FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
All about microcement
Customers ask – and we provide answers! In order to dispel all doubts related to the properties of the microcement, the way of applying our products, the selection of contractors and the execution of orders, we have collected all frequently asked questions in one place.
I. MICROCEMENT PROPERTIES
1. What is microcement and where can it be used?
→ What is a microcement? Where can it be used? What is the application like?
2. Is microcement resistant to water?
Yes. Thanks to the use of a special polymer, the microcement is in itself resistant to water (remember that this material was created as a protection of ship hulls against corrosion! Read: History of microcements). We obtain additional protection against moisture and dirt by covering the microcement with polyurethane varnish.
→ More information: Is béton ciré plaster water resistant? Can I use it in the bathroom?
3. How to clean microcement?
For daily cleaning, it is enough to use water and a mild detergent. In order to be 100% sure that the cleaning product will not damage the varnish, we recommend you try it in a less visible place before the first use. To be sure that your microcement is well protected you can try our dedicated cleaning agents FESTCleaner and FESTCalc.
→ Read more about microcement care.
4. What is the thickness of the microcement system?
The basic microcement system consists of a primer, 2 microcement layers and a varnish layer. The whole system is about 2-3mm thick.
5. How many layers of microcement need to be placed?
As a standard, we recommend positioning 2 layers of microcement. In exceptional cases, you can put more of them.
6. Is your microcement varnish suitable for contact with food?
Yes. The hardened varnish is 100% safe. It can be used to protect kitchen countertops and even dishes made of architectural concrete.
→ See how to make a concrete cake stand
7. What is the shelf-life of microcement?
The shelf life of microcement is 6 months (products stored in a closed package).
8. Is the microcement floor slippery?
No. The microcement is not slippery. If necessary, the thicker aggregate in the first layer can be used to provide additional anti-slip protection.
9. The client asked me to build a terrarium for a caiman and finish it with microcement – will it be a safe environment for the reptile?
Of course ? Hardened microcement and varnish are safe and resistant to abrasion. They do not fear even the caiman’s claws;)
10. What optics does the microcement sealer have – is it matte or glossy?
Our microcement varnish is available in matte, satin and glossy.
11. What is the difference between Festfloor and Archifest?
Festfloor Life and Festfloor Go! are microcement products – a mix of cement, fine aggregate and advanced polymer that provides very high resistance in a very thin layer. The microcement is used as a finishing layer for floors, wall and furniture.
In turn, Archifest is a decorative / architectural concrete consisting mainly of cement, coarser aggregate and additives. It is used for making casts, eg pots, stools, small architecture elements, furniture, etc.
→ See also: Concrete flower pot – DIY video tutorial
12. What is the difference between FestKontakt and FestGrunt?
Can they be used interchangeably?
FestKontakt is a bonding bridge whose task is to increase the adhesion of microcement to the substrate. It is usually used on slippery surfaces such as tiles. FestGrunt is a primer that levels the absorbency of the substrate. Due to different properties, they should not be used interchangeably.
→ What do you know about priming? Priming for microcement
→ Adhesion promoter: preparation of the substrate for microcement
13. Do you have a white microcement on offer?
Yes, they are: Festfloor Life FL12 White and Festfloor Go! FF9003 Signal white (other shades of white from the RAL and NCS palette are also available).
→ Read also: 400 m² of microcement in an apartment in Madeira. Colors: FF9003, FL12, A house with a white microcement floor. Color: FL12, White microcement – photos , 3 advantages of coloured microcement, 2021 color trends, 2020 color trends
14. What is the difference between one- and two-component microcement?
The traditional microcement is supplied in the form of a two-component – dry mass and liquid polymer, which should be thoroughly mixed with the pigment before the desired color is used.
The one-component microcement is ready to use immediately after opening. It is properly pigmented and has the right consistency. It is therefore much more convenient to use than a two-component product, while retaining all the properties of traditional microcement.
→ Discover the advantages of ready-to-use microcement: Festfloor GO!
→ Festfloor Life or Festfloor Go! – which product should I choose?
15. What effect will I get with the application of Festfloor products?
The effect you get on the floor or wall is an individual matter and results from the experience of the contractor / person performing the microcement. If you are applying the microcement for the first time – make a sample (e.g. on an HDF board, at least 1 × 1 m2) and check what effect comes naturally from your hand.
Remember that a special feature of microcement is its heterogeneous structure. It is never possible to achieve a uniform surface in 100% so as to give the microcement the appearance of floor paint.
If you talk to a potential investor, be sure to show him a sample of your capabilities before starting the work. Each contractor achieves concrete effects differently. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that chafing, burns, visible trowel movements – are the most characteristic of this type of product.
The effects of the artists cooperating with us can be found on our instagram.
