Microcement for Beginners: A Complete Step By Step Guide
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- Опубліковано 5 січ 2024
- How to waterproof/prep video: • How to Waterproof a Ba...
First two layers (surecrete sure spray - white): amzn.to/3H6RytV
Third layer: (surecrete microtek- white): amzn.to/47FtIjT
Sealer (XS-327):amzn.to/48FikFq
Fancy trowel: firenzecolor.com/product/bian...
The amazon links are affiliate links. The trowel link for Firenze is not :) - Навчання та стиль
You're right, Emily--There's not much good online info about microcement application. Thankfully I found your video just hours before applying the first layer to my kitchen countertops. Your "voice of experience" provided numerous application tips that saved me enormous frustration and doubt. THANK YOU!! You showed me that microcement is a multistep but forgiving process which requires patience and vision but is SO worth it!
I hope it turns out great! I’m not sure if you have Instagram or not. But if you do, I’d love to see pictures when it’s done! My handle is @emily.a.lopez over there :)
Thank you for taking the time to film and produce this video. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for watching!!
I have been searching all over the place for microcement info. Found yours and then checked out some of your other shower pan etc videos. Very well done. Gives me some more confidence to get my project going.
Another excellent video Emily. I learned something new today.
Thank you so much! Everywhere I looked up microcement it said it was labor intensive, but totally DIY-able but I couldn't find any full tutorials for wet areas. Hopefully more people will be willing to give it a try because it is beautiful!
Props for taking the time and making this video for the impossible to please undefeated internet lol
Haha, thanks for watching and commenting :)
Love you for doing this video! Im planning on doing this for our remodel shower and to coat over existing counters tops in our kitchen and bathroom. Ms. Cathy 😊
Interesting project and thanks for documenting all the steps. Now that you have gone through the complete process, would you do it again?
I would! I really like the way it looks. Is pretty labor intensive with lots of steps, layers, and mess- so I wouldn't do it on a quick flip where time is of the essence. This was a labor of love for my Mama :) and I'm actually going to do the second bathroom in the house the same way. I would put it in my own house as well, I'm thinking of using it for a counter on a built-in banquet if I have enough left over.
I have that same trowel that you purchased. Great product.
Vey nice, huh?! I hate buying pricey stuff but sometimes it makes a difference :)
Oh my goodness this was SO helpful! I am using this same product on my shower and there is so little information about the process. I’m basically figuring it out as I go so this is super helpful! Thanks for the info!
Thank you for your kind comment! I agree, hardly any info online! I just followed you on Instagram, can’t wait to see how it turns out!
@@YouCanDIYHome aww thank you so much! 💞
I like the look& that it is sealed.
So pretty now. I wasn’t for sure at the point of the first coat :)
Very helpful video. I'm doing microcement onto drywall. So slightly different, but with enough waterproofing membrane should be okay I hope
Thank you! I have chosen tile that I don't love, the whole time kind of wanting to try this, but not finding a detailed instruction to try it! I think I can do this after watching your video! Appreciate it!
You can totally do it. It’s a lot of repetitive steps but it isn’t hard at all. Just labor intensive. You got this!
@@YouCanDIYHomeThank you! Also, I believe I noticed that you did not waterproof the wall edge that you put a slight edge of micro cement over. I have a similar situation.. wondering if I should put some waterproofing over drywall where there will be 2-4" edge of cement.
@@YouCanDIYHome would you happen to have a link of the color packets? I find color that says XS but I'm not sure if that's what I add...I'd like mine to be bright white if I can make that happen. I'm thinking the "white" micro cement is more of a not pure white?
Well done you 👏 going to do my 1st wall tomorrow
How's the project going so far?
Thanks for the video. I’m looking into micro cement bc I’m wanting to cover my stairs with it but can’t find any detailed videos on interior steps.
Call the Surecrete support phone number. They don’t usually answer but they have always called me back. They can answer any questions and point you to the right product and prep
@@YouCanDIYHome Thank you! I will do that. I appreciate the help!
Thank you excellante!
Thanks for watching!
My biggest question was the answered in 4 mins...thank you!❤
Thanks for watching and commenting :)
Hello!! Greeeatttt video! You're so thorough, thank you for that. 🤠 I am curious if you know if it would be fine to apply this to Schluter Kerdi-board and waterproof membrane instead of the cement board? Thanks!
Hi! So if you search Texas DIY Mama on Instagram- she did that for her microcement project and said it worked fine (it’s much lighter and easier to work with). If you call Surecrete (just google the number) they WILL call you back and answer and questions. I’ve reached out a few times and they’ve been super helpful!
