Nothing will just crack by itself.
There is always a reason behind it. The most common reasons are the following:
- Subsidence of foundations of the house
- Studwork of joists have some reflexive movement (bouncing back)
- Insufficient thickness of screed above underfloor heating
- Concrete floor slabs have not been completely dried out/matured
- Underfloor heating switched on too soon after microcement application
- Room temperature too high during application of Microcement
If you accidentally hit a Microcement surface with a sharp object, it may only chip but not crack.
Microcement is a system that is made up of various coats.
Some systems come with leveling coats, some with an anti-crack coat, and others without these.
Some areas are simple, while some surfaces are very complex with many internal and external corners, and upstand windows and all these obstacles require individual attention such as a special beading setting, which will slow the whole process of application down.
Eventually, the size of the project matters very much.
So, the cost of the application could be between £100-150 sqm. with materials included.
Wow – which type of tiles?
In general, the cost of materials for Microcementing is less than for decent tiles, adhesive and grout together.
However, the labour costs for Microcement application tend to be dearer than tiling.
So, what is the better deal? Let’s compare it.
- Microcement gives you a seamless look without any grout lines; a handmade original pattern or contemporary feeling of bathroom space.
- There is no further issue with regrouting, which is inevitable with tiled surfaces.
- Using Microcement gives you the possibility of covering ceilings and curved walls, and of creating your own unique colour.
Tiles are available as cheap factory products, medium-priced or handmade expensive pieces.
Of course, if you love horizontal and vertical lines, then you’d better stick to the tile alternative.
At the end of the day, your decision is a question of taste.
So, the final answer is: YES and NO
Yes, if you compare it to emulsion bathroom paint or PVC liner.
No, if compared to handmade Italian tiles.
In both cases, Microcement gives you either a contemporary or traditional look incomparable to any of those finishes.
Each square inch of Microcement surface is an ORIGINAL!
Yes, Microcement is waterproof. The part of the Microcement system which is waterproof is the top two layers of acrylic-urethane resin.
Remember, every manufacturer has their own way of making their Microcement waterproof.
Everybody is free to purchase their Microcement from any place they like, but you may find it helpful if your supplier can offer:
- Good selection of popular colours
- Bespoke colour match for your special project
- Proper technical advice for surface preparation
- Possible training option
- Reliable supply of components
*Impera Italia can offer all these privileges.
In theory you can use it outdoors as well, preferably on walls rather than the floor.
Please make sure your substrate is not going to absorb any humidity from underneath which could cause future deterioration of the Microcement.
The ideal substrate would be an Aqua-panel board.
Yes, with sufficient prep-work:
– Check if tiles are not moving/unstable – if so, they must be removed
– Use angle grinder with a diamond blade to get a proper key, especially on smooth tiles
– Use only a primer suitable for non-absorbent substrates (Pro Link)
– Use any tile adhesive to level any larger imperfections, or make a leveling coat of Zero Level plaster
… NOW you can go ahead with your full Microcement Wall and Floor system
Certainly, when you have a few plastering skills, with the right instructions, and a touch of common sense.
Of course, the speed of progress will be no match for Microcement specialists, but you can achieve very good results.
Yes, in theory. But you should know how that particular bathtub will be used.
Definitely, there will be a lot of extra steps added, many fiddly details to sort out and the final result may not be as expected.
We always ask – is it worth it?
Yes, you can. Multi-finish plaster is an ideal substrate for decorative plasters or Microcement for non- humid areas. Multi-finish Plaster must be fully dried.
Knowing what is behind the plaster is always helpful. In that sense we can make the right decision on anti-crack options.
Please speak to your supplier for appropriate advice.
Yes, you can,
It’s very important to know how the plasterboard has been attached and how possible studwork has been erected.
If all has been built to your requirements, you have to use a Wall and Floor system with anti-crack components.
Not to our knowledge.
Part of the Microcement system that gives you a concrete look is a plaster-lookalike component which should be applied by trowel or spatula. You would not achieve much progress using a brush or roller.