→ Find out more: What you need to remember before starting work
→ Find out more: the most common mistakes when making microcement
→ See photos from the implementation with our microcement
16. I don’t know what microcement color to choose, can you help?
Choosing a color is not an easy thing. At the beginning, it is good to see the photos from the implementation and pre-select the color. Then it is worth seeing the color live, e.g. in our showroom at the company’s headquarters. You can also order our color books and/or a test kit.
II. MICROCEMENT APPLICATION
17. Can I install underfloor heating under the microcement floor?
Yes. It should only be remembered that underfloor heating should be started, checked and turned off at least 7 days before the microcement is applied.
→ Discover the Microcement with underfloor heating: how to do it right
18. When should I replace the microcement floor?
The microcement floor is extremely durable and if it has been made on a stable and load-bearing substrate, it does not need to be replaced. In order to refresh the varnish, we recommend using FF Wax microcement wax. In special cases, rooms with very high traffic, if necessary, you can renew the floor by placing a new layer of varnish.
→ Microcement wax, or how to quickly renew a microcement floor
19. I saw in the online store a KIT FOR APPLYING 10M2 OF MICROCEMENT – how many microcement layers is calculated such a kit?
The kit is sufficient for the application of the primer, 2 layers of microcement and 1 coat of sealer.
20. Is microcement and polished concrete the same?
No. Microcement flooring and polished concrete floors are made in different technologies and have different properties. Polished concrete is a floated floor made of industrial concrete (aggregate, cement, water) subjected to grinding, chemical impregnation and polishing. Such a floor is several cm thick and requires expansion joints to reduce the risk of cracking due to shrinkage of concrete. The microcement is a mixture of cement and resins. It is only a few millimeters thick and is very durable. It does not require dilatation and it will not crack.
Familiarize yourself with the exact comparison of these two technologies: Microcement floor vs polished concrete floor – what to choose?
21. Is it possible to cover furniture, door or windowsills with microcement?
Yes. The microcement can be used as a furniture coating – table tops, kitchen cabinets, tables, tables and even doors.
→ Get inspired: Concrete door – door with hidden frame coated with microcement , Concrete and microcement table top and kitchen worktop
22. Is the microcement suitable for covering stairs?
Yes – it is an increasingly popular solution. Before applying the microcement, the steps should be leveled and carefully prepared. There are different ways to do this, e.g. with aluminum profiles or cement boards. If you want to explore the topic, we invite you to regular trainings on the application of microcement on the stairs.
→ Microcement stairs tips [microcement contractor’s guide]
→ Poznań – the Polish capital of microcement stairs. Interview with Tomek Grabarczyk
23. Can I use microcement under the shower?
Yes. The microcement can be used both for the finishing of floors and shower walls, bath tubes and shower trays.
→ Get inspired: Why using microcement and concrete in the bathroom is a great idea, Microcement in the shower and on the walk-in shower base
24. Do you need to use waterproof foil tanking membrane on the wall / floor connection in the shower when applying microcement?
Both the microcement and the protective sealer are resistant to water, but for safety we recommend using waterproof foil tanking membrane – just as in case of tiles, especially if the microcement is made by non-professionals. Microcement layers are very thin and a less experienced contractor can apply the material unevenly creating clearances. The same applies to the application of the sealer.
25. Can I use microcement as a fireplace coating?
Yes. The microcement is resistant to temperature changes and is easy to clean, which is why it is suitable as a coating for the fireplace and walls around.
26. Can the microcement be used outdoors, is it frost-resistant?
Yes. The microcement is resistant to moisture and temperature changes. One should only remember to use a varnish dedicated for outdoor use to protect the last layer of microcement.
→ Read more about how to choose the right microcement varnish that best suits your needs.
→ Microcement, a solution for outdoor surfaces. Microcement outdoors photos. Color: GR2
27. I want to put microcement on the tiles, how to prepare the substrate?
In the case of tiles with deep joints, it is safest to use a bonding bridge (FestKontakt) and a glass fiber mesh. Thanks to such a treatment, we can be sure that the joints will not be visible on the thin microcement layers.
→ Learn more: Why is it better to strengthen the substrate with adhesion promoter and not with epoxy resin, A budget bathroom upgrade: from shameful ’90s tile to a chic microcement [before & after photos], Smart bathroom makeover with microcement over tiles
28. Can I put microcement on the epoxy resin floor?
Yes.
29. Is the microcement suitable for finishing the pool?
Yes. The microcement is resistant to water, durable and resistant to UV radiation, therefore it is perfect for finishing and repairing swimming pools. You just need to remember to apply it on a dry load-bearing surface.
→ Check 5 reasons why you should consider opting for a microcement pool
30. Is there a way to extend the open time of the microcement, e.g. when working in the summer?
Of course. Just use Fest Timer – a microcement retarder.
→ Read/Watch more: Microcement in the summer – how to do it right? Microcement retarder
31. I soon open a cafe / restaurant / store / service premises – is microcement suitable for places with high levels of pedestrian traffic?
