How to Apply Microcement: The Full Process, Step by Step

The video follows one real project from primer to coating: a pool in Bali, finished in Microcement Aqua in colour 005 Blanco Roto. Below it, every step is written out in full: the materials in the order they are used, how the microcement is mixed, how long each layer needs and what that depends on, and why sanding is a choice rather than a rule.

The materials, in order of use

1. 1
   Surface Primer / LX PrimerThe first layer, on a surface that has been sanded and wiped clean. Surface Primer protects all the layers from underneath, makes the surface below more stable and evens out how much it soaks up.
2. 2
   FibermeshThe reinforcement: a fiberglass mesh laid into the primer. Fibermesh adds strength while staying flexible.
3. 3
   Microcement Aqua or Microcement ExtremeMicrocement Aqua for pools and submerged areas; Microcement Extreme for walls and floors.
4. 4
   TonerThe colour. It goes into the Part B liquid before any of the dry components are added.
5. 5
   Topcoat or ULTRAN SUPER ENAMELThe final protection over the finished microcement: Topcoat, or ULTRAN SUPER ENAMEL, a two-component polyurethane (PU) coating — not an epoxy.

Microcement Aqua or Microcement Extreme

Which one to use depends on water. Microcement Aqua is made for swimming pools and submerged areas, where the surface stays under water. Microcement Extreme is for walls and floors — bathrooms and other wet areas included, with the correct top coat — but not for pools or anything submerged. On a floor it gives the look of exposed concrete, without the joints. The project in the video is a pool, so it is Microcement Aqua.

The project in the video

The process, step by step

Step 1 — Surface Primer / LX Primer

Before the primer, get the wall or floor ready. Two things, in this order:

• —Sand off any old paint or coating.
• —Wipe the surface clean, so no dust is left.

Then mix the primer and apply it. Everything else is built on top of it, so the surface must also be dry and solid. On an existing tiled or concrete floor, Replace your floor without demolition explains what to check first, and Cracked floors covers the cracks that have to be fixed before anything goes on top.

Step 2 — Primer and Fibermesh

Fibermesh is laid into the primer as reinforcement. The mesh gives the microcement layers above it strength while staying flexible, which is why it is strongly recommended on floors and large areas.

Step 3 — Mixing

The microcement comes in two parts: the dry components and a Part B liquid. The colour goes into the liquid first, so that it is spread evenly before any powder goes in.

• —Toner into Part B. Pour the toner into the Part B liquid and mix for 1 minute.
• —Then the dry components, slowly. Add them gradually, not all at once.
• —Mix for 4–5 minutes, until there are no streaks and no lumps.

Streaks mean the colour is not yet even; lumps are powder that has not mixed in. Both would show in the finished surface, so keep mixing until both are gone.

Step 4 — Application: layers 1 to 3

The microcement is trowelled on in thin layers; the video shows layers 1 to 3. Each layer has to be dry before the next one goes on.

That time is what sun and wind allow outdoors in Bali. It is not a fixed interval: go by the surface, not the clock.

Step 5 — Sanding (optional)

Sanding is a design choice, not a required step, and it decides the finish. Sand the last layer for a smooth finish. Leave it unsanded and more of the trowelled texture stays in the surface.

Pools are normally finished smooth. On a wall, more texture can be left.

Step 6 — Coating

The coating is the final protection. It goes on 1 day after the last layer of microcement.

Use Topcoat or ULTRAN SUPER ENAMEL. ULTRAN SUPER ENAMEL is a two-component polyurethane (PU) coating, not an epoxy: two parts mixed just before use, giving a matte, hard-wearing finish on interior and exterior walls and floors. PU floor coating explains the difference from epoxy. Microcement Aqua is not meant to be left bare: it is made to be sealed with the specified top coat.

Drying times at a glance