Microcement Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Hardness And Resistance Of Microcement?
A top advantage of microcement over other coatings is its high hardness and resistance ratings. Microcements are suitable for high-traffic areas and can even withstand the weight of vehicles.
Multiple factors influence the hardness and resistance of this coating, including:
- Which substrate the microcement is applied to
- The type of microcement and the sealer
- Environmental conditions
Impact Resistance
Microcement is relatively hard, but its resistance to impact relies on the material it’s applied to. Due to its thin nature, a blow that will damage the substrate below will also damage the coating.
For example, microcement applied to drywall won’t resist damage from impacts very well because the drywall is not especially strong. On the other hand, microcement applied to terrazzo will have high impact resistance.
Abrasion Resistance
The scratch resistance of microcement depends on the type of coating and the sealant used. Microcements with larger aggregate sizes can withstand more abrasion and are best suited for floors and high-traffic areas. On the other hand, a microcement made from a finer aggregate won’t resist scratches as well and is best suited for walls or ceilings.
Next, you can think about sealers. A high gloss sealant shows more scratches, while a matte finish hides them. Moreover, satin-finished microcements are a middle ground between the two.
Stain and Liquid Resistance
The sealer used will determine the microcement’s resistance to stains and liquids. Sealant is the top layer and can make a microcement waterproof and protect it from stains.
Sealant can protect microcement from red wine, cola, oil and other stain agents. Something to be careful of is prolonged exposure to highly acidic liquids like lemon juice or vinegar.
Like marble, acidic liquids can etch microcement, leaving a dull appearance. The same goes for harsh chemicals like bleach or acetone, but if you clean these spills fast, the sealant will resist them, and no damage will be done.
On Which Substrates Can Microcement Be Applied?
Almost any substrate is suitable for microcement application, including:
- Cement
- Mortar
- Self-levelling Mortar
- Terrazzo
- Marble
- Tile
- Plaster
- Drywall
It can be applied indoors or outdoors, on vertical or horizontal surfaces. These facts make microcement a perfect choice for stairs, bathrooms, kitchens and even swimming pools.
In the end, the only substrates you don’t want to apply microcement on expand and contract at different rates. This means natural wood or supports formed by multiple materials aren’t suitable for microcement.
Optimal Conditions For Coating With Microcement
Proper substrate preparation is critical to the success of a microcement application. The substrate must be:
- Level
- Clean and dirt-free
- Low humidity
- Supportive
A great feature of microcement is its high adherence. Thanks to this feature, microcement can be applied on top of existing tiles, eliminating the task of removing the old ones.
Remember, all tiles must be firmly attached, or else mesh support will be needed before applying microcement. Also, if applying microcement to mortar, it must cure for at least four weeks prior.
Can Microcement Be Applied Over Radiant Floor Heating?
Yes, microcement can be applied over an underfloor heating system. A few extra precautions must be taken when applying the microcement, though.
There is a procedure for acclimating the microcement to the heating system, which ensures that the coating adheres properly. The heat must be turned on at intervals to let the microcement adjust to the different temperatures.
Microcement is flexible after it cures and won’t crack, instead expanding and contracting with the substrate beneath. In fact, microcement can even be used in saunas or fireplaces.
Is Microcement Waterproof?
On its own, microcement isn’t waterproof. A sealant must be applied to make it waterproof.
That said, microcement with the appropriate sealant is used in waterproof applications. Furthermore, microcement is a suitable coating for wet areas, such as:
- Washbasins
- Shower trays
- Bathtubs
- Swimming pools
- Outdoor patios
Is Microcement Slippery?
No, microcement can be applied with different textures or with slip-resistant finishes to give it gripping properties. Also, microcement can be made with levels of smoothness that wouldn’t be appropriate for walking surfaces.
Floors can be classified by their slip resistance, with level 1 being the least slip-resistant and level 3 being the most slip-resistant. Microcement can achieve any level of slip resistance needed with different application processes.
A more slip-resistant floor will have a more pronounced texture than a less slip-resistant floor. Additionally, more slip-resistant surfaces are more challenging to clean than less slip-resistant floors.
What is the Difference Between Microcement and Polished Concrete?
While polished concrete may look like microcement, they aren’t the same. Microcement has many advantages over polished concrete, including:
- Easier and faster application.
- No heavy machinery is required for installation.
- Less work and less time mean lower costs.
- Lighter, therefore no need to worry about structural problems.
- Appropriate for any room, not only ground floors.
- No joints and no cracks appear after drying.
- Suitable for vertical and horizontal surfaces.
Polished concrete is made through a mechanical process of grinding and polishing a concrete slab with a heavy, diamond-headed machine. There is also trowelled concrete, which is a thin layer of concrete applied and smoothed with a trowel.
How Long Does Microcement Application Take?
Microcement application takes three days to one week. In existing spaces, it can be applied over the old surface, therefore not requiring demolition or rebuilding.
Application on walls is faster, lasting between three and five days, while floors can take about a week to complete. Additionally, special care should be taken for one week after the application to allow the microcement to fully cure.
Will I Have To Adjust My Doors?
For the most part, doors won’t need to be adjusted after applying microcement. The final thickness of the microcement will be from 1 to 3 mm, while a door’s clearance is supposed to be at least 5 mm.
Does Microcement Colour Fade?
No, our microcement colours won’t fade. Our pigments are mineral based and aren’t affected by air, water, sunlight or the other components in the microcement.
Will The Finished Surface Brightness Look The Same As The Sample?
Microcement application is a craft, and slight variations happen from project to project. Factors like the roller used or the material load affect the gloss and could create a slight difference between the sample and your finished surface.
Are Colour Combinations On The Same Surface Possible?
Yes, you can have multiple colours of microcement on the same surface. Different finishes on the same surface are also possible.
You can plan out the colour scheme of your surface. You can even have random colour changes to achieve a natural marbled look.
Do I Have To Use Microcement Mesh?
We recommend applying fibre mesh under microcement, especially on tiled floors and walls or in drywall joints. The mesh ensures the best adhesion and prevents any problems that could arise from abnormalities in the substrate.
What is the Drying Time Between Sealer Coats?
The minimum drying time is 4 hours between coats of the pre-sealer and 24 hours between coats of the top-sealer. The exact time for drying could be longer due to ambient conditions like humidity, sunlight, airflow and temperature.
More drying time is always better to prevent defects in the finished product. Our experienced installer will know the right amount of time for drying between coats based on your situation.
What is the Cost of Microcement Per m2?
The microcement price might range from $80 to $150 per square metre, but depends on many factors that are too complicated to answer. An accurate quote can only be given after surveying your space and needs.
Can Microcement Be Applied in Cold Temperatures?
Microcement shouldn’t be applied below 20ºC for the best results. This fact means it is best to wait until after winter for outdoor applications to avoid whitish stains and cracks. Once cured, microcement can withstand even the most frigid temperatures of the Great White North.
Can Microcement Be Applied in Hot Temperatures?
Care needs to be taken when applying microcement in hot temperatures. For the most part, the hottest hours of a summer day should be avoided, but the mornings and early evenings should be fine.
Microcement has tremendous UV resistance after it has cured and is a perfect material in all climates. During the application process, the hottest temperatures of the day could cause the microcement to expand and be weaker in the end.