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Microcement and Moisture

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Microcement and Humidity

How Does Microcement React to Humidity?

MICROCEMENT HUMIDITY – One of the biggest problems we can face with microcement is humidity. Despite the fact that the microcement that we use in CimentStudio is waterproof, we must be careful with humidity. Although it seems contradictory, we are going to explain ourselves.

Is there a problem with applying the microcement in a damp area like a shower? Definitely not. Microcement, if it is of quality and is well applied, will last us for many years in any room at home, or at a business premises.

The problem of humidity comes from when it comes from the surface where the micro is applied. One of the most common cases we face is capillary humidity, very common in old houses. Our advice is to always repair it before applying microcement, without applying any intermediate solution. Ask us to see possible solutions if you think you may have this problem.

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Other Problems

In addition to capillary moisture, another problem we usually deal with is the application of microcement on layers that have not fully cured. Any surface that contains cement and that has been recently worked must be completely cured before applying our micro.

The curing time of concrete is usually 28 days. Let us bear in mind that with the microcement and later with the varnish layer, we create a vapor barrier on the applied surface. So if the concrete is not fully cured, the water will tend to evaporate and as the microcement is present, it will push it to try to rise to the surface.

This can cause stains, cracks, and other defects that will ruin the application.

Environmental humidity must also be controlled at the time of application. The reason is that the drying times will be extended, and we must take this into account when applying the successive layers. If we are applying layers without them being completely dry, the system will not achieve the necessary hardness and the problems will come from poor execution.

For more information, visit our CimentStudio website and discover the options available to you.

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The Worst Microcement Applicator

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The Worst Microcement Applicator

How should a Microcement applicator be? Today we will see what an applicator has to be considered a bad professional and what problems it has. We will see what is the reason for the bad reputation that microcement has acquired in recent times. How is the worst microcement applicator?

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Lack of experience

The biggest problem when applying microcement is lack of experience. In recent years, and given the boom in this material, many professionals from other sectors have dared to apply it, without having the necessary resources. Many painters or masons have applied it as part of a reform or rehabilitation of a home, the results of which have mostly been negative.

This lack of professionalism has caused many people to consider microcement as a delicate material and one that causes many problems.

Against this fame, companies like ours, CimentStudio, have to fight to show that microcement is a resistant material that, if properly applied, does not cause any kind of problem.

Therefore, the problems that a bad microcement applicator would present would be:

  • Do not wait for drying times: This causes the different layers not to dry, remaining moisture retained that at some point will try to come to the surface. The stains that are seen in bad applications may be due to this reason.
  • Not performing all the steps: In some cases we have seen that in some applications steps such as priming or applying fewer layers of polyurethane than necessary have been skipped.

Lack of professionalism

  • Incorrect sanding: Sanding is an extremely important step in the result of an application. It should be sanded in circles trying to even all the surfaces to avoid that some of them are lighter than others.
  • Trowel management: A bad applicator will not control the trowel passes that must be made for each section. This fact can cause the different areas to dry at different speeds, causing changes in tone and being clearer in those areas with more trowel passes.
  • Reworks: the lack of experience can lead to having to undertake reworks in different areas. Rework without much experience will always be noticed, and it will be a source of defects in the final finish.
  • Polyurethane roller: A bad microcement applicator will also not pay attention to the application of the polyurethane, being able to leave marks from the roller that will be very visible after light, especially in dark colors.

 

At CimentStudio we are motivated by the fact that we demonstrate every day that microcement is the material of the future, and that the bad reputation it still has is just that, a bad reputation. Follow us on our homepage to see more about microcement.

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Microcement Maintenance

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Microcement Maintenance

What is the maintenance of the microcement?

MICROCEMENT MAINTENANCE – One of the most common questions our clients ask us is whether the microcement needs a lot of maintenance. More than maintenance, what the microcement really needs are a series of care, especially during the first weeks. Microcement is made up of a series of compounds that fully cure approximately 30 days after application, hence the precautions that must be taken at the beginning.

Once it is cured, its maintenance is based on cleaning with a neutral soap and water. Optionally, a layer of protective varnish can be applied every 4 or 5 years, although this is something that with good use should not be necessary.

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First Weeks

During the first week of applying the microcement it is strictly necessary to take all possible care. Avoid doing any type of work on its surface. In addition, any type of liquid spillage must be avoided. Uncured material may absorb water and become stained. Therefore, it should not be cleaned with water, and it should not be covered with cardboard that makes it difficult to dry.

