Decorative plaster microcement

In contemporary interior design, decorative plaster microcement is becoming more and more common. This unusual material provides a chic, modern appearance that melds well with many design components. Because of its adaptability, it can be used on floors as well as walls, giving any area a sophisticated touch.

The ability of microcement to produce a seamless, uninterrupted surface devoid of visible joints is one of its main advantages. This improves the surface’s aesthetic appeal while also making cleaning and maintenance simpler. Microcement provides a strong and appealing option for remodeling both residential and commercial spaces.

Microcement’s extensive selection of colors and textures is another benefit. You can alter the finish to fit your style, choosing from muted, soft tones to vivid, bold hues. The material is a favorite of both architects and designers because of its versatility, which inspires innovative designs.

Aspect	Description
What is Microcement?	A versatile decorative plaster that creates a smooth, cement-like finish on walls.
Advantages	Durable, waterproof, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Application	Can be applied on various surfaces like concrete, wood, and tiles.
Finish Options	Available in different textures and colors, from matte to glossy.
Maintenance	Easy to clean with mild soap and water, requiring minimal upkeep.

Microcement and microconcrete what is it

The composition of the material is reflected in the name itself. The developers set a goal to create a finishing material for walls under heavy loads that is distinguished by its strength, fineness of the grains of the binder and filler, therefore, cement of especially fine grinding (up to grains of 6-8 microns) was used as a binder. It is distinguished by a small grain diameter and quartz sand, which allows applying layers of minimal thickness (two layers do not exceed 3 mm in total). The new material has two varieties that differ in grinding thickness. The coarser coating is called microconcrete, the other (in fineness and smoothness of the surface close to Venetian) is called microcement decorative plaster.

The composition also contains polymer additives and pigments in addition to finely ground cement and quartz filler that is nearly flour-like in texture. Therefore, the new product is an industrial and decorative material that mimics the texture of concrete as closely as possible, but it differs from it in that it is more aesthetically pleasing and does not have the uncomfortable feel of bare walls.

Micro concrete has a broader range of applications than decorative compositions. It is employed in underground construction, well repair, and soil strengthening. Micro concrete is a successfully applied flooring material in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. The material can be used in a heated floor system, reinforced, and generally covers any solid base with success.

You can design interiors in a single style by using the new material for floor coverings and furniture décor.

Because micro cement plaster is regarded as a premium material, its cost is likewise high. Micro-cement and micro-concrete coatings are stronger and more resilient to wear than marble, laminate, ceramic tiles, parquet flooring, or other flooring materials. One example of this is their impact resistance. Because of this, it is more frequently used for floor coverings, as floor tiles and porcelain stoneware are the only products that rival micro concrete in this market. Furniture finishes, such as countertops, are another application for micro cement compositions.

Water stains left by micro cement are decorative and more obvious on materials with darker hues. The coating takes on a more natural appearance because of the stains.

Apart from its compositional features, the new product stands out due to its proprietary technology, which is essential to the coating’s success. Thus, mastery of micro cement mass application is required. application only by hand.

Pros and cons

Let’s focus on the material’s advantages and disadvantages.

Apart from its aesthetic appeal, the novel substance possesses alluring characteristics:

• surprisingly strong adhesion (even with materials such as glass, ceramics, wood, plastic, metal) is achieved due to the ability of the solution to penetrate into the smallest pores of the base and the stickiness of the cement-polymer components;
• high strength (successfully resists abrasion, compression, even has a certain bending strength) both due to binders and due to the increase in the total surface area of ​​inert particles;
• waterproofness and resistance to water exposure (achieved due to the density of particle packing and water-repellent properties of resins);
• versatility (suitable for facades and interiors);
• the possibility of applying very thin coatings (for example, during cosmetic repairs of floors, a thin layer will not require lifting door blocks);
• fire safety and resistance to heat (however, you cannot place dishes removed from the fire on the coating);
• high decorative possibilities (the basic palette is from 30 colors, the possibility of obtaining a glossy or matte surface, the material is highly plastic);
• durability;
• resistance to biodeterioration;
• seamlessness;
• the possibility of carrying out finishing work in closed spaces;
• no cooling sensation when touched;
• does not absorb odors;
• is not afraid of vibrations;
• small thickness, superplasticity and adhesiveness allow to strengthen weak bases;
• water and vapor impermeability (allows to use in areas of direct exposure to water);
• long service life;
• ease of maintenance (can be washed with neutral agents).

