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.
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.
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.
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.