Applying Liquid Metals & Polishing

Follow the directions below to mix & apply liquid metals.

The standard consumption for MicroMetals is 5kg for 10m2, one coat.  Expected drying time for MicroMetals is 3 hour and there is no limit on how long you can leave it between coats.  The pot life of MicroMetals is 1-3 hours, so it’s best to mix it in batches.

Mix 5kg MicroDur Fine with 1.5l Metal Resin.

You will need a microcement mixer and a flexible trowel.

Mixing the 1st Coat MicroMicroMetal

You will need 5kg of MicroMetal to complete 1 coats over 10m2.

To mix 1 x 5kg batch, measure 1.5l Metal Resin using a measuring jug.

Pour the Resin into your mixing bucket, and mix in the MicroMetal & mix thoroughly.

Let the mixture rest for a few minutes before applying. Keep a lid on it between coats.

Applying the 1st Coat MicroMetal

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 liquid metal as your level – if you apply it 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.

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.

Applying the 2nd Coat MicroMetal

Mix & apply in exactly the same way that you did the 1st coat.  Take care to fill in any gaps so that you have a good complete coverage across the surface.

Leave to Dry

The microcement & metal needs to be fully dry before you start the polishing process.

Moisture content should be less than 5% before sealer is applied.

The timings below are for guidance only, your microcement may take longer to dry depending on temperature and humidity.

Leave to dry for at least 24 hours.

Polishing the Metal

Work over the whole area with a 320 grit sanding disc on an orbital sander, sand all areas evenly so that you achieve a uniform depth across the area.

The 320 grit will expose the metal, where as subsequent grits will polish the exposed metals. Before moving to the next grit ensure you are happy with the level of cut in your work.

Continue to work up the grits, increasing the speed as you go. The following table shows the relative speed for each of the grits.

320/400 low speed
500/800/1000 medium speed
3000/6000 high speed