Microcement Training - Lesson 1: Surface Preparation
- Silk Plaster
- 18m
- 2 min read
Proper surface preparation is one of the most important steps in any microcement application.
Microcement is a thin decorative coating, which means the condition of the surface underneath it matters. Before beginning the application, the substrate should be solid, clean, free of dust, and properly prepared for adhesion.
In our first lesson, we are preparing an existing concrete floor for a microcement system.
Step 1: Sanding the Surface
We begin by sanding the existing concrete surface.
The goal is to remove loose material, dirt, residue, and surface imperfections that could interfere with the application. Sanding also helps create a clean and consistent surface for the following steps.
After sanding, inspect the entire area and make sure there are no loose or unstable sections.
Step 2: Removing the Dust
Sanding creates a significant amount of fine dust, and that dust needs to be completely removed.
We thoroughly vacuum the entire floor before applying any primer.
This may seem like a simple step, but it is important. Primer should bond directly to the prepared substrate, not to a layer of dust sitting on top of it.
At this stage, the floor should be clean and free of loose particles.
Step 3: Applying Primer
Once the surface is clean, we apply primer.
The primer creates the adhesion layer between the existing substrate and the microcement system.
Apply the primer evenly across the entire surface and make sure all areas that will receive microcement are properly covered.
Always allow the primer to dry according to the requirements of the system you are using before proceeding with the next stage.
Step 4: Patching Holes and Damaged Areas
The final preparation step is repairing visible holes or damaged areas.
In this project, the floor previously had carpet installed. After the carpet was removed, several small holes remained in the concrete.
We filled these areas using Microcement Base.
The objective at this stage is not to create the final decorative finish. We are simply repairing the substrate and preparing it for the full microcement application.
Surface Preparation Is Complete
At the end of Lesson 1, our concrete floor has been:
Sanded
Thoroughly cleaned and vacuumed
Primed for adhesion
Patched where necessary with Microcement Base
The floor is now prepared for the next stage of the microcement system.
In Lesson 2, we will begin working with the Microcement Base and move into the actual application process.
This is where the microcement system starts to take shape.
