Firstly, a durable render was required for several internal areas within a West Yorkshire refurbishment taking place within a police station. Additionally, the site includes a training exercise yard that often sees repeated impact and heavy wear, so Frescrete Ltd needed a finish that could stand up to constant use. Furthermore, they specified an anti-pick surface to prevent inmates or detainees from scraping or removing material from the walls. Consequently, this requirement meant the chosen system needed strength, density, and long-term stability.
Firstly, the condition of the existing walls varied significantly. This created a mix of deep and shallow sections across the project. Additionally, some areas needed substantial build-up to correct uneven surfaces. Meanwhile, others only required a thin skim to create a consistent finish. Furthermore, the training yard rendered walls displayed considerable flaking and cracking. Consequently, this issue made the choice of material even more important. The render needed to bond well and perform reliably on different depths.
Frescrete Ltd selected a combination of NATCEM® 35 and NATCEM® AC. Josh McKinlay, Contracts Director, explained that the police wanted a tough, dependable finish that wouldn’t be vulnerable to picking or deliberate damage. NATCEM® 35 was applied first in the deeper sections thanks to its larger aggregate, which allows for fast build-up and excellent mechanical strength. After that, NATCEM® AC was used on the shallower areas to achieve a smoother, more uniform appearance. This approach created a cohesive and impact-resistant finish across the full elevation. Furthermore, both materials cured quickly, which allowed the team to progress without delay.
The team prepared the surface thoroughly to ensure proper adhesion. They removed weak or loose areas, stabilised the substrate and shaped the wall where needed. NATCEM® 35 was then applied to bring the deep sections forward. Frescrete followed with NATCEM® AC to level the shallower parts of the wall. The quick strength gain of both products kept the programme moving and reduced downtime between stages. Furthermore, the rapid-set and cure of both products meant that these walls could be painted over in a matter of hours – meaning an exceptionally fast return-to-service for these areas.
The completed surfaces now provide a dense, tamper-resistant finish that aligns with the operational needs of the police – delivered expertly by Frescrete with NATCEM® 35 & AC.
Date added: 18/11/2025