Using Angle Beads, Stop Beads and Expansion Beads with Microcement
We often get asked whether beads are required for use with microcement so we thought it would be helpful to summarise each type of bead that you might be thinking of using and explaining when and how you would use each one alongside microcement.
In this video, Richie covers the use of angle beads, stop beads and expansion joints.
Using Angle Beads, Stop Beads and Expansion Beads with Microcement
Here’s an explanation of the different types of beads and how to prepare them for microcement.
Angle Beads
Because microcement needs a completely flat surface, it’s best not to use angle beads on corners. The microcement is very strong as well so there isn’t the same risk of it failing on the edges like plaster would.
If angle beads are already installed, then you will need to make sure they’re well glued and screwed in place and use a compatible filling compound, or Joint Filler to flush out the angle bead. If you use Microcement base coat, you’ll need to leave it until its completely dry before priming & meshing the surface. We’d expect this to take at least 24 hours.
Stop Beads
Microcement is only 3-4mm finished, so often, installers will work up to a straight edge rather than using stop beads.
But in some cases you may want to use a stop bead to work up to. Dural offer a selection of 4mm stop beads. These will need to be well glued and screwed in place, then flushed out with a suitable filling compound, Joint Filler or Impripox and Quartz Sand.
See the following product installation guides for full installation instructions:
Applying ImpriPox High Performance Primer
Control Joints
If there are Control Joints (aka Expansion Joints) in the substrate, they must be carried through to the surface of the microcement. Dural have a selection of 4mm control joints in a number of different colours.
Again, these will need to be well glued and screwed in place, then flushed out with a suitable filling compound, Joint Filler or Impripox and Quartz Sand.
See the following product installation guides for full installation instructions: