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 at our Southampton warehouse, certified V2/W3 to EN 15824:2017 across five Ceretherm ETICS approvals.
Where CT174 Machine 1.0 mm Performs Best — Large-Scale UK Facades
Consistent coverage across a multi-block facade starts with a render engineered to spray cleanly through a pump and texture uniformly behind it: CT174 Machine 1.0 mm is the silicate-silicone hybrid built for 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, flowing smoothly through a ≥ 6 mm nozzle at a minimum 2 bar operating pressure 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 scuffs never expose a different shade, and the integrated BioProtect formula inhibits algae, mould, and fungi for the lifetime of the coat 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 per shift because the 1.0 mm grain is formulated for professional pump-and-spray equipment, flowing through a ≥ 6 mm nozzle at 2 bar minimum without clogging — the practical advantage that makes spray viable on commercial elevations above 100 m².
- Walls that breathe freely: internal moisture passes outward continuously through the render thanks to V2 vapour permeability (Sd 0.14–1.4 m to EN 15824), keeping insulation dry and wall structures healthy across every UK season.
- Rain-repellent self-cleaning surface: the silicone-siloxane binder creates a hydrophobic finish rated W3 (w ≤ 0.1 kg/m²h⁰·⁵), so rainfall beads across the surface rather than soaking in, carrying atmospheric dust and pollutants away with every shower.
- Crack-resistant hybrid formula: the dual silicate-silicone binder absorbs seasonal thermal expansion and minor movement, with the silicate adding mineral hardness and UV stability while the silicone keeps the finish flexible through UK temperature cycling.
- Lower material consumption per square metre: each tub covers approximately 16–17 m² at just 1.5 kg/m², roughly 35–40 % less material than the 1.5 mm variant at 2.5 kg/m², cutting both cost per square metre and the number of pallet deliveries a large site needs.
- Five Ceretherm ETICS approvals: a verified finish layer across Ceresit Ceretherm Popular, Classic, Premium, Wool Premium, and Wool Classic systems, giving specifiers a single-source build-up from insulation board through to decorative top coat, subject to the project's own fire strategy.
- 516 through-coloured shades mixed on site: every Colours of Nature shade is tinted on a dedicated machine at the Renders World Southampton warehouse using UV-stabilised hybrid pigments, with bespoke RAL or NCS matching mixed to order and next-day dispatch.
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, 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 |
| Water absorption | W3 (w ≤ 0.1 kg/m²h⁰·⁵) — EN 15824 |
| Adhesion to substrate | 0.6 MPa — EN 15824 |
| Thermal conductivity | λ = 0.61 W/(m·K) — EN 15824 |
| 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 |
| 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 · DoP 00426 / 00420 / 00428 / 00430 / 00424 |
| Shelf life | 12 months in original sealed packaging, dry cool conditions, protected from frost and direct sun |
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 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 to create the stable, crack-resistant substrate this fine-grain finish is designed to sit on. These two companions are typically ordered alongside the render to complete the system.
- Compatible insulation: certified finish over graphite EPS, standard white EPS, mineral wool, and XPS within ETICS assemblies, covering new-build, retrofit, 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 over masonry, concrete, and well-bonded mineral renders, provided the surface is clean, dry, sound, and primed with CT 16.
- Machine compatibility: formulated for PFT G4, SPG Baumaschinen PG 20, and Wagner PC 830 at a minimum 2 bar and a ≥ 6 mm nozzle; always run a test panel to calibrate consistency, flow rate, and pressure before committing to the facade.
- Weather window: apply when air and substrate sit between +5 °C and +30 °C with humidity below 80 %, and protect from strong sun, driving rain, and wind for at least 24 hours after spraying.
For the full method covering tools 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 across the calendar year.
Installation Notes — Mixing, Spraying, Drying
Getting preparation and machine calibration right at the start of each day is the single step that decides the quality of a finished CT174 Machine facade. Stir the full tub with a low-speed mechanical mixer until 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 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 then one vertical pass wet-on-wet, until the full 1.0 mm grain thickness is achieved with even coverage.
- Open-time awareness: the 15-minute open time means texturing must happen immediately behind the spray pass, so on wider elevations a second operative with a plastic float no more than two metres behind the nozzle closes the surface before the silicate binder firms.
- Seamless elevations: complete each elevation face in a single continuous operation to eliminate the visible join lines that appear in raking light once the render cures.
- Drying schedule: the surface reaches rain resistance approximately 24 hours after application at +20 °C and 50 % RH; protect from rain, frost, and strong sun during this window.
For weighing spray 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.
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 five minutes calibrating machine pressure and water addition at the start of each shift saves hours of rework.
- 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 shows in raking light, so check 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 materials list, since equipment priming, hose clearance, and edge detailing all consume material beyond the wall surface.
- Plan ETICS cure times into the programme: adhesive (3 days), basecoat and mesh (3 days), CT 16 primer (24 hours), then spray — adding the full week up front avoids compressing curing windows under weather pressure on commercial timelines.
How the Machine 1.0 mm Compares to the Hand 1.5 mm Variant
Both renders share the silicate-silicone hybrid chemistry; the decision between them comes down to grain, application method, and breathability priority. The table below shows where each one fits.
| Variant | Key Spec | When to Choose |
|---|---|---|
| CT174 Machine 1.0 mm | ~1.5 kg/m² · V2 · machine only · fine | Large commercial spray jobs above 100 m² |
| CT174 1.5 mm | 2.5 kg/m² · V1 · hand or machine | Domestic to multi-block, higher breathability |
Is CT174 Machine 1.0 mm Right for Your Project?
- Yes — for large-scale spray-applied commercial facades: CT174 Machine is the right choice for a professional contractor with calibrated spray equipment covering large commercial or multi-block residential elevations, with V2 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 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 for both trowel and machine at approximately 2.5 kg/m², covering around 10 m² per tub, with the higher V1 vapour permeability — a better fit for smaller domestic elevations and mixed-method projects.
- 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 with extended open times 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 rate of 1.5 kg/m², so a 500 m² commercial facade typically requires around 30–32 tubs. Adding 5–10 % for detailing around reveals, corners, and equipment priming waste ensures enough material to maintain continuous wet-on-wet application across each 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 at +20 °C and 50 % RH, so checking a 48-hour 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 change quickly, keeping the surface protected until the silicate-silicone binder has fully cross-linked 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 experience with the same dual-binder performance and BioProtect defence.
Which spray machines is CT174 Machine compatible with, and what pressure should I run?
The render is formulated for professional units including PFT G4, SPG Baumaschinen PG 20, and Wagner PC 830, running at a minimum 2 bar through a ≥ 6 mm nozzle. 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 machine at the Southampton warehouse for next-day dispatch. For a shade outside the standard Ceresit range, the team mixes bespoke colours to order, matching specific RAL codes, NCS references, or other manufacturers' palettes. The warehouse also mixes the Atlas 480-shade SAH palette on separate equipment, bringing the combined choice across both systems to over 1,000 standard shades plus bespoke matching. Browse the colour sample catalogues to view both palettes on rendered swatches.
Is CT174 Machine an environmentally responsible specification?
CT174 Machine is a water-based formulation with very low VOC content, producing minimal fumes during application — a practical benefit for installers inside scaffold enclosures on large commercial projects. The 1.0 mm grain uses approximately 1.5 kg/m² per layer, a fraction of the 30–40 kg/m² a traditional sand-and-cement render needs at 15–20 mm, significantly reducing material consumption and site waste. Through-body colour removes the recurring cost of 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