Preparing Wall Tiles for Microcement

Watch the video below for a step by step guide showing how to prepare wall tiles in advance of applying microcement. Richie explains what you should be looking out for and demonstrates how to flush out grout lines before sanding them to give a smooth surface.

The following prep & conditions apply to preparing wall tiles for microcement:

Well Consolidated and Flat
Make sure tiles aren’t drummy or loose. Take out any which are & relay them. The surface must be completely flat.

As with all surfaces, microcement will follow the contours of the substrate it is going onto. If a lot of the tiles are loose or uneven, it may be better to remove them. If they are fixed firmly in place but uneven, you could consider self levelling over them to flatten off – follow manufacturer’s recommendations for applying the leveller over tiles.

Clean Tiles & Give them a Key
The tiles must be clean and free from dirt, dust and grease. Grout lines must also be clean and free from moisture. Ideally, run an abrasive sander over the surface to ensure the primer achieves good adhesion with the surface.

Fill the Grout Lines with Microcement Base Coat. Fill the grout lines with Microcement Base Coat so that they are flush with the tiles.

IMPORTANT: Leave until dry, minimum 24 hours. If the Microcement Base Coat isn’t completely dry, the grout lines may ghost through the microcement and be visible in the finish.