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Seven layers, by hand

Microcement, layer by layer, by hand.

Typical application
5–7 days
Finished build-up
2–3 mm

A considered microcement finish begins with the existing surface and is built through careful preparation, hand application and sealing.

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Microcement being finished by hand on a café counter

The project journey

From first visit to cured surface.

From the first look at the existing surface to the weeks after completion, every project follows the same six phases.

  1. 01

    Assess

    Check that the substrate is suitable, stable, level, clean and below 5% humidity before work begins.

  2. 02

    Prepare

    Remove dust, grease, old paint and anything that may prevent adhesion, then apply primer and allow it to dry.

  3. 03

    Build

    Apply the first microcement base layer, allow it to dry, then apply and dry the second base coat.

  4. 04

    Refine

    Sand the base layers, then apply two finer finish layers, drying and sanding between coats.

  5. 05

    Seal

    Seal the dry finished surface to protect it from wear, water and stains. Several coats may be required.

  6. 06

    Cure

    The surface continues to harden over several weeks, so take care during the first week after completion.

The system / seven layers

What sits beneath the finish.

Each coat has a job. Together they create a strong, seamless foundation, the colour and texture you see, and the protection that keeps it looking right.

  1. 01

    Existing surface

    A stable, level and clean substrate below 5% humidity, such as tile, plaster, cement mortar or plasterboard.

  2. 02

    Primer

    Supports adhesion, seals the surface and helps prevent moisture problems before any microcement is applied.

  3. 03

    First base layer

    A trowelled scratch coat of microcement base that begins to build a strong, seamless foundation.

  4. 04

    Second base layer

    A second base coat, dried completely and sanded to remove irregularities before the finish.

  5. 05

    First finishing layer

    Finer finish microcement carries the chosen colour and the first visible trowel movement.

  6. 06

    Second finishing layer

    The final hand-trowelled coat that defines texture, depth and the character of the surface.

  7. 07

    Sealer

    Protects against wear, water and stains and enhances the colour. Several coats may be required.

For builders and applicators

The detailed application checklist.

The exact system follows the surface and project requirements. This is the sequence behind a typical application.

Show all 8 application steps
  1. 01

    Surface preparation

    Clean and prepare the surface so it is free from dust, grease, old paint or anything that may prevent an effective bond. If applying to tiles, check that they are firmly adhered and stable.

  2. 02

    Primer application

    Apply a primer to support adhesion, seal the surface and help prevent moisture problems, then leave it to dry.

  3. 03

    First base layer

    Apply the first layer of microcement base with a trowel and leave this scratch coat to dry.

  4. 04

    Second base layer

    Apply a second base coat and allow it to dry completely.

  5. 05

    Sanding

    Sand the dry base layers to remove irregularities and prepare for the finishing layers.

  6. 06

    Finishing layers

    Apply two layers of finer finish microcement, allowing each to dry and sanding before the next layer.

  7. 07

    Sealing

    Seal the dry finished surface to protect it from wear, water and stains and to enhance the colour. Several coats may be required.

  8. 08

    Polishing

    Polish the sealed surface for a smooth, flawless finish.

Timing and curing

Five to seven days, then patience.

The application process typically takes 5 to 7 days, depending on the project's size and complexity. This includes surface preparation, multiple microcement layers and final sealing.

Microcement continues to harden and gain full strength over several weeks after application. Take care with the surface during the first week after completion while it develops its full hardness and resistance.

Caring for a new surface

Underfloor heating

A protocol for heated floors.

Yes, microcement can be applied over underfloor heating systems, but specific protocols are required to help prevent cracks caused by substrate temperature changes.

  1. Turn on the heating at least four weeks after laying the cement mortar or other base layer.
  2. Keep the circuit inlet water at about 25°C for 2 to 3 days, then gradually increase it to 45°C and maintain that temperature for a few days.
  3. Switch off the heating at least 48 hours before microcement installation. The maximum floor temperature should be about 18°C.
  4. Apply microcement to a cementitious mortar or another suitable substrate that has reached an advanced setting stage, typically after three to four weeks depending on the weather.

Always change the temperature gradually at the start and end of a heating period. Avoid very low relative humidity and heat build-up caused by rugs, carpets or insufficient space beneath furniture. An expansion joint is also required between the screed and vertical walls so the screed can expand. Cracks may appear if these requirements are not followed.

Read the underfloor heating guide

Plan ahead

Guides for the build.

All guides