@@YouCanDIYHome I just spoke with the rep from Surecrete and he confirmed that either the Kerdi board+membrane OR the cement board + liquid membrane is a good option. They recommend whatever substrate is used should be waterproof for the shower. I asked if there would be better adherence to one or the other and he said both adhere to the micro cement just fine as the layers aren't (shouldn't be) more than 1/16" thick. Hope this helps someone!
@@kaylamccormick53 Awesome! Foam board is SO much lighter and easier to work with so this is great to hear :) Thanks for coming back and sharing the info here!
Will you post the shower video when done? I’d love to know more how the shower floor goes and drain etc? Particularly if you’re going over existing tile?
Hi Heidi! I am doing a shower but it’s all new materials. So far, I’ve just posted how to install the drain and build the shower pan. But I will also continue the whole process of waterproofing the shower floor and then I’ll tile the floor and microcement the walls in there, but I will definitely share all of that as I progress!
Good tutorial
Thank you!
This is such a great video!!
What other sealer from Surecrete would you recommend? Or is it only the XS-327 that is good?
Thanks! Xs-327 was what Surecrete recommended to me when I called their support line so I figured that was my best bet :)
@@YouCanDIYHome Understandable! Thank you for your quick reply! The things is ill be doing like 340m2, which is a lot and so I am looking for another, cheaper option of the sealant.
Thank you so much for this video! This is SUPER helpful! I’ve been looking at using microcement for a shower for some time but, like you, I have also had a hard time finding information and clear instructions, and have put this project off because of that. Your video has motivated me to do this! Could you tell me approximately how many bags of microcement did your project require?
Happy to help!! I used 2 bags (not completely) of the sure spray for the first two layers and less than one of the microtek top coat. I probably could have done this section (the first 2 layers) with 1 bag of the sure spray but I overmixed and had a lot of waste in the learning process.
How much did all the material cost you ?
Thanks
Thank you for showing a process that I NEVER want endure. What a slog!
You worked so hard, though. When do we get to see the final results, Emily?
It was definitely labor intensive, but not difficult (anyone could do it who had the patience). I am sort of dreading doing the next shower, but fortunately, its a smaller shower so it will be a "little" bit less surface area. I still have to install a toilet, floor trim, and am waiting on the vanity faucet- so I have a bit left to do. I pivoted to the mudroom/stairway area and then I'll come back here. I will definitely post a reveal when the bathroom is all the way done.
It would be really cool to see the entire renovation, “This Old House” style. Is this a house that you bought, are renovating, and turning into a rental property? I’m intrigued.
I will show everything at the end. Originally it was going to be a flip, but now I’m keeping it for my mom. So we have already had it rewired, replumbed, reroofed- and I’m doing all the interior work. So we have one more bathroom to go, the laundry space, the kitchen, fireplace etc- so I will for sure share the whole journey on here
@YouCanDIYHome look at getting a Japanese pointed trowel, it's better for corners and areas where you were using the putty knife.
I just fot my first one and had only used the venician plaster trowels like you bought. I haven't done microcement only plasters, but yes you have to buy a $75+ trowel. Many are a 100 to 120. They really are as big of a jump as she experienced
Those trowels also recommend sanding the edges before use all the way to at least a 600 or 1200 grit. That's very important if you're going to compress the material on the last coat.
Great job on the video
OH get a wide trowels they sell now, level 5 is a good brand, soyou and level the material. You'll always put to much material on when you start and those 24 and 32 inch blades fix your mistakes.
have you noticed any cracking around the tub? I’m applying micro cement soon and trying to decide if I should fill the tub while the thinset dries, like you do with caulk. Thanks for the video really helpful ❤
I haven't but it hasn't been used as we are still finishing the house. I look at it like this: when I tile a surround, I don't fill the tub during the tile process, just during the final caulk at the bottom seam. So I'll do that in this case once all of the plumbing is ready and I'm able to caulk. But I did not during the microcemnt process. I doubt it would hurt, It would just be annoying to work around. I imagine I would fall in and get wet and make a mess.
Hey at least you gave it a go
Awesome video :) I followed you on Instagram as well! Really fresh content, thanks!
I have one question for you - why did you use surespray for the base coat and not just microtek for all coats? Any benefits for that approach? Thanks!
P.s there are plastic pavan trowels for doing Venetian plaster that leave no oxidation marks (they wear out though… plastic .. you know)
Thanks! I spoke to the surecrete representative and that's what he recommend (but he also said they are really similar products so you may be able to get more info from him if you called on the specifics) I just did followed his recommendation and didn't really ask questions. I follow a lady on insta who used a plastic trowel and it worked for her. Are you talking about the plastic drywall trowels/knifes? I wanted the hand angle of the traditional trowel and handle (Just preference for the flip of the wrist)
@@YouCanDIYHome I see. Ok, I guess I’ll try one more time to get in touch with them.
