Microcement Installation Guides

How to – Microcement Floor Guide (V.1)
Updated: June 2025

1. Suitable Surfaces for Application

a. Over Existing Tiles
Microcement can be applied over existing tiles as long as they are structurally sound. Tiles must not be hollow sounding.
- Note: If the tiles have embossed designs or are textured, self-levelling may be required to create a smooth base.

b. Over Self-Levelling Cement
Application is suitable on a properly cured self-levelled surface.
- Important: We do not apply microcement over hand-smoothed cement screeds due to the risk of cracking.
- The combined age of the screed and self-levelling cement must be at least 28 days to reduce the risk of hairline cracks forming after installation.

2. Site Requirements Before Application
To ensure a high-quality and long-lasting finish, the following must be completed before we begin:

a. Clean and Dry Site
- All dust, debris, and construction waste must be removed.
- The surface must be dry and free of any oil, adhesive, or paint residue.

b. Neat Wall-to-Floor Edges
- Any damage caused by hacking or skirting removal must be repaired in advance.
- The perimeter should be properly patched or sealed before handover to our team.

c. All Carpentry Works Completed
- As microcement is a wrap-around hand-applied finish, all built-in carpentry must be installed before our work begins.
- Unreachable or covered areas will not be included in the quotation or coating.

d. Major Painting Completed
- All major paint works should be finished and dried before microcement is applied.
- Paint splatter is difficult to remove from microcement due to its textured surface.

e. Ceiling Lights Installed
- Ceiling lights and overhead installations must be completed beforehand.
- Renovation should always proceed top-down to avoid accidental damage to the new floor.

f. Doors Installed with Proper Clearance
- Ensure there is a minimum 3mm gap between the door and floor (in both open and closed positions) to accommodate the microcement layer.

3. Important Worksite Guidelines

a. No Entry During Application
- The area must remain completely off-limits during the entire application and sealing process.
- We will advise once access is safe.

b. Do Not Use Ladders with Damaged Legs
- Ladders without rubber end caps or with sharp/damaged legs can dent or scratch the uncured surface.
- Always use protected tools and equipment.

c. No Trolleys or Heavy Items During Curing
- Avoid dragging trolleys, carts, or furniture across the surface for at least 28 days, as the floor has not yet reached full hardness and can be easily marked.

4. Curing & Post-Installation Advice
- Light Foot Traffic: After 48–72 hours (confirm with team)
- Full Surface Cure: 28 days
- Sealer Protection: Applied at final stage (avoid strong chemicals during cleaning)

5. Maintenance Tips
- Use only pH-neutral floor cleaners.
- Do not expose the surface to strong acids, bleach, or abrasive materials.
- For high-traffic areas, we recommend resealing every 2–3 years for optimal surface durability and appearance.

How to – Microcement & Lime Plaster in Toilet (V.1)
Updated: June 2025

1. Suitable Surfaces for Application

a. Over Existing Tiles
Microcement and lime plaster can be applied over existing tiles if they are securely fixed and not hollow sounding.
- For tiles with embossed textures or deep patterns, a layer of cement smoothing is required prior to application to ensure a uniform finish.

b. Over Smooth Cement Surface
- The cement surface must be smooth, flat, and painting grade.
- Note: Rough screed surfaces are not acceptable and will need to be rectified before our works begin.

c. Over Calcium Silicate Boards, Marine Plywood, and Cement Putty
- These are acceptable substrates, provided the following conditions are met:
- No gypsum boards are allowed in wet areas due to poor moisture resistance.
- Do not use standard stopping compound (putty) to join the boards. Use emulsion putty, outdoor putty, or epoxy putty instead.
- All board joints must be reinforced with a mesh, and corners must be handed over with metal or PVC corner beads for structural stability.

2. Site Preparation Before Our Work

a. Toilet Fittings Must Be Removed
- All wall-hung and surface-mounted accessories must be removed to allow tool access and uninterrupted application.

b. All Exposed Pipes Must Be Removed or Replaced
- If certain pipes cannot be removed, replace them with flexible hose connections to allow access behind them.

c. Floor Gradient Must Be Verified
- Microcement is only 2–3 mm thick, so we cannot adjust or correct the floor slope.
- If water pooling occurs after works due to pre-existing slope issues, we will not be held responsible.

d. AC Drain Pipe Outlet Must Be Installed But Not Glued
- Do not glue the elbow of the drainpipe at the PVC trunking outlet.
- We will temporarily remove this elbow during application and reattach it before handover.

e. Ceiling Light Must Be Installed
- A working ceiling light is required for quality control during application.

f. Carpentry Must Not Be Installed
- Fixed vanity cabinets restrict movement and reduce quality.
- Sequence: 1. Apply wall coat → 2. Install vanity → 3. Apply floor coat

g. Shower Screen Must Not Be Installed
- Please do not install the glass shower screen yet.
- However, the U-channel (bottom support track) should be installed beforehand.

h. Doors Should Be Temporarily Removed
- This allows smoother and safer movement of tools and materials during works.

3. On-Site Guidelines During and After Works

a. No Entry During Application
- The toilet must remain off-limits throughout the application and curing process.

b. Do Not Write Directly on Walls
- Use masking tape if markings are needed.

c. Do Not Smear Silicone on Coated Surfaces
- Silicone stains microcement permanently — always mask first.

d. Do Not Wet or Dirty the Area After Completion
- Wait for our team to confirm it's safe to mop, use or install fittings.

4. Maintenance Tips Post-Completion
- Use soft cloths and pH-neutral cleaners.
- Avoid bleach, vinegar, acid-based cleaners, or heavy scrubbing.
- Use masking if applying adhesives or silicone post-installation.