Micro cement as a decorative and functional finishing layer
Microcement is a thin decorative concrete-look coating based on cement, synthetic resin and mineral pigments. It is suitable as a finishing layer for floors, walls, ceilings, etc. and can be used both indoors and outdoors. You can read everything about the possibilities, benefits, price and placement in this article.
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POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS
Microcement has many applications, both inside and outside. It is usually used as a finishing layer for walls, floors or ceilings. But it doesn't stop there. For example, you can also give your staircase, kitchen top or furniture a stylish and original look.
Thanks to its seamless finish and waterproof properties, microcement is also suitable for applications in damp areas such as the bathroom or kitchen. It can even be used as a coating for swimming pools and ponds.
POSSIBLE DESIGNS AND FINISHES
In addition to being functional, microcement is also very decorative. Whether you want a modern, rustic or classic look, because of the wide range of possible finishes and designs of micro cement, you are assured of a unique result that matches your own wishes and taste.
For example, microcement is possible in different textures . It is manually spread as a very thin plaster layer. In addition, a certain structure can be applied to the surface. Depending on the application technique, the professional who installs the microcement can realize a very coarse or just very fine and smooth surface.
There is also a wide variety of available colors . Microcement is very popular in natural shades such as brown and gray. The latter is especially recommended if you want to imitate the real look of concrete.
You can further personalize via various varnish finishes with which you can create a matt or glossy surface. There are even special types of paint that give the micro cement a metallic look.
TIP: INQUIRE ABOUT THE POSSIBILITIES WITH YOUR PROFESSIONAL
The possibilities in terms of finishing usually depend on the specific product that is used. So inform yourself in advance with the professional to see what is possible. In addition to appropriate advice, a professional will also ensure that the microcement is correctly installed. This way you are assured of a high-quality and beautiful result. Receive free advice and customized prices via the quotation page .
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ADVANTAGES OF MICROCEMENT
+ Decorative with many finishing options: microcement provides surfaces with a stylish and original finishing layer. In addition, it is available in a wide variety of textures and colors, allowing you to create different styles and ensure a unique result.
+ Wide application possibilities: applicable on walls, floors, ceilings, stairs, kitchen tops, ... and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
+ Easy installation: applying the coating can be done relatively easily and quickly, without alterations or breaking work.
+ Thin finishing layer: microcement is applied with a thickness of only 1 to 3 mm. It therefore has no consequences for the structural load of a building. When applied to the floor, adjustments of the doors are usually not necessary.
+ Possible on different surfaces: suitable for all possible surfaces such as tiles, concrete, plasterboard, ...
+ Seamless: it is applied without joints. This ensures a hygienic surface that is also easy to clean.
+ Strong and robust: good resistance to wear and scratches.
+ Waterproof: therefore also suitable for damp rooms and as a coating for swimming pools.
+ Maintenance-friendly: regular cleaning with water and neutral detergent is sufficient.
MICROCEMENT PRICE
The price of microcement depends on several factors:
Area: the larger the area to be plastered, the lower the price per m² and vice versa.
Difficulty of the works: small surfaces with many corners and edges, for example, are more difficult to plaster, resulting in higher labor costs.
Nature and condition of the substrate: for example, a tile substrate must be worked to prevent the joints from being visible through the micro cement.
Frequency with which the surface will be loaded: for example, a microcement floor that is heavily frequented must be stronger and more durable than a floor in a room where you visit less often.
The price for micro cement is on average € 100 to 135 (incl. VAT and installation) for standard use and on average € 120 to 155 (incl. VAT and installation) for intensive use. Curious about a proposal and advice tailored to your project? Receive quotations from specialist professionals without obligation via the quotation page .
INSTALL MICROCEMENT
The application of microcement takes place in several steps:
1. PREPARE THE SUBSTRATE
Due to the high adhesive strength, microcement can be applied to just about any type of surface: metal, MDF, tiles, concrete, stucco, marble, ... The surface must be firm, grease and dust-free and dry (moisture content of max. 5%). to ensure good adhesion of the micro cement. If the substrate is a mortar, you must let it dry for a minimum of 4 weeks before you can apply microcement. Otherwise, there is a risk of cracking during the curing process.
Sometimes further treatment is needed. Porous surfaces, for example, must be provided with a type of primer before the first layer of micro cement can be applied.
2. APPLY MICROCEMENT
Microcement is always applied in several layers. Usually it concerns 2 base coats and 2 finishing coats. The desired color and structure is also applied to the surface.
3. FINISH THE SURFACE WITH A PROTECTIVE LAYER
As a last step, the surface is provided with a protective layer. This is also usually applied in several layers and ensures that the microcement is easy to clean and remains protected against dirt, moisture, discoloration, etc. After the work is completed, you have a decorative finishing layer of 1 to 3 mm thick.
Tip: microcement is applied manually. The quality of the microcement layer therefore strongly depends on the technique used and the material used. Do you want to assure yourself of a high-quality and attractive long-term result? Then it is better to leave the work to a specialized professional. He has the right material available and knows exactly how to proceed. Receive non-binding quotations tailored to your project via the online quotation service .
HOW LONG DO THE WORKS TAKE?
Taking into account the drying time of the different layers, the application of microcement can usually be done in 3 to 5 days .
Note, microcement reaches its desired resistance, hardness and water resistance after 1 month. Some caution in the meantime is therefore advised to avoid damage. After 2 days, microcement floors can be walked on carefully. You have to wait a week before you can walk on a floor normally.
MAINTENANCE
Regular cleaning with water and a neutral detergent is usually sufficient to guarantee a long life of the micro cement surface.
In addition, avoid sand or stones on the surface to avoid scratches. Also make sure that the microcement does not come into contact with moisture for a long time (eg through a wet flower pot). Also, do not drag heavy objects on the micro cement to avoid damage.
MICROCEMENT OR MICRO CONCRETE?
The terms microcement and micro concrete are often used interchangeably. However, there is an important difference. Both materials have the same properties, but micro concrete is stronger and thicker . Microcement has a thickness of about 1 to 3 mm, while micro concrete is applied in a thickness of 6 to 8 mm. Micro concrete is therefore harder and therefore more suitable for outdoor and intensively used surfaces.
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