Personally I have settled to one sealer from Novamix (PLANOFINISH PU 2KW MAT for a mat finish or PLANOFINISH PU 2KS for a glossy finish). I usually go for the mat finish, but in a very small space where I want the light to bounce more I choose to use the glossy finish. It needs to be applied in two coats with a 30min interval between. The key is to use the best quality of a roller while applying it under dust-free conditions, otherwise you'll end up with tiny particles all over your microcement surface that will spoil the end result. (Here's a link to the sealer I use: www.novamix.gr/en/Products/153).
We've just had this put in our bathroom, it looks so good. We've gone for a nice grey microcement with black toilet/sink bowls, which are being fitted tomorrow. I can't wait to see the outcome
This was very helpful to watch. I was actually considering to put microcement in my bathroom after renovating it but had not yet decided. However, I am now convinced that I should definitely go for it. It looks great and very pleasing to the eye.
I find it most evenly pigmented focusing on one surface at a time and finishing all of it in 1 session just a bonus thought. Otherwise just go nuts it’s a really easy o work with.
Good point! And on that note, let me add that since I like a more evenly pigmented outlook, I prefer that one person works at a given surface instead of several people working together over that one surface (i.e. floors and/or walls), to ensure that the final outlook is not too "batchy" looking!
I have new microcement flooring in my bathroom (including the shower area) over the old tiles. We had it done by a professional, and it has varnish over it to make it waterproof. I am wondering though, if I need to dry the floor after every shower to prevent staining? I had accidentally left a damp mop on the floor for a few hours shortly after it was done, and it left a horrible stain in the shape of the rectangular mop, so our bricklayer had to re-do the area. Now I take no chances, but it is a bit of a chore after every shower. The other thing is, can I use the rough side of a sponge to scrub the floor? I find that when I do that, it rubs off a bit of the surface, leaving a bit of a white patch that is visible on my grey floor... . How can this be fixed?
If your bricklayer re-did the area properly, then there is no real need dry the floor after every shower. The first time round when you varnished the microcement flooring, it hadn't dried up completely. That's why the damp mop created that stain. Since you had it redone though, I believe it's un-necessary to continue to dry the floor. However, you shouldn't use any harsh detergents or the rough side of a sponge to scrub the floor. That's because they do indeed strip off the top coating which makes your floor waterproof and exposing it to possible staining. Now remember, the top coat is the sealant and it's a very thin layer, as the layers underneath that. So you need to look after it by using only mild detergents. Moreover, every five years or so, you should sand off the top varnish and have it re-applied to keep it protected. Microcement looks great, but it does require maintenance in the long haul. xV
Ideal temperature during application is the 15C to 20C mark. Any temperature below 10C or over 25C has a somewhat increased cracking risk. In every case though, do not forget to apply a net between layers to lower risk of cracking and work swiftly in order to maintain uniform curating conditions.
Since these products may vary from country to country, I can only speak of brands I have used myself in my country. Novamix was by far the best one. Isomat was second best. Thus, if you find their specifications you should be able to match them to those of whichever brand you have in your country. Hope this helps.
I've been asked to do this in a customer's bedroom where they have stripped the paper off to old lime plaster walls. there is also bits of paint and gypsum plaster in places. can I apply micro concrete over This? Or do you have to knock the plaster back to brick and start fresh? Thanks.
Most manufacturers will claim that it's alright to micro concrete over gypsum plaster. However, from my experience gypsum plaster isn't a very reliable material and does not like humidity. Hence, it does not make a good subsurface. As such, I would knock it off, strip it to brick and start fresh. This approach will save you from any possible do overs in the long run!
@@velvetkaratzasteessebyvelv7114 if going over gypsum plaster walls, or plasterboard,, there are different ways to prep the surface proir to coating, I would recommend sbr, pva mix,, or some form of pre grit,, Febbond blue grit
I think some form of pre grit is indeed a good option to prep gypsum plaster walls. That was a good point. Now, if you were to prep a bathroom shower wall then, personally, I would not use a PVA mix for it's not waterproof. So it all depends on your givens.
@@velvetkaratzasteessebyvelv7114 when in a high moisture area could use a render grit there are different pregrit products, thistle bond it, (green grit) is suitable for most backgrounds as its not waterbased,, and one dry will need tnt to get it back off
Yes, but never as a single layer. I've used it in a threesome layer with a mesh net in between to eliminate cracking. Note that microcement does not tolerate harsh soaps and solvents. The second thing is that the polished look is very slippery and therefore, I recommend only the matte finish.
That's hard to tell, for I can only recommend a product I have already tested myself and I live in Europe. So, I'm not familiar with all the products you have there and I surely haven't tested them. As such, take this with a grain of salt. I have used ISOMAT's microcement products (3 different ones depending on the use i.e. wall, floor or stairs) and I know that they export them in the US as well. Hope this helps! Link to their official site: www.isomat.eu/company/isomat-in-the-world/ and another link to ISOMAT CANADA: isomatcanada.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=118:microcement-coatings&catid=2:uncategorised&Itemid=461
what sealer do you use?
Personally I have settled to one sealer from Novamix (PLANOFINISH PU 2KW MAT for a mat finish or PLANOFINISH PU 2KS for a glossy finish). I usually go for the mat finish, but in a very small space where I want the light to bounce more I choose to use the glossy finish. It needs to be applied in two coats with a 30min interval between. The key is to use the best quality of a roller while applying it under dust-free conditions, otherwise you'll end up with tiny particles all over your microcement surface that will spoil the end result. (Here's a link to the sealer I use: www.novamix.gr/en/Products/153).
