174 Machine 1.0 mm do I need for my project?
Each 25 kg tub covers approximately 16–17 m² at the TDS-verified application rate of 1.5 kg/m², so a 500 m² commercial facade typically requires around 30–32 tubs. Adding 5–10% for detailing around window reveals, corners, and equipment priming waste ensures enough material to maintain continuous wet-on-wet application across each full elevation without a visible join line.
What happens if it rains within 24 hours of applying CT174 Machine?
The render reaches rain resistance approximately 24 hours after application under standard conditions (+20 °C, 50% RH), so checking a 48-hour weather forecast before you start is the most reliable way to protect a freshly rendered elevation. Scaffold sheeting provides an effective safety net on exposed sites where conditions can change quickly, keeping the surface protected until the silicate-silicone binder has fully cross-linked and hardened into its durable, hydrophobic film.
Can I apply CT174 Machine 1.0 mm by hand for small touch-up areas?
Hand application with a stainless-steel float is possible for localised repairs and detailing around reveals, though the fine 1.0 mm aggregate demands a near-flawless basecoat and very consistent float technique to avoid visible thickness variation across the patch. For projects that are primarily hand-applied, the 1.5 mm CT174 silicate-silicone render in the same range provides a more forgiving application experience with the same dual-binder performance and BioProtect biological defence.
Which spray machines is CT174 Machine compatible with, and what pressure should I run?
The render is formulated for professional rendering units including PFT G4, SPG Baumaschinen PG 20, and Wagner PC 830, running at a minimum operating pressure of 2 bar through a nozzle aperture of ≥6 mm. Operating pressure varies with machine type, hose length, and pumping height, so the most reliable method is to run a test spray on a spare board at the start of each shift to calibrate flow rate, nozzle delivery, and consistency before committing to the elevation.
What colours are available and can you match a shade from another manufacturer?
CT174 Machine is supplied across the full Ceresit Colours of Nature palette — 516 through-body-pigmented shades tinted on a dedicated Ceresit machine at our Southampton warehouse and ready for next-day dispatch. For projects requiring a shade outside the standard Ceresit range, our team mixes bespoke colours to order on the same equipment, matching specific RAL codes, NCS references, or shades from other manufacturers' palettes. Our warehouse also mixes the Atlas 480-shade SAH palette on a separate dedicated machine, bringing the combined colour choice across both systems to over 1,000 standard shades plus bespoke matching. Browse the colour sample catalogues to view both palettes on physical rendered swatches.
Is CT174 Machine an environmentally responsible specification?
CT174 Machine is a water-based formulation with very low volatile organic compound (VOC) content, producing minimal fumes during application — a practical benefit for installers working inside scaffold enclosures on large commercial projects. The 1.0 mm grain uses approximately 1.5 kg/m² of material per layer, a fraction of the 30–40 kg/m² that traditional sand-and-cement renders require at 15–20 mm thickness, significantly reducing material consumption and site waste per square metre. Through-body colour eliminates the recurring resource cost of periodic repainting, and Ceresit's Eco Bucket packaging uses up to 62% post-consumer recycled polypropylene.
Technical Documentation — CT174 Machine 1.0 mm TDS and DoP