Yes. The microcement has a high abrasion resistance and is easy to clean due to the lack of joints.
→ Get inspired: Concrete and microcement in a hair salon – 10 inspiring ideas, Microcement in a restaurant [photos], Microcement floor in a coffeehouse, Pink microcement at the MOD Donuts cafe in Warsaw, Microcement in a clothing store, Microcement floor in a kitchen showroom, Microcement floor in Galeria Detale in Kurów
32. Where can I find product datasheets?
You can find all technical sheets here.
III. IMCROCEMENT INSTALLERS
33. Do you offer microcement application services?
No. As a company, we focus on developing the product and delivering the best microcement solutions for contractors but we do not provide executive services ourselves. Therefore, if you are looking for a contractor, we can recommend trusted microcement installers with whom we work.
→ Learn how to choose a good microcement contractor?
34. How much is a m2 of microcement?
The price of the microcement system in our store ranges from about 13,5EUR to 24 EUR per m2, if there is a need to use additional products, e.g. strengthening the substrate, primer for varnish, etc. The price of microcement installation depends on several factors, including area, level of difficulty of execution, region of the country, experience of the contractor.
35. Contractor postponed the date of the microcement application, explaining that air temperatures are too high, are they right, or they are just stalling?
The contractor is right. The recommended temperature of microcement application is 15-25 degrees C. Above this temperature the microcement binds very quickly, which may hinder or even prevent the correct execution of the wall or floor, but there are a few tricks how to deal with high temperatures…
→ More information on how to avoid errors: The most common mistakes when applying microcement, Beat the heat: microcement application in summer – how to do it right?
36. I’m in a hurry to get my bathroom renovated.
A few days ago I poured a self-leveling screed.
It has long been tied up, but the microcement installers team still wants to wait with the start of work, why?
To properly make a floor made of microcement, the moisture content of the substrate must not exceed 4%. The fresh screed must simply dry. Usually, for every millimeter of the screed thickness, you need to wait one day, eg if the screed is 10 mm thick, it must dry for 10 days. Only after this time the microcement application can be started.
37. Dark streaks appeared on the microcement wall, what did I do wrong?
You probably didn’t mixed up the pigment well enought. We recommend very thorough mixing of pigment or using ready-to-use FestfloorGo! Microcement, which is pre-pigmented and you do not need to add dye to it yourself.
→ More information on how to avoid errors: The most common mistakes when applying microcement
38. How to prepare wall surfaces for microcement?
→ How to prepare walls for microcement application?
39. Are there any special recommendations for grinding Festfloor microcement?
→ How to grind Festfloor microcement? Check if you are doing it right
40. What to pay attention to when sealing microcement?
First of all, it is necessary to choose a varnish appropriate to the conditions, observe the application temperatures, use good quality rollers.
More information:
→ Which microcement varnish should I choose?
→ Don’t make these mistakes when it comes to sealing microcement surfaces!
41. I would like to do self-renovation of the bathroom using microcement – will I can handle it?
Yes ?.
We want our products to be easy to use even for amateurs. We recommend the use of one-component FestfloorGo! Microcement, getting familiar with its technical sheet and instructional videos on our channel, and if you have any questions, please contact us.
→ Read our tips: Microcement wall – DIY
42. I’m to apply 100m2 of microcement floor – what should I pay attention to?
Such an area is a big challenge, which is why we recorded a video in which we explain how to approach such large projects:
→ How to work in team and apply microcement on a large surface? [ video ]
43. Do you organize training for contractors?
Yes! Read what our microcement training looks like and how you can sign up for it.
44. Where can I see projects with Festfloor microcement?
→ Check the addresses of places where you can see Festfloor microcement in Poland.
45. Do you have your own showroom?
Yes. We invite you to our showroom at the company’s headquarters in Pruszków, ul. Żytnia 23, Poland. There you can see e.g. a microcement floor, wall, countertop, bathroom and large-format color samples.
IV. ORDERS AND SHIPPING
46. How long does it take for my order to ship?
Fast shipment of orders is a priority for us, therefore orders are shipped to Poland within 24h and in Europe within 48h. Shipping from Poland to some countries takes longer. If you want to know more details about shipping to your country, please contact us.
47. Do you only sell online?
No. In addition to the online store, our products are available in stationary sales from distributors in Poland and Europe.
48. Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We send to every country in Europe and even outside Europe. Please contact us by email to estimate shipping costs.
49. If you export goods from Poland, do you issue a VAT-free invoice?
Yes. For clients from outside the EU and for EU companies with a European VAT number, we always issue an invoice with a zero VAT rate.
50. Can I return the unused goods?
Yes. Unused goods can be returned provided that they are in an intact, closed packaging within 30 days of purchase. This does not apply to the FestfloorGo! Product, as it is colored for individual orders.
51. Why is it worth being a Festfloor customer?
→ There are lots of reasons! Read: Why is it worth being a Festfloor customer