About the trowel - search for “Pavan Plastic Venetian Plaster Finishing Trowel 817/PV” for example.
Hi! How easy is this material to clean, scrub, hold up to use, etc?
Hi! I am renovating this whole house so I haven’t used/lived in it. Based on my research and others comments. It should very strong as it’s a cement product but also has added polymers for strength. It’s supposed to be very strong and it’s sealed as well. I do believe you shouldn’t use harsh cleaners and should clean with a mild soap and water. I am considering doing it in my own bathroom later when I have time.
Great job, Emily! What's the point of, the reason to use, microcement? Is it because you're tiling? What if I'm going to install a tub surround? Is microcement only for cement board or bathroom moisture-resistant (or whatever it's called) sheetrock, too? And if I use bathroom moisture-resistant sheetrock everywhere in the bathroom and want to use ≈8 inch by ≈4 foot porcelain tiles about 4 feet up from the floor, 4 inches inside the tub top, 6 inches wide up from the tub top, around and back down, with the tub surround installed on the sheetrock, should the sheetrock be painted first, use microcement first, then paint, or just grout the tiles to the drywall with nothing else in between? Or is microcement your tub surround finish? In that case, I see why you need all the black/dark marks out.
If microcement is your finished surround, can you answer the questions about the sheetrock, the surround and tiling, please? SHOULD cement board be used in the tub-surround area, or would the drywall be OK? Can the tub surround be mounted on painted sheetrock, or is it better without? I had a bathroom remodel started, pulled because the contractor screwed up, started again, pulled again for more screw ups, then he took a walk and never came back, dumping several customers. I still have 2x4 walls in the bathroom and the sink counter is in storage. I hung 2 clear plastic shower curtains for a tube surround so I can take a shower. Thanks
In my case the microcement was my finished product. So I started with concrete board and waterproofed prior. I chose the microcement because I had seen it and liked the look so I wanted to learn. I also liked that it was seamless- no grout lines.
If you are going to tile just for the look part of the way up the bathroom walls, I've seen tile installed over drywall no problem. I wouldn't ever do that in an area that is going to get wet. Grout isn't waterproof, so if it got water behind it, it would cause damage.
As far as your tub surround (like a fiberglass or plastic one right?). There are different options depending on your product. Some basically are glued flat onto drywall so you need the drywall to attach to and drywall is fine because water should never get behind the surround. There are also surrounds that that attach to studs and wouldn't fit if drywall was there- so just check the surround you are installing and if its direct to studs or direct to drywall.
@@YouCanDIYHome Thanks for the quick reply! Had to read it twice, but I got it. Dyslexia gets me sometimes.
First off I'm a contractor, you have to use cement board NOT drywall around baths and showers. If you live in a humid area I'd even do the ceiling with it.
Mounting to drywall will cause mold issues if you mount tile to it. If you put a membrane over it it's expensive and if you're going that far you can afford durarock. Kurdi is the most customer friendly product for that.
Some people will tell you mounting on drywall is OK, it's a little less work and a little less money, maybe saving you $50-100. I've worked on hundreds of top tier homes and it's never allowed there. At first I thought it would be expensive to do it the same way in my own projects. It's not, and one you learn the better system you start to use the other options like trim pieces, curb less shower pans and wide drains as you do other projects.
Good luck.
@@sparksmcgee6641 I'm confused by your comment. What is "mounted" on drywall here? The microcement is applied over cement board with a layer of liquid applied waterproofing over it.
Was one bag of each enough for this? My project is similar except, no tub.
If I remember correctly I did 2 layers of the sure spray and 1 of the microtek. I didn't even use a full bag of he microtek. I went through over 1 bag but not quite 2 full of the sure spray, but I had a lot of waste at first because I was mixing more than I could use and had to throw it away.
You know what, I hate watching experts make it look so easy and then you go try, and it’s total dumpster.
In contrast, I love how I’m learning with you through your process with all the mistakes as well. Thank you so much! 🙏❤
Thanks! I know what you mean. Or sometimes I feel like they leave out steps that if I haven’t done the project before I have to find more info. It’s hard to balance because sometimes I know these get a bit long/boring. But I want to give all the info you need if you’re going to actually tackle the project.
Was your pigment darker than you thought when dry?
I ordered natural white but the powder is gray.
This is white without the pigment pac added. I like it because it’s a nice taupey color and looks really natural. If you want pure white, you can order pure white color pacs to add in :)
Thank you. I ordered natural white pigment, but I got too scared to use it because the pigment was gray and I didn’t want to spend all that time and then have it dried dark.
