To prepare a substrate for microcement, make it stable, clean, dry, level, and free from dust, grease, loose material, and movement. Repair cracks and surface defects, address moisture or structural issues, then apply the primer and reinforcement specified for the substrate and microcement system. Preparation is not the same for every floor, wall, tile, or board, so confirm the requirements in the system’s technical data sheets before work begins. A well-prepared base gives the coating a more consistent surface to bond to, but it cannot compensate for a substrate that is damp, unstable, or still moving.
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Start by determining what the microcement will be applied over: for example, a cement-based screed, concrete, plaster, tile, or a suitable board. The material matters because it affects adhesion, moisture behavior, preparation products, and the risk of movement. Record any existing coatings, repairs, cracks, hollow-sounding areas, or signs of water ingress before deciding how to proceed.
Check that the surface is stable and that existing layers are firmly attached. A loose tile, flaking paint, weak plaster, or friable screed should not simply be covered with another layer. Remove or repair unsound material using a method and product compatible with the substrate and the microcement system.
Assess whether the substrate is dry enough for the selected system using a measurement method appropriate to its material. Do not rely on appearance alone: a surface can look dry while retaining moisture below the surface. Follow the microcement and primer manufacturers’ stated moisture limits, and investigate the source of any dampness before coating.
Look for cracks, joints, deflection, and changes between different substrate materials. Microcement is a thin decorative finish, not a structural repair layer, so movement in the base can show through or damage the finished surface. Check flatness against the project specification and the chosen system’s guidance; there is no single tolerance that applies to every substrate and installation.
Remove dust, grease, wax, soap residue, curing compounds, and other substances that could interfere with adhesion. Depending on the substrate and the contaminant, preparation may include washing, mechanical abrasion, scraping, or removing an existing coating. Use a method suitable for the material, and avoid leaving cleaning residue behind.
Vacuum the surface thoroughly after mechanical preparation. Do not apply primer over loose dust or debris, as these can form a weak layer between the substrate and the coating system. If cleaning introduces moisture, allow the substrate to dry fully and recheck it before continuing.
Fill surface defects with a repair compound that is compatible with both the substrate and the microcement system. Repairing a crack means addressing the cause and choosing a suitable detail, not only hiding the line beneath filler. Structural cracks, recurring cracks, or joints that accommodate movement may need assessment or a designed movement-joint solution.
Level high and low areas as needed before applying the decorative finish. Because many microcement systems have a thin overall build—often around 2–3 mm, depending on the product and specification—the finish should not be expected to correct substantial unevenness. Confirm the required base quality and build-up with the system supplier before starting.
Choose primer according to the substrate and follow the system’s instructions for application, coverage, and drying. A porous cement surface, a dense tile surface, and a board substrate may require different preparation. Do not assume that one primer is suitable for every material, or substitute a product without confirming compatibility.
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Some systems call for reinforcement mesh or another reinforcement layer, particularly where the substrate changes material or where the system instructions specify it. Install these layers as directed, avoiding wrinkles, gaps, or overlaps that conflict with the product guidance. Reinforcement can support the system as designed, but it does not remove the need to address substrate instability or active movement.
Before applying microcement, check that the prepared surface is clean, sound, and within the system’s moisture and environmental limits. Follow the manufacturer’s stated drying or curing times for primer and repair materials; these vary by product, substrate, and site conditions. For example, a stated waiting time of 24 hours should be treated as product-specific guidance, not a universal rule.
Record relevant site conditions, including temperature in °C and relative humidity in %, if required by the product instructions or project quality plan. For instance, noting a measured temperature of 20°C and relative humidity of 60% documents actual conditions; it does not, by itself, prove that the substrate is ready. Use the system’s published acceptance criteria to decide whether work can proceed.
Check that concrete or screed is sufficiently cured, firm, clean, and within the specified moisture limits. Remove laitance, weak surface material, and contamination using an appropriate method. Repair cracks and level defects before priming, and preserve any movement joints required by the underlying construction or system design.
Inspect tiles for movement, cracks, and hollow areas, and remove or repair unstable sections. Clean away grease, soap, and surface treatments, then prepare the tile surface and use a primer or bonding layer approved for dense, non-porous materials. Grout lines and tile edges may need filling or reinforcement according to the microcement manufacturer’s instructions.
Confirm that plaster is solid, dry, and not chalking or flaking. For boards, check that the board type, fixings, joints, and support structure are suitable for the intended finish and environment. Use the specified joint treatment and reinforcement; do not apply microcement over a flexible or poorly supported surface unless the system is designed for it.
For a project team, a simple substrate checklist can prevent avoidable rework. Record the substrate type, repairs completed, moisture-check method and result, primer used, and site conditions relevant to the system. Photographing the base before coating can also support communication between installers, contractors, and material suppliers.
When sourcing a microcement system, ask the supplier for substrate-specific preparation instructions, compatible primers and repair materials, reinforcement requirements, and stated acceptance criteria. Confirm how the system handles transitions, joints, wet areas, and existing tile, where relevant to your project. Vanlei can discuss product options and technical documentation for B2B projects; provide the substrate type, application area, and site conditions so the team can help identify the information you need.
The reliable way to prepare a substrate for microcement is to identify it, confirm that it is sound and dry, remove contaminants, repair defects, and apply the specified primer and reinforcement. Then verify that the prepared base meets the selected system’s requirements before coating. Do not treat a general checklist as a substitute for product-specific instructions, especially for moisture limits, drying times, and substrate compatibility.
Your next step is to document the substrate and its condition, then review the preparation requirements with the microcement supplier or installer before purchasing materials. This helps align the coating system with the actual site and reduces the risk of preventable adhesion or finish problems.
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