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Microcement and Plater Instructions

Microcement Installation Guide

Read completely before beginning. Keep for reference and maintenance.

Coverage
100–150 sq ft / gallon
Working time
20–30 min / batch
Light traffic
24 hours
Application temp
50°F–80°F

What's in the Box

  1. Bonding Primer, Step 01
  2. Coarse Base Powder, Step 2A
  3. Fine Finish Powder, Step 2B (optional)
  4. Urethane Sealer, Step 03. Choose one: MCU Gloss or Diamond Satin Urethane (3 qt, 2-part kit)
You'll also need:
Clean water (potable), drill with mixing paddle, clean 5-gal bucket, stainless steel trowel, plastic or Japanese trowel, 220-grit and 400-grit sanding pads, ¼" nap microfiber rollers, ¼" mohair blend roller (for sealer), painter's tape, clean rags, nitrile gloves, dust mask, safety glasses.

Before You Start

  • Substrate must be clean, dry, structurally sound, and free of grease, wax, sealers, or loose material. Concrete should be cured at least 28 days. Plywood subfloors: ¾" minimum, screwed (not nailed), seams taped.
  • Temperature: apply between 50°F and 80°F. Do not apply if rain or freezing temps are expected within 24 hours.
  • Test a small area first if substrate condition is uncertain.
  • Tape off adjacent surfaces. Microcement bonds aggressively and is difficult to remove once cured.
STEP 01Bonding Primer
  1. Stir primer for 1 to 2 min (do not shake).
  2. Apply one even coat with a ¼" nap microfiber roller. Do not pool.
  3. Dry time: 2–4 hours (touch dry) before Step 2A.
  4. Surface should feel slightly tacky, not wet.
Coverage: ~200 sq ft per quart
STEP 2ACoarse Base
Mix ratio: Coarse Base Powder to clean water, as marked on the label. Confirm before mixing.
  1. Pour water into bucket first, then slowly add powder while mixing on low speed.
  2. Mix 2 to 3 min until lump-free, the consistency of thick yogurt.
  3. Let slake 2 min, then remix briefly.
  4. Coat 1: spread thin (~1mm) with stainless trowel. Cover fully. This is a build coat, not a finish coat.
  5. Dry 2–4 hours, then sand lightly with 220-grit to knock down ridges. Vacuum dust.
  6. Coat 2: same technique, working the trowel in varied directions for the cloudy, organic microcement look.
  7. Dry 4–6 hours, sand with 220-grit, vacuum.

Working time per batch: 20 to 30 min. Mix only what you can apply in that window.

Coverage: 100–150 sq ft per gallon
STEP 2BFine Finish (optional)
Mix ratio: Fine Finish Powder to clean water, as marked on the label. Mix fresh, do not reuse leftover Coarse Base mix.
  1. Mix a fresh batch using the Fine Finish Powder and clean water.
  2. Coat 1: apply very thin, almost a skim. This sets the final texture and color depth.
  3. Dry 4–6 hours, then sand with 400-grit for a smoother finish or 220-grit for more texture. Vacuum and wipe with damp microfiber to remove all dust.
  4. Coat 2 (optional, recommended): apply a second Fine Finish coat. Your choice of trowel determines the final look:
    • Plastic trowel: a soft, matte finish.
    • Stainless steel trowel: a tight, highly reflective, polished finish. Use firm, even pressure and long overlapping strokes.
  5. Dry overnight (12+ hours) before sealing. Vacuum and wipe with damp microfiber to remove all dust.
Coverage: 100–150 sq ft per gallon
STEP 03Urethane Sealer (choose one)
Before sealing (either option): Confirm the microcement is fully dry and dust-free. Vacuum thoroughly, wipe with a damp microfiber, and let dry completely. Surface, air, and material temperature must be between 50°F and 80°F. Do not apply on damp substrate or in extreme humidity.
Option 1: MCU Gloss
Single-component moisture cure. High gloss, glassy finish.
  1. Do not mix with anything, thin, or use a power mixer. Moisture in the air cures it, so any open container will harden.
  2. Pour out only what you can apply within 30 min, then reseal the container right away. Stir gently by hand for 10 to 15 seconds. Do not whip.
  3. Coat 1: ¼" mohair roller in ~4' x 4' sections. Roll on at an angle, then back-roll. Keep a wet edge. Do not puddle.
  4. Dry 4–6 hours to tack free. Recoat within the 6 to 16 hour window. Past 24 hours, scuff with 60–120 grit, vacuum, rinse, and dry first.
  5. Coat 2: apply the same way. Store leftover in an airtight metal can with minimal air space.
Coverage: 200–350 sq ft per gallon
Option 2: Diamond Satin Urethane
Two-part, 3 qt kit. Soft, low-sheen satin finish.
  1. Bring Part A and Part B to room temperature before use.
  2. Mix 2 parts A to 1 part B. Stir 2 to 3 min with a stir stick or drill on low, scraping the sides and bottom.
  3. Mix only what you can apply within 2–4 hours (pot life). Mixed material cannot be saved.
  4. Coat 1: ¼" mohair roller, thin and even. Cross-roll to keep the sheen consistent. Keep a wet edge.
  5. Dry 6–12 hours to tack free. Recoat within 8 to 24 hours. Past that, scuff with 400-grit, vacuum, and wipe clean.
  6. Coat 2: apply the same way.
Coverage: 250–400 sq ft per gallon (3 qt kit ≈ 200–300 sq ft)

Cure Times

Stage Time after final sealer coat
Tack free 4–6 hours
Light foot traffic 10–18 hours
Heavy traffic 24–36 hours
Full chemical & abrasion resistance 7–14 days

Times shown are for MCU Gloss. Diamond Satin Urethane runs a little longer, so allow extra time before traffic. For wheel traffic areas, allow a minimum 10–12 days cure before use.

Care & Maintenance

  • Clean with a pH-neutral cleaner and microfiber. No bleach, no acidic cleaners, no abrasive pads.
  • Reseal every 3–5 years for high-traffic floors; 7–10 years for walls and low-use areas.

Troubleshooting

Problem Fix
Cracks in base coat Applied too thick, or substrate moved. Sand out and re-skim.
Trowel marks too sharp Sand with 220-grit and re-skim with a thinner pass.
Sealer bubbles or hazing Applied too thick, or temperature/humidity out of range. Scuff and recoat lightly.
Color uneven Normal for microcement, that's the look. If extreme, an additional finish coat evens it out.
Safety. Wear gloves, dust mask, and eye protection. Wash powder tools immediately with water before product cures. For MCU sealer, clean tools with acetone or MEK. Diamond Satin Urethane is flammable: keep away from flames, sparks, and pilot lights, and clean tools with acetone or xylene. Once cured, removal is mechanical only. Block HVAC ducts and ventilate during and after sealer application. See SDS sheets for full hazard information. Keep out of reach of children.

Questions or troubleshooting? Call 970-639-9338