We've just had this put in our bathroom, it looks so good. We've gone for a nice grey microcement with black toilet/sink bowls, which are being fitted tomorrow. I can't wait to see the outcome
This was very helpful to watch. I was actually considering to put microcement in my bathroom after renovating it but had not yet decided. However, I am now convinced that I should definitely go for it. It looks great and very pleasing to the eye.
That's great to hear Kelly!
I’ve always wondered what they used in Greece!! Thanks for the video.
Thank you! Great information.
I find it most evenly pigmented focusing on one surface at a time and finishing all of it in 1 session just a bonus thought. Otherwise just go nuts it’s a really easy o work with.
Good point! And on that note, let me add that since I like a more evenly pigmented outlook, I prefer that one person works at a given surface instead of several people working together over that one surface (i.e. floors and/or walls), to ensure that the final outlook is not too "batchy" looking!
I love microcement very helpful video!
Thank you! So glad! xx
I have new microcement flooring in my bathroom (including the shower area) over the old tiles. We had it done by a professional, and it has varnish over it to make it waterproof. I am wondering though, if I need to dry the floor after every shower to prevent staining? I had accidentally left a damp mop on the floor for a few hours shortly after it was done, and it left a horrible stain in the shape of the rectangular mop, so our bricklayer had to re-do the area. Now I take no chances, but it is a bit of a chore after every shower.
The other thing is, can I use the rough side of a sponge to scrub the floor? I find that when I do that, it rubs off a bit of the surface, leaving a bit of a white patch that is visible on my grey floor... . How can this be fixed?
If your bricklayer re-did the area properly, then there is no real need dry the floor after every shower.
The first time round when you varnished the microcement flooring, it hadn't dried up completely. That's why the damp mop created that stain. Since you had it redone though, I believe it's un-necessary to continue to dry the floor.
However, you shouldn't use any harsh detergents or the rough side of a sponge to scrub the floor. That's because they do indeed strip off the top coating which makes your floor waterproof and exposing it to possible staining.
Now remember, the top coat is the sealant and it's a very thin layer, as the layers underneath that. So you need to look after it by using only mild detergents. Moreover, every five years or so, you should sand off the top varnish and have it re-applied to keep it protected. Microcement looks great, but it does require maintenance in the long haul. xV
Can you have foam or insulation under microcement?
my floor is wood...will ot be flexible enough to not crack if applied during cool temperature
Ideal temperature during application is the 15C to 20C mark. Any temperature below 10C or over 25C has a somewhat increased cracking risk. In every case though, do not forget to apply a net between layers to lower risk of cracking and work swiftly in order to maintain uniform curating conditions.
How good is Isomat series?
Any good microcement diy kits in the US?
Great information thank you
Thank you! I hope it helps you out...
Please, Would you recommend a company that I can rely on in Greece?
I have used both Novamix and Isomat. Hope this helps.
Great details! I’m hoping to use this in bathroom and wondering if you have any specific products or brands you could recommend? Thanks!
Since these products may vary from country to country, I can only speak of brands I have used myself in my country. Novamix was by far the best one. Isomat was second best. Thus, if you find their specifications you should be able to match them to those of whichever brand you have in your country. Hope this helps.
Great Thanks !
No mention! I just tried to shed some light on this matter! xo
I've been asked to do this in a customer's bedroom where they have stripped the paper off to old lime plaster walls. there is also bits of paint and gypsum plaster in places. can I apply micro concrete over This? Or do you have to knock the plaster back to brick and start fresh? Thanks.
Most manufacturers will claim that it's alright to micro concrete over gypsum plaster. However, from my experience gypsum plaster isn't a very reliable material and does not like humidity. Hence, it does not make a good subsurface. As such, I would knock it off, strip it to brick and start fresh. This approach will save you from any possible do overs in the long run!
Te Esse ok. thank you for replying.
@@velvetkaratzasteessebyvelv7114 if going over gypsum plaster walls, or plasterboard,, there are different ways to prep the surface proir to coating, I would recommend sbr, pva mix,, or some form of pre grit,, Febbond blue grit
I think some form of pre grit is indeed a good option to prep gypsum plaster walls. That was a good point. Now, if you were to prep a bathroom shower wall then, personally, I would not use a PVA mix for it's not waterproof. So it all depends on your givens.
@@velvetkaratzasteessebyvelv7114 when in a high moisture area could use a render grit there are different pregrit products, thistle bond it, (green grit) is suitable for most backgrounds as its not waterbased,, and one dry will need tnt to get it back off
has any one used this on the shower floor , im going over tiles
Yes, but never as a single layer. I've used it in a threesome layer with a mesh net in between to eliminate cracking. Note that microcement does not tolerate harsh soaps and solvents. The second thing is that the polished look is very slippery and therefore, I recommend only the matte finish.
What product do you recommend in the US for microcement? Having a hard time finding out where to purchase it
That's hard to tell, for I can only recommend a product I have already tested myself and I live in Europe. So, I'm not familiar with all the products you have there and I surely haven't tested them. As such, take this with a grain of salt. I have used ISOMAT's microcement products (3 different ones depending on the use i.e. wall, floor or stairs) and I know that they export them in the US as well. Hope this helps! Link to their official site: www.isomat.eu/company/isomat-in-the-world/
and another link to ISOMAT CANADA: isomatcanada.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=118:microcement-coatings&catid=2:uncategorised&Itemid=461
Is it waterproof?
Only if you apply a waterproof varnish coat over it.