Guide · Microcement

Preparation & step-by-step plan
for applying microcement.

This overview shows you step by step how best to apply microcement to floors and walls. You start with the right foundation, work in a controlled manner, and finish with a durable microcement finish.

Preparation

What you must do before you start

Read the substrate build-up page thoroughly.

Check the substrate

  • Level, crack-free and dry
  • Uniformly absorbent

Tip: a consistent, dry and dust-free substrate promotes adhesion. This makes microcement application more predictable and delivers a smoother finish.

Tiled wall as substrate? How to prepare

Tiled walls absorb unevenly (glaze vs. grout). Therefore, treat them first as follows: clean and degrease, sand the glaze, remove dust, then apply the primer.

Apply primer (included as standard in the kit)

  • On absorbent substrates: dilute primer with water (1:3, e.g. 25g primer + 75g water per m²). Apply with a paint roller.
  • On non-absorbent substrates: apply primer undiluted with a cloth.

Apply the primer thinly. Once it no longer feels wet (approx. 30 minutes on absorbent substrates), you can start. Use light ventilation if necessary for faster drying.

Step-by-step plan

Application in four steps

Step 1 — Apply primer

Apply the primer according to the guidelines. Then allow the layer to dry sufficiently so that the following steps proceed without problems.

Step 2 — First coat of microcement (base coat)

  • Paste is already mixed to colour; however, check for unmixed pigment at the edges.
  • Add 5% water if necessary for floors.
  • Apply a thin coat with loose, varied trowel strokes for even coverage.

Choose between two techniques:

  • Subtle pattern: apply both coats evenly.
  • Pronounced pattern: apply the first coat generously, then scrape back and correct with the second coat.

Note: only apply 'wet-on-wet' to walls, not floors. Use Templex boards to move across the work area. Tape edges to prevent chipping.

Coverage: 500g per m². Check for unmixed material at the bottom or in the lid of the bucket.

Step 3 — Second coat of microcement (finish)

  • Apply as soon as the first layer feels dry to the touch (1–3 hours, depending on conditions).
  • Use a flexible trowel and work in a controlled manner.
  • The scraping technique creates a lively, varied pattern.
  • Trowel marks (build-ups) at edges can be lightly sanded the next day.

Tip: after 30–60 minutes, lightly mist with water for improved pore sealing and water resistance. Use a plant sprayer or sponge for this. Then allow to dry naturally.

Coverage: 500g per m².

Sanding — preparation for the PU coating

  • After a minimum of 24 hours, sand with grit 80–180. This levels out irregularities and improves coating adhesion.
  • Use quick, controlled sanding movements.
  • Prolonged sanding lightens higher areas.
  • Wet-on-wet application sometimes produces darker lines.

Step 4 — PU coating over microcement

  • No presealer required with microcement.
  • After sanding, apply PU (mix component A + B according to label).

Coverage per layer per m²: 62.5g A + 12.5g B.

  • Apply within 30–60 minutes using a 2K nylon pile roller.
  • Apply roller passes wet-on-wet and smooth immediately.
  • After a short time, re-roll with a dry roller for texture control.

Note: PU dries transparent; excessively thick layers remain white. Only switch on a fan after application. This prevents premature skin formation.

Second layer: apply after 3–4 hours (max. 48 hours). Wear disposable overshoes and a hairnet when working on floors.

Aftercare

Maintenance of microcement

  • Remove liquids immediately — do not allow coffee or water to soak in.
  • Avoid rust at contact points.
  • Allow PU to cure for 7 days — do not cover during this period.
  • If PU coverage is insufficient: apply an additional layer.
  • Storage: store microcement in a sealed bucket with plastic film on the paste; keep the edges clean.

Ready to work with microcement?

Order microcement by the bucket (5 m² coverage), request colour samples first, or submit your project to us for a quotation.

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