The most common mistakes when applying microcement
Although the microcement is a relatively simple and friendly finishing system, installers still sometimes make mistakes. The mistakes mainly result from carelessness, lack of organization and excessive optimism while agreeing the deadlines with investors. Below we describe the most common mistakes when applying microcement clients complain about and that we observe.
Working with too low or too high air temperature
The optimum temperature for working with a microcement system is 15-25 Celsius degrees. Outside this range, problems may arise – during summer heat, when the temperatures reach +30 C degrees, the material bonds very quickly, it can even bond just after mixing it and before it is applied on the wall, in turn at too low temperatures, the microcement will not bond at all or the bonding process will be very long.
That is why it is best to postpone works until the weather conditions will be more favourable and if it is impossible, use following tricks:
– store the packaging with microcement in a cool place, eg in a basement, and even leave it overnight before starting work in the refrigerator. Under no circumstances can you keep the material for construction in a heated car, which is often disregarded by novice contractors.
– start work early in the morning when it is relatively cold
– cool the room in the summer using a portable air conditioner, and in the winter warm the room with a turret.
-use Fest Timer microcement retarder.
Read more: Beat the heat: microcement application in summer – how to do it right?
Inaccurate mixing of the pigment
The liquid pigment included to the microcement system kit should be thoroughly mixed with the polymer, and only then dry mass should be added. Careful mixing of pigment is crucial to obtain a uniform color, otherwise the dark streaks will appear on the wall as in the pictures:
Mixing the mixture in parts
Before applying the layer of material, it is necessary to prepare the appropriate amount, so that it is enough for the entire applied surface. If you’re short on material and you will make it up, there is a high risk that the part to be made will have a different shade than the previously prepared mixture, which will not necessarily appeal to the investor.
Applying material to the already dried layer
The layer must be applied in one go wet-on-wet. By adding another layer to the bonded material, we will obtain the effect of cow pies visible in the picture below ?.
Inappropriate protection of the floor and other surfaces
In the case of new apartments or thorough renovations, microcement is best done as one of the first finishing works, before laying tiles and strips, before painting. In the case of a small renovation, for example when we want to finish the wall with a microcement in the bathroom while maintaining existing tiles on the floor it is extremely important to adequately protect the floor and fittings.
Do not save on painting tapes and protective paper. We strongly advise against foil and the cheapest tapes. The foil is tearing, the tapes peel off and it is not difficult to get the floor dirty. Remember that the bonded microcement can be removed only with the use of a grinder and so it will leave traces. All stains must be removed immediately before the mortar bonds.
Mess and poor organization on the construction site
One of the more frequent mistakes when making microcement is the lack of care for cleanliness and order at the construction site. Using dirty tools (eg trowel with dried material) results in obtaining an unsightly texture on the surface, untreated debris and dust settle on the floor and wall during sealing, and the use of cheap or old paint rollers for sealing result in fibers spoil the whole effect. When we add to the above general poor organization of work, for example, ordering materials for the last minute – that’s just a recipe for disaster.
Would you like with microcement yourself avoiding mistakes? Read our tips , technical notes and follow our YouTube channel, where we publish instructional videos, such as this one (English subtitles available):