I have to think smoothing with a damp sponge would provide a much smoother finish if you weren't going for the stucco look
The problem with that, it almost like when you use a damp sponge to smooth concrete. It almost takes the fine aggregate/powder/dust out and it brings the thicker/coarser sand to the front and makes a rougher final texture. I tried everything and did not like that feel. I definitely recommend buying extra so you can play with it a bit and see what you like before you start.
You look like Julia Roberts, so beautiful❤
Thank you for video. I’m going to cover all my shower room too !
1 month ago not a lot info online? Not true
Hello, can you please tell me what you put before cement, what product on raw drywall?
Thanks
You want to install hardie backer first. It’s a cement board. It will either be in your drywall section or your tile section at your home improvement store. I used that because it’s what the manufacturer recommended. I’ve also seen people apply over a foam board - foam boards are more expensive but much lighter and easier to work with and it it’s water proof and meant to go under tile (some brands are “go board” and “schluter” or “wedi” depending on what’s available in your area).
Thank you so much ❤
One more question. Do we need to put red guard before first coat?
@@tlit3284 If you do it the way I did, with concrete board, you do need to apply a liquid applied waterproofing. I don't think brand should matter. I used hydroban on one bathroom and aqua defense on the other. I'm sure red guard is fine. I have also seen people use schluter foam board underneath (instead of hardie board) and then they just sealed joints as recommended and then in that case, you would not need a liquid membrane.
Thank you so much! You are so quick and helpful!!! I’m so appreciate❤
Hi Emely what's the name of the flat trowels?
The really nice one is from Firenze and it's called a "bianko" trowel. I think you have to get it directly from the Firenze website.
How many sq. Feet does a bag cover and how many lb. is the bag. Thanks.
I don't remember the exact specs. I'd look at what the manufacturer specs say and then get more than you need. I found that I wasted a lot due to my inexperience. For example, a lot fell on the plastic I had protecting the floor. I also sometimes over mixed and had to throw some away. So buy more than you think you need!
Did you add any colorant?
I did not. This the white cement base with no white color packet added. I liked that it looked a little natural. Kind of a beige-grayish taupe color. But it is definitely not white if that's the look you are aiming for.
My rep from Surecrete said the 7 parts water is too thin for a wet area and that’s more for countertops. He had me dilute at a thicker consistency
The 7:1 is just the prime coat. The subsequent three layers were all 2:1. Did he have you make it thicker for the prime coat? The guy I spoke to with Surecrete did not give me that direction.
@@YouCanDIYHome he told me 4:1 for all coats
@@YouCanDIYHome I spoke with my rep again and he absolutely said not to do the 7:1 and try en 2:1 for showers or wet areas. That is not for microtek (the final micro cement coat) but is for a different product they make that is more porous and used for countertops. The micro topper we use should have a 4:1 or maybe 3:1 ratio other wise you break down the solids too much and lose the way it’s supposed to function. He’s been doing Surecrete professionally for 26 years and is an authorized rep and educator. I’m only putting all these details in for anyone who is going to want to attempt this in their homes not to worry you about your job (which looks beautiful)
@@cherylq7183 I just called Surecrete directly. I wanted to make sure I didn't need to remove/redo. Also, I am starting a shower soon and wanted to make sure to do it right. He said that it is correct to follow their installation instructions on the XS-327 label for wet areas as well. I mentioned what your rep said about it being for a different product. He said technically these products (microtek and surespray) were made for for floors but people have been using them on showers safely- following their instructions for 12 years. He said if anyone has any questions to call surecrete directly. They are super helpful and have never not called me back the same day if its a business day when I call.
@@YouCanDIYHome isn’t it so nice to get conflicting advice? Ha ha.
What is micro cement, and when do you use it?
It’s a thin layer of cement (and I’m sure other polymers and bonding agents). People use it on floors, counters, showers, walls, etc. Depending on the brand you buy, there are smoother aggregates and coarser options. What I like about it is you can have a full space with no joints or grout lines. For instance this whole bathtub surround has not corner joints, grout lines, or cracks. It’s super strong and resistant to cracking and staining.
Image plastering walls without trim.
Now imagine it being waterproof enough you can make a sink out of it. It's strong enough you can use it on floors.
The big issue with floor application is the building structure. Any movement and you'll get cracks. Isolation layer is important and thats expensive.
After applying the sealer XS-327 as a prime coat and it dried in 12 hours, I noticed the concrete change color. The concrete was darker in some areas while normal in the other, creating a patchy look. Any suggestions on how to fix this so it's not blotchy?
