How to apply microcement step by step: a complete guide to cover floors

Microcement is a versatile material that adapts to any decorative style, but its application requires experience and a good understanding of the details to achieve professional finishes. In this post, we will explain step by step how to applymicrocement on floorsand walls.

The application process depends on the surface that is going to be covered and the state of the base. It is necessary to take into account whether the surface is exposed to high pedestrian traffic, high temperatures, humidity or sunlight. Also, consider whether themicrocementis going to be applied in an indoor or outdoor space.

The current state of the base is important to the applicator, who needs to consolidate the surface before even considering applying the chosen product.

Application of microcement on the floor using a rubber trowel

Where can microcement be applied?

The decorative solutions that microcement offers are unique because its application results in finishes that add high decorative value. The most common use of this material is on the floors and walls of bathrooms, kitchens as well as in outdoor spacesoutdoors.

At MyRevest we have a wide range of products to createmicrocement bathroomsor to coat kitchens and terraces. We manufacture a microcement that offers maximum hardness, flexibility and excellent workability. The versatility of this product is combined with the possibility of having a continuous floor without joints that does not crack. That is, a continuous surface easy to clean and without areas where dirt gets encrusted.

Applying our microcements is synonymous with giving any surface an exquisite style to achieve elegant atmospheres.

How to apply microcement on tile floors?

The application of microcement on a tile floor is an excellent option to streamline renovations because it is not necessary to lift the pavement to coat the surface.

In addition, microcement adheres without problems, thanks to the use of primers and the resins with which it is formulated, whether they are smooth or textured tiles. Tiles cannot be applied with the fresh on fresh technique, meaning to apply on a humid layer. If one of the layers is not dried, moisture would filter through and the tile joints would be marked.

Apply preparation microcement for grouting

The application of the preparation microcement such as MyBase allows leveling the joints of the tiles so that they are at the same height as the rest of the pavement. After applying this product, you must leave a drying time of 24 hours and then sand the surface with a grain 40 sandpaper.

Rubber trowel to spread the microcement on the pavement

Apply primer for non-absorbent surfaces

Theprimer for non-absorbent surfacesconsolidates the support that is going to be covered and improves the adhesion of the microcement layer. Once an adhesion promoter or bonding bridge such as MyPrimer 200 has been applied, the fiberglass mesh is placed.

The primer layer, which is used to facilitate the bonding of the microcement with the existing support, requires a drying time that ranges between 30 minutes and 24 hours. This time depends on the environmental conditions of the place of application, as well as the primer used.

First unpigmented preparation layer of microcement

The third step is to apply the first coat of unpigmented preparation microcement. This layer needs a drying time of 12 hours and then be sanded with a grain 40 sandpaper to correct any possible imperfections.

Apply second coat of primer for non-absorbent surfaces

The second layer of an adhesion promoter for non-absorbent surfaces, such as MyPrimer 200, needs a drying time of 30 minutes.

Second pigmented preparation layer of microcement

Apply the second coat of pigmented preparation microcement. This layer needs a drying time of 24 hours and a grain 40 sandpaper.

Application of the preparation microcement on a non-absorbent surface floor

First pigmented layer of microcement for floors

With the support level, consolidated, and the preparation microcement applied, it is time to achieve a professional and high-quality finish. To do this, it is necessary to apply the first coat of microcement for floors. This layer needs a drying time of 3 hours and then sand the surface with an 80-grain sandpaper.

Second pigmented layer of microcement for floors

Apply the second coat of pigmented microcement for floors and let it dry for 24 hours. Then sand the support with an 80-grain sandpaper. It is always necessary to take into account the temperature and environmental conditions of the place where the application of the material is being carried out for the drying times.

Two layers of acrylic varnish to protect the microcement

Once the preparation and finishing microcement has been applied, all that remains is to complete the process with the sealing of the surface. Two layers of a water-based acrylic varnish like MyCover must be applied, which acts as a primer sealer and helps to waterproof the surface.

The first coat of acrylic varnish needs a drying time of 4 hours. The second coat has a drying time of 12 hours and then the surface must be sanded with a 400 grit sandpaper.

Apply two coats of polyurethane varnish

The sealing process is completed with the application of two coats of thepolyurethane varnish MySealant 2K, which offers supermatte, matte, satin and glossy finishes. The drying time between coats is from 12 to 24 hours, depending on environmental conditions. After the first coat, the surface must be sanded with a 400 grit sandpaper, whereas the last coat does not need any sanding.

Application of the water-based polyurethane varnish to seal the microcement coating and enhance the finish

How to apply microcement on absorbent floors?

As we have mentioned before, the versatility of microcement makes it the ideal material to cover any kind of support. It is perfect for covering absorbent cement surfaces without the need to generate debris.

Application of resin as a primer

On absorbent surfaces, such as cement, concrete or self-leveling; theacrylic resin MyResinis used as a primer to improve the adherence of the microcement.

Application of primer on an absorbent surface to consolidate the support and facilitate the adherence of the microcement

First layer of the preparation microcement without pigment

With the support consolidated and ready, the fiberglass mesh is placed and then the preparation microcement without pigment is applied. The mesh prevents the appearance of cracks in the coating. The preparation microcement layer needs a drying time of 3 hours and then it must be sanded with a 40 grit sandpaper.

Second layer of the microcement base coat with pigment

Apply the second coat of the microcement base coat also allowing three hours of drying time. Once the surface is completely dry, it must be sanded with 40-grit sandpaper.

Apply two coats of microcement finish for floors

Before starting the sealing process of the coating, you have to apply two coats of microcement finish for floors. In the case of MyFloor, the first coat must be applied with pigment and must be left to dry between 3 and 5 hours. The second coat is applied with pigment and requires a drying time of 24 hours.

Once it has dried, at the end of each coat you have to sand the surface with 80-grit sandpaper.

Two layers of primer presale

To complete a professional seal, you need to apply two coats of primer presale, such as the MyCover acrylic varnish. The first coat of varnish has a drying time of 4 hours and the second 12 hours. The last layer, once it is dry, must be sanded with 400-grit sandpaper.

Apply two coats of sealing varnish

The microcement application process, similar to tile floors, is completed with two coats of sealing varnish. At MyRevest we work by applying MySelant, a water-based polyurethane varnish with high abrasion resistance. After the first coat, you have to allow 24 hours drying time and sand the surface with 400-grit sandpaper. The second and final coat also requires the same drying time.