The drawbacks consist of:

• the need for the absence of differences in the surface of the base of more than 2 mm;
• the presence of fakes;
• the need to purchase (in some cases) additional materials, for example, impregnations;
• the need to train in laying techniques (the skills of a plasterer are needed);
• labor intensity of application;
• high cost of finishing with branded materials by trained craftsmen;
• only an alkali-resistant mesh is required for reinforcement.

Types of microcement

Microcement comes in two primary varieties:

• one-component (mixed only with water), acrylic dehydrated resin is added to the composition in the form of powder (due to which it partially loses its properties);
• two-component (A – dry composition in powder form, B – liquid resin component).

The main manufacturers’ lines contain multiple variations of the microcement mixture.

The Spanish business Topciment, for instance, sells the following varieties of decorative plaster made of two components, microcement:

1. Microcement base – used mainly for applying a base layer under other types of microcement mixtures, gives a "bumpy" rough surface (can also be used to apply the top decorative layer). Consumption for a two-layer coating per meter – 2.0 kg, grain size up to 0.5-0.6 mm.
2. Microdeck is more suitable for floors of rooms, such as stairs, corridors, where there is the most intense traffic. Consumption per meter square – 1.0 kg, granules up to 0.2-0.3 mm.
3. Microfino is used for finishing ceilings and walls. The mixture forms a silky pleasant surface, has a streak effect. Consumption – 0.5 kg per square meter, granules – up to 0.125 mm.

Technical characteristics of the material

The features of the microcement plaster mentioned above are as follows:

• flexural strength at the age of 28 days – from 7 to 11 N/mm2;
• compression strength – from 22 to 50 N/mm2;
• adhesion – 1-2 – 1.5 N/mm2;

At 28 days of age, the coating reaches its specified values. Especially susceptible during the first two days. Use caution so as not to damage the coating. You can walk on the microconcrete surface after a week.

A set of materials for application

Along with the primary ingredients (dry mix, liquid base, and pigments), use the following to give the coating a superior appearance and a stronger surface:

• special primers, for example, Impoxy (to prevent capillary suction or block vapor barrier);
• two-component polyurethane-based varnishes;
• impregnations used to connect layers of micro concrete/cement into a single whole.

Required tool

The following instruments are used to apply and process the mixture:

• rubber trowel (used for application and smoothing);
• sponge spatula (used for leveling the layer);
• stainless steel trowel with a beveled edge, rounded edges (application, leveling);
• brush with natural bristles (needed for applying primer to a ceramic base);
• short-haired roller (for varnishing);
• mixer.

Application of micro cement

Tiles, even smooth ones, can be applied over micro cement without first needing to be removed. As a result, repairs require less work and time.

Surface preparation

The base’s (the walls and floor) preparation may vary slightly. Therefore, it is essential to use high-quality material for the underlying screeds, strengthen the base’s surface, and reinforce the steps’ edges for the floor (and stair steps). The prepared surface should, in general, be robust, smooth, free of cracks, and with height variations of no more than 2 mm. Additionally, stains, dust, and rusting objects need to be removed. Prime and dry the base twice before adding the microcement composition.

Before applying, concrete, cement, stone, or brick are moistened. Laminated surfaces, porcelain stoneware, and tiles are cleaned and degreased. Sand-containing penetrating compounds are used to prime drywall, chipboard, and other comparable bases.

Application of the coating on the floor

Three layers of microconcrete are applied to floors, and the first layer needs to be reinforced. This is how the plan appears:

• 1st layer – reinforcing alkali-resistant mesh + base microconcrete + polymer;
• 2nd and 3rd layers – decorative microconcrete color + polymer.

Technology of application to walls and ceilings

Ceilings and walls might not need to be reinforced.

Use is comparable to that of standard technology:

• the base layer is made by continuous puttying of the surface "on tearing";
• the finishing layer, if the freshly laid mass loses its raw gloss, is smoothed with a metal trowel.

Both wet and dry smoothing, as well as abrasive grinding and polishing, are permitted. A trowel is used to apply a pattern if a rough texture is required. Wax and varnishes or other special impregnations are applied for the final finish.