The prime coat was the only coat I noticed a color difference. I think because it was the most absorbent layer and then it stopped absorbing after that. Mine looked discolored as it dried, but once it dried all the way, it looked normal again. On the subsequent coats, I couldn’t see the sealer the same way (like it was hard to see where I had coverage and not). I would give it some extra dry time. My coats took more time then it said they would. If it doesn’t dry all the way, I’d call Surecrete and check with them in what they recommend. They always call back and are super helpful.
@@YouCanDIYHome thank you so much 🙏🏻 your diy video was really helpful and inspiring, but as you can imagine, I'm so nervous at this final stage with the sealer as the look. Thanks again 👍🏻
@@lalwani07 Don't be nervous. I figured worst case scenario, I have to apply one more top coat of the microcement and re-seal if anything went wrong :)
How is the waterproofing working for you? I used all the same products with multiple passses of the sealer and it still lets water soak through over time. Not so bad for vertical but any soaps/oils have slowly soaked through and stained
Do you mean the sealer on top of the microcement?
@@YouCanDIYHome yes the xs-327
@@licedmilk The shower hasn't been used. This house is full overhaul/reno so it isn't occupied yet. I was thinking I may make some trays out of natural stone to set soaps on just to help prevent any damage/staining. But much like a marble shower- even if you seal it, many products will still discolor/stain so very possible.
@@YouCanDIYHome yeah but overall performance would be substandard for even marble. It really amazes me that they market XS-327 as a countertop sealer as I'd NEVER cook with it. I've experimented with a few other poly coatings on top of microtek all with the same lackluster performance. Really don't want to do a shiny acrylic/epoxy coating. With all the experimentation I've done I'm basically going around just trying to find out what's worked for others. If this home is for you, I'd love for you to revisit and give us your thoughts after you've used the shower and how it's going for you.
@@licedmilk I will. It's not for me but for my mom so I'll be the one fixing it if it needs adjusted. I figured worst case scenario, I'll tile the walls if we don't like it.
Do they have color options?
Yes! You can buy all sorts of dye packets to add. Some brands also allow custom color options as well :)
Water spray bottle any time you're doing a product like this first time is a good idea.
for? to keep moist and workable?
Si does it dry fast after showers?
We’re remodeling the whole house so it hasn’t been used. But it has a sealer, so I’m thinking that water should slide off and not absorb/penetrate the finish when in use.
I don't see you using fibre mesh...most people working on micro-cement recommend using it. What's your take on that.
The install specs for this product did not recommend or require it. I did use mesh/thinset in the prep phase on the changes of plane/corners.I think there are some products that require it, especially when it is going over old tile but it wasn't recommended by this manufacturer.
Sanding with 220? for adhesion? 220 basically polishes microcement.
That’s what the manufacture recommends.
Microcement is waterproof so i don't think you needed the waterproofing :) Being right handed i think it would have been easier to start from the right wall to left. Patina is achieved by spreading it slightly curbed, I imagine it's even easier at the same time. I im the process of learning how to do it, will try it soon as well. Thank you
For this product, the manufacturer said the roll on waterproofing is required. It also may help with crack isolation (I don’t know that, just guessing)
Microcement is NOT waterproof until yiy waterproof it with a sealer
Re-read what i wrote.@@cherylq7183
There are some micro cement products that are in fact water proof but the only ones I have seen are only sold in Europe. Surecrete's materials are highly absorbent.
@@licedmilk I meant to say after the sealant is applied
How is your shower holding up?
Hi! Unfortunately it hasn’t been used yet. We are gutting and renovating the whole house so it hasn’t been lived in yet. There is a lady whose Instagram is Texasdiymama and she did it in her own house with the same product so may be able to tell you more :)
@@YouCanDIYHome
I am sure you can't wait to use it!! Thank you for sharing!
dude the end result is just a gray wall. what excited lol
I'll tell you what, I love a grey wall! I'm about as boring and neutral as they come :)
that's the worst wall i've seen in like decades, seriously?
You are uneducated about what a Microcement finish is and what it’s supposed to look like. It’s not a look for everyone but if it is, then this is a good benchmark for aesthetic: texture and color variation with visual movement. I’m contemplating doing my bathroom and really appreciate the clear tips and process!
It came out great
You must not get out much then.
@@DavidSanchez-gq7nf no, that's just a lazy excuse for crappy work. I've done microcement, tadelakt, and plaster finishes and their charm comes from the "hand troweled" appearance. That wall on the left is just bad.
Not even faulting the person in the video. It's literally her first time but don't sugar coat it. You think a first timer is going to nail it first try?