Applying MicroRock Base

Follow the directions below to apply the MicroRock Base.  Make sure you use the Base Coat without Colour as this will help to make the final colour more accurate.

The standard consumption for MicroRock Base is 10kg for 10m2, one coat.

Expected drying time for Micro Rock Base is 3 hour and there is no limit on how long you can leave it between coats.  The pot life for MicroRock is 45 minutes – 1 hours, so it’s best to mix it in batches.

Mix 1l Comp B with 10kg MicroRock Base.

You will need a microcement mixer and a flexible trowel.

Mixing the MicroRock with Comp B

You will need 10kg per 10m2 for 1 coat of MicroRock Base.

Mix the Comp B into the MicroRock at a ratio of 10kg MicroRock : 1l MicroRock Hardener.

Once mixed, you will have around 45 minutes to work with it, depending on the conditions, so you may want to mix it in smaller batches until you get a feel for it.

Applying 1st Coat MicroRock 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 MicroRock Base

We have added the colour to the tubs but not mixed it in.  The colour is at the bottom of the tub so when you open the tub, it may look like there’s no colour in there at all.  But when you start mixing, it will gradually change colour to the one you have chosen.

Unlike the Top Coats, the colour for Base Coats is not an accurate match to the swatch, it’s just enough to take it in the right direction before Top Coats are applied.

When you are ready to apply, mix MicroRock Comp B into the MicroRock at a ratio of 10kg MicroRock : 1l MicroRock Comp B.

Once mixed, you will have around 45 minutes to work with it, depending on the conditions, so you may want to mix it in smaller batches until you get a feel for it.

Applying the 2nd Coat MicroRock Base

Again, this coat needs to be applied thinly.  Use exactly the same technique as you did with the 1st coat of MicroRock Medium.

Leave to Dry

Drying time will vary depending on temperature and ventilation.  We would expect it to be dry enough to take another of MicroRock within 3 hours.

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.  You need to use a strong sand paper, like Silicone Carbide, to prevent colour from the disc transfering to your work.

Flatten the MicroRock Base with a 40 or 80 grit sand paper. An orbital sander is ideal, but, for smaller areas, you can do it by hand.  Or for large floor 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.

We stock a range of Microcement Sanding Discs on our website.