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External renders are an essential part of the architecture of the first half of the 20th century. The aesthetic effect of such plasterwork was achieved by surface treatment, colouring or by using various filler components that acted with their colour or structure. The binder of the plasters was most often Portland cement which played an important role in the processing of plasters or surface finishes, and in addition, formed the functional properties of the plasters (hardness, durability, resistance to external conditions). This paper summarizes the results of a survey focused on the characterization of components used for the creation of external rendering taken from several architecturally significant buildings in the city of Brno dating back to the first half of the 20th century (villas, apartment buildings, public apartment houses). The survey into the collected samples performed by means of petrographic (light polarizing microscopy) and phase (powder X-ray diffraction) analysis revealed interesting information concerning the wide range of materials (components) used and the craftsmanship involved in their processing, all of which fundamentally influence the art-craft and utility properties of the buildings. The information gathered can serve as an important source of information for the renovation of early 20th century architecture.