Impera Italia is the one stop shop to view, to obtain accurate advice, to get trained, and to buy the right type of Microcement for your project.
That is a task for heavy machinery if you would like to remove it completely.
Sometimes is easier just to scratch the surface to get a key and plaster it over.
This decision very much depends on what would be the next step.
Microcement can last easily dozens of years, being very easy to maintain, all depending on type and frequency of usage.
Microcement is usually applied by Microcement specialist, but many tradesmen or DIY do also get trained to get the skills.
Microcement is a technical system, so you do not need to be especially talented to be able to achieve a great result.
In general, you must follow a process of application with understanding whole picture.
Microcement wall is usually a feature wall covered with a Microcement system to create a concrete look.
It is not uncommon to see Microcement in other colours.
Microcement can be protected by Matt, Satin, or Gloss protector products.
Microcement flooring is floor covered by a Microcement system.
You can use a Microcement system on absorbent and non-absorbent substrates.
The ideal substrate is a concrete slab or screed which has been fully matured.
Options for protectors are Gloss, Satin, or Matt.
The BEST Microcement product is the one that meets most of your criteria at an affordable price.
Impera Italia is offering a top quality Microcement system called Continuo.
This Microcement system can be used with an anti-crack coat or without it.
Protection which is offered with this system comes as Matt, Satin, or Gloss.
Microcement gives you a much warmer feeling than any type of tiles and a more refreshing feeling then wooden flooring.
That’s a good one, isn’t it?
The BEST brand to be with regarding Microcement is the one that meets your expectations:
- Technically easy system to apply
- Technical manual available
- Technical support available
- On hand training available
- Selection of popular colour options available
- Bespoke colour match available
- Various protector selection available
These are the reasons why Impera Italia deals with Continuo Microcement from San Marco Colorificio.
Yes, you can repair a Microcement surface to a certain extent.
If it comes to chipped corners or little holes from fallen sharp objects, then repair is simple.
Cracks need different attention. Cracks can have a natural look or can be straight. This can help us to identify why they appeared. Without understanding the cause of the cracks, we cannot repair them permanently.
Hairline cracks can be filled with resin protectors only.
Another way to repair a crack is to mix a bit of Microcement coloured material and push or brush it into a crack. Then apply Link mixture with a pencil brush, coating it over with the relevant protector twice.
All coats must be applied with due attention to their drying times.
Larger cracks can be channeled and filled with repair-type resin. Once completely dried, apply the microcement system with or without anti-crack, either locally or over the whole area again.
The whole procedure must be discussed in advance with a client to understand the cost involved.
The best way to deal with cracks is to prevent them by doing the preparation work conscientiously.
Yes, it can be done. When you apply it properly it will create a durable and waterproof coating that needs very little maintenance.
Yes, it’s the ideal product to create a contemporary look for private properties or small businesses. Make sure to apply an extra protective coating of wax and maintain the finish in case you expect higher traffic.
Yes, this contemporary flooring system can be applied on top of underfloor heating, but please make sure to turn it off before the application. Also, make sure to wait 2 weeks (14 days) before you turn it back on!
Your micro cement coating becomes extremely durable once it achieves its complete hardness (7 to 21 days), however, it hardens very quickly and can be walked on after a day. For further information on the hardness please see the manual.
Yes, you can. Please be aware that they only retain their workability for about an hour after you’ve mixed them.
Our colours are very accurate and resistant due to the nature of the finish and the composition of the pigments.
No, you shouldn’t. This system is proven to work as it is, with the base and top coat, sealer and sealant. We strongly advise against changing the method or materials or leaving out any steps.
You should sand the microcement finish and prime it before applying another coating (plaster, paint, wallpaper or tiles) on it.
You should make sure this beton cire is applied by someone with experience and/or training due to the fact that it has to be prepared and executed differently than most standard coatings. Microcement coatings are not a DIY products!
If you store it under the correct conditions the ready-mixed product stays applicable for at least 2 years, sealers and sealants for a year and the powder for 3+ years.