The primary technology for application:

1. Surface preparation.
2. Surface priming (quartz primer is most often used).
3. Preparation of the solution: pour the liquid component into a container, mix it with a pigment (some dyes are diluted with water), pour in the dry mixture, mix with a mixer.
4. Apply a thin base layer (1-2 mm) with a trowel.
5. Smooth the surface with a sponge spatula (dry).
6. Smooth the layer again with a metal trowel, adding a slight pattern.
7. After 2-3 hours (for tiles and Edfan mixtures – at least 24 hours), apply a second layer of 1-2 mm with a trowel.
8. After about an hour, smooth the surface of the layer with a wet sponge.
9. Then level it again with a metal trowel, but do not polish it so that dark spots do not appear.
10. At the finish (after 24 hours), sand the layer (you can use a grinder).
11. Rinse thoroughly with water, wipe and leave for 24 hours.
12. Apply a protective sealant to the plaster with a roller.
13. After 12 hours, begin applying the varnish.

The manufacturer’s recommendations have a significant influence on the application technology.

For instance, the most basic technology that is known to us is this one:

• prepare the surface;
• prime the surface with quartz primer;
• apply the first layer while simultaneously forming the future pattern;
• apply the second layer to the tear and smooth it out;
• varnish the surface with chaotic movements of the brush.

In damp rooms

It is essential to create protection against capillary moisture from the wall material before applying microcement finishing in areas where water is a constant. If this isn’t done, the plaster will peel off due to the water’s backwash from the back. Read the article on moisture-resistant plaster to find out how to accomplish this.

Water penetration is likewise prevented by the top coating. Polyurethane varnish or impregnations are used for this purpose. Hydra is thought to be the best for surface defense. After the laid solution has dried, use these products.

Bathroom or bathroom finishing sequence (total thickness 2 mm):

• apply the first (base) layer, after drying, sand and remove dust;
• lay the second decorative layer, also sand and remove dust after drying;
• apply a Hydra waterproofing layer;
• impregnate the waterproofing with polyurethane impregnation (1 or 2 layers);
• after drying, coat with polyurethane-based varnish (1 or 2 layers).

After two weeks, microcement coatings can be cleaned. Work the material gently until it becomes stronger. Furthermore, it is not advised to use alkaline aggressive agents afterward. Water from a hose can be used to clean surfaces outside. With acrylic polymers, the floor covering can be renewed.

A smooth, contemporary appearance combined with the durability of cement is what makes decorative plaster microcement such a versatile and fashionable wall finish. It’s ideal for producing smooth surfaces with a distinctive texture that complements both traditional and modern decor. Microcement, which comes in a variety of colors and is simple to apply, provides a luxurious finish without the trouble of major renovations. Microcement is a great option for people who want a smooth, polished look that lasts, whether you’re looking to update your living area or add a touch of elegance to your walls.

Popular manufacturers

The developer and several other businesses produce a novel material called microcement decorative plaster. Among the most well-liked are:

1. Microcement Forza from Goldshell – a durable decorative coating with the effect of “smooth and decorative concrete”. The dry mixture is mixed in a special binder and then varnished (at least two layers). Before varnishing, the surface is sanded with an abrasive. Forza can be used in wet areas and applied over existing coatings (tiles, laminate).
2. Russian Reamix compositions are called two-component decorative putty. For the composition, you need to purchase two packages (dry mortar mixture + dry pigment, which gives the solution the desired shade).
3. Senideco Senibeton is a white material based on a polymer emulsion, completely ready for use, painted with liquid or dry pigment. It has three modifications according to the fineness of grinding (extra fine, fine and coarse). The surface dries in 2 hours. The mixture is afraid of frost. It is tinted with natural pigments (19 colors).
4. Topciment is a manufacturer from Spain. The main mixtures are listed above.
5. Stoopen&Meeus (Belgium, representative in Russia – "Marcel") – a dry mixture that requires the addition of pigment. The shelf life of the prepared mass is 3-6 hours. Does not require preliminary priming of the base.

For those who want to give their walls a distinctive touch, decorative plaster microcement is a flexible and contemporary option. Its smooth surface and capacity to replicate different textures, like concrete, make it a desirable choice for both commercial and residential settings. Microcement offers countless options for creating a smooth, industrial or more rustic aesthetic.

The durability of microcement is one of its best qualities. It not only makes your walls look better, but it also makes sure they last a long time by not breaking or wearing down over time. This increases the value of your investment and makes it a sensible option for high-traffic areas.

Although applying microcement may call for some skill, the outcomes are well worth the work. A faultless finish that will completely change your room can be achieved with the right planning and attention to detail. For your next wall project, microcement offers an imaginative and long-lasting solution, whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or would rather hire an expert.

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