Supplier of very fine Plastering sand for rendering?

In East London, the local merchants sell a plastering sand for external rendering which is light yellow, very fine and soft which gives a creamy consistency for rendering doesn't crack and no need for adding anything.

In Peterborough some way away I'm getting some work done from someone I've bought up from London who we've used for a few years, and the local merchant doesn't sell a similar plastering sand, and say the building sand they sell is used for rendering. The builder isn't used to it, they've just used the plastering sand in Ilford for 10years +

Is there one of the big chains that might sell something similar to what the builder wants? Or is it a case of them just adding a trowel of lime to the mix?

i see the wickes tarmac plastering sand has mixed reviews

Travis Perkins do it, and I’d expect most merchants to. Also known as soft washed sand
https://www.travisperkins.co.uk/Travis-Perkins-Plastering-Sand-Bulk-Bag/p/938196

23vc said:

Travis Perkins do it, and I’d expect most merchants to. Also known as soft washed sand
https://www.travisperkins.co.uk/Travis-Perkins-Plastering-Sand-Bulk-Bag/p/938196

Click to expand...

Thanks, locally there is only the one main independent merchant who don't seem to do it and the chains sheds, will drop in tomorrow not sure why TP is more expensive than everywhere else

You might be able to get it at a better price than the website price if you ask them

23vc said:

Travis Perkins do it, and I’d expect most merchants to. Also known as soft washed sand
https://www.travisperkins.co.uk/Travis-Perkins-Plastering-Sand-Bulk-Bag/p/938196

Click to expand...

I did drop into TP. It's not similar to the plastering sand they sell in East London! bit extreme but may have to just bring a bulk bag up in the back of the pickup