Applying MicroDur Base

Follow the directions below to apply the MicroDur Base.  Make sure you don’t add colour to the MicroDur Base for your 1st base coat.  This will help to make the final colour more accurate.

The standard consumption for MicroDur Base is 10kg for 10m2, one coat.  You can expect the 1st coat of MicroDur Base to be dry enough to take a 2nd coat  within 3 hours. There is no limit on how long you can leave it between 1st & 2nd base coats.  The pot life of MicroDur is 1-3 hours, so it’s best to mix it in batches.

Mix 10kg MicroDur Base with 2.5-3l Water.

You will need a microcement mixer and a flexible trowel.

Mixing 1st Coat MicroDur Base

You will need 10kg of MicroDur Base to complete 1 coat over 10m2. Split your MicroDur Base into equal batches of 10kg. The following table shows how many batches you will need to mix to complete the 1st coat.

10m2 Kit = 1 x 10kg Batches of MicroDur Base
20m2 Kit = 2 x 10kg Batches of MicroDur Base
30m2 Kit = 3 x 10kg Batches of MicroDur Base
40m2 Kit = 4 x 10kg Batches of MicroDur Base

Mix no more than 20kg at a time.

For each batch, measure 2.5l – 3.0l Water using a measuring jug.

Pour the water into your mixing bucket, followed by 10kg MicroDur Base.

Mix thoroughly with a microcement mixer head attachment on a cordless drill. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes before applying.

Mixing Smaller Batches

You will need 1kg MicroDur Base per m2 per coat & 500g Top Coat per m2 per coat. So for 2 x base coats & 2 x top coats, you’ll need 2kg Base Coat & 1kg Top Coat.

The best way to split the colour for MicroDur Base, Medium or Fine is to measure out the full amount of water for 10kg microcement & then add the colour for 10kg Microcement to it. Make sure you get all the colour out of the bottle and stir it in well.

Then you can take the amount of water that you need for each kg & be confident that the colour will be consistent across all the batches.

Applying 1st Coat MicroDur Base

Using a Microcement Trowel, work your way out from one corner creating a random edge pattern. Keep trowel movements small and random, avoid long sweeping arches – as these will show through to your final finish.

Use the grain in the microcement as your level – if you apply the microcement thicker than the size of the grain, the finish won’t be as strong and will require a lot more sanding. Run the trowel back over each section that you have put down to smooth it out and remove excess product.

Completely cover each surface without stopping. For complete rooms, start with ceilings, then walls from left to right (or right to left) and then the floor.

Run your finger or a corner trowel along internal corners to push the microcement into the corner and then gently trowel away the excess product.

Large Floor Areas

For large floor areas, you may find it quicker to use a Squeegee Trowel to apply your 1st base coat.

If you choose to do this, use 3l water per 10kg MicroDur Base.

Pour the Microcement along the width of the room and use the Squeegee to flatten it out over the floor so that it is no thicker than the grain in all areas.

Complete around a metre before wiping the excess off the trowel and going back over the area to remove any raised lines & remove any excess product, before moving onto the next section.

Mixing 2nd Coat MicroDur Base

You will need the same number of batches that you used for your 1st coat.

For each batch, measure 2.5l – 3.0l Water using a measuring jug.

Pour the water into your mixing bucket, and mix in the Colour for 10kg MicroDur Base. Use the water to rinse out all of the colour from the bottle – to avoid colour variation between batches. Add 10kg MicroDur Base and mix thoroughly.

Let the mixture rest for a few minutes before applying.

Applying 2nd Coat MicroDur Base

Apply the 2nd Coat of MicroDur Base in exactly the same way as the 1st coat.

Leave to Dry

This should take around 3 hours if you are applying another coat of MicroDur on top. If your next coat is Microne, leave for 24 hours until completely dry.

Drying times may vary depending on temperature and humidity.

Sand with 40/80 Grit Sand Paper

Once the base coats are dry and before you apply your Top Coats, you need to make sure the Base Coats are completely flat.  Use a strong sand paper, like Silicone Carbide, to prevent colour from the sand paper transfering to your work.

Flatten the MicroDur Base with a 40 or 80 grit sand paper. An orbital sander is ideal, but, for smaller areas, you can do it by hand.  And for larger areas you may prefer to use a floor sander.

Use the sand paper to remove ridges and drips that have dried in the microcement.

The top coats are very thin so any ridges or imperfections in the base coats will be visible in the top coats.  Take your time to get it completely flat before moving on to the next step.

Vacuum the surface to remove all dust and debris. Do not wet the microcement.

Microcement Sanding Discs are available from Relentless Microcement.