Caring for Microcement Surfaces

Special Care for the First 28 Days

Microcement & Microcement Sealers harden over time.  They’re most delicate for the 1^st few days and weeks. They slowly strengthen as time goes on, until they reach close to full strength at around 28 days.

The stated curing times may vary depending on conditions.  These table below shows  how to care for new microcement surfaces over the first 28 days, with approximate timings:

0-12 Hours After Final Seal

• The final coat of sealer is still tacky
• Do not touch under any circumstances
• Close doors to avoid dust or fluff settling into the wet sealer

3  – 14 Days After Final Seal, Advice for Home Owners

• You can gently start to use the microcement surfaces
• Walk on floors in socks or barefoot
• You can use showers & sinks
• Don’t leave anything resting on the surfaces
• No heavy or wet items left on surfaces
• No shampoo bottles left in wet areas
• Avoid spills
• Clean up spills quickly to avoid stains

3  – 14 Days After Final Seal, Advice for Microcement Installers

• You can carefully start to install fittings
• Protect surfaces whilst working, but do not restrict airflow
• Use breathable surface protectors when working
• No covering down materials left on surface overnight
• Don’t leave anything resting on the surfaces
• Don’t leave anything resting on the surfaces
• No heavy or wet items left on surfaces
• Avoid spills
• Clean up spills quickly to avoid stains

14 – 28 Days After Final Seal

• You can now use the microcement surfaces more normally
• You can move furniture into the space
• Always lift and place heavy items rather than dragging them across the surface

General Care for Microcement Surfaces

Now that you’re over the first month, you can relax and enjoy your new microcement surface.  Microcement is strong, durable and waterproof, so you can treat it like you would treat any other surface finish.

Here our guidelines for keeping your microcement surface in excellent condition for years to come:

Cleaning

• Regular cleaning with pH neutral cleaning products
• Steam cleaners can be used on all floors excluding Microdur surfaces
• Bleach & mould cleaner can be used for occasional deep cleans but always neutralise once cleaning is complete
• Do not regularly clean microcement surfaces with aggressive or descaling products

Maintenance

• Use Cemher Floor Protect every 2 -3 months to protect you microcement and to help build up the sealers
• Reseal surfaces only if they begin to look tired, or if water leaves a mark on the surface

Heavy Items

• No dragging heavy objects across the surface
• No dropping heavy objects onto the surface
• Lift furniture rather than dragging it
• Use lids or felt pads to protect flooring from pressure points or abrasive surfaces

Avoid Stains

• Do not leave spills on the surface for prolonged time periods
• Do not leave products containing dyes, turmeric or rubber on the surface for more than 15 minutes
• Acidic & alkaline products can start to wear down the sealers if left for prolonged time periods
• If water stains appear at any time, let the stain dry out & reseal immediately
• Stains may become permanent if not treated quickly

Avoid Prolonged Water Exposure

• Do not leave wet items including; towels, plant pots, wet shampoo bottles etc. in direct, prolonged contact with microcement surfaces