From the first week we could proceed to clean it with water. Although it is necessary to continue to be extremely careful that any object impacts on its surface.

From the First Month

Once the microcement is applied for a month, it can be considered that its curing is finished. The care that we must take is the same as that of a parquet or marble. Avoid dragging furniture, avoid heavy objects falling …

Maintenance would be based on the application of an acrylic wax if it seems that the microcement has lost its shine. The wax would be applied after cleaning with an anti-grease detergent. As previously mentioned, after the years, a layer of polyurethane can be reapplied so that the microcement can be perfectly cleaned again.

Contact with strong solvents must be avoided, and if used, they must be dissolved in water. Taking care of it as a parquet would take care of, the microcement will last many years in perfect condition.

For more information, visit our CimentStudio website to see all the possibilities that you have at your fingertips.

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3 Advantages of Microcement Flooring

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Microcement Floor

Advantages of Microcement Flooring

MICROCEMENT FLOOR – When it comes to reforming a house, or in new construction when choosing the floor, it is when we consider what type of floor to use. The most common option in recent years has been the use of porcelain. Among its advantages, the hardness it provides makes it a good option. The most common options would also be the use of laminate flooring, and already in a slightly higher price range parquet and marble. But there is another option that has become popular lately, the use of microcement.

Although many people advise against it due to bad experiences they have heard, it is a very good option. Most of the bad experiences that occur and have occurred with microcement, not only on the floor, but also on walls, are due to a bad application. Microcement is a technical coating that requires experience and knowledge to apply it with full guarantee. Unfortunately, given the popularity of the system, there are professionals from other sectors who dare to apply it. The result is often catastrophic.

Repairing a surface with poorly applied microcement will take time and money, which could be saved by hiring professionals who can demonstrate experience. A well-applied surface can last for many years while maintaining the naturalness of the first day.

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Continuous Pavement

One of the great advantages of microcement is that it is a continuous pavement. There is nothing similar in the market for the home that achieves that continuity. It does not need expansion joints, since it does not expand or contract due to temperature.

It is possible to cover the entire surface of a house with microcement without the need for a single joint. This will help to give it a significant roomy effect. Without mentioning, the advantages that are achieved in relation to hygiene. As there are no gaskets, dirt will not get embedded in them, making cleaning much more effective.

Resistant and Decorative Pavement

Another of the great advantages of microcement is its resistance. Although it is less than a porcelain tile, its resistance to bumps and scratches is very high, with a minimum of care it will make a floor look like the first day for a long time.

We must not forget another of its advantages, and that is the aesthetic change it provides to any room. Today, architects are looking for naturalness in each of the objects that decorate homes, and microcement provides another step in this search. Microcement is a material made up mostly of aggregates that is installed in a traditional way, hence its touch and appearance are so similar to those of a stone. Easily pigmentable in any color, microcement manages to reconvert rooms into natural and unique spaces.

At CimentStudio we have been specialists for more than 10 years. Visit our CimentStudio website to see all the possibilities you have at your fingertips.

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Importance of Light in Microcement

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Importance of Light in Microcement

Microcement lighting

MICROCEMENT LIGHTING – As microcement applicators we find ourselves in situations that help us understand the sensations of our clients. One of them is the difference in perception of colors. Everyone sees the tones differently, and the combinations can end up being complicated.

Dark colors are often chosen for a microcement application, seeking their contrast with light surfaces. But on other occasions, light colors are sought that continue with tones similar to those that already exist. In both situations we can find ourselves in trouble, since the reflection in the microcement will be different from that which occurs in ceramics or other surfaces that exist nearby.

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Darker

In most cases, the feeling once the microcement is applied is that it is darker than what is seen in the sample. As mentioned above, if the sample has been tried to match the color of a tile, it is very possible that once applied, it will give us the feeling that the microcement is darker.

There are two possible solutions that we usually give our clients. The first of them is to choose a lighter tone than the one you are looking for, if it is the case that it is in contact with a surface of that same color. This solution is applicable for those areas with sufficient lighting.

Increase Lighting

The other possible solution to achieve the tone we envision is to improve the lighting. Faced with the challenge of improving the lighting of a room in order to better highlight the color of the microcement, we must decide the type of light. It can be warm or cold light, and depending on the color that has been chosen for the microcement there will be an ideal color to highlight all its naturalness.

The other factor that will have to be decided is the amount of lighting to install. Obviously this will depend on the room in which you are working, but from our experience, the greater the light, the greater the beauty of the microcement surface.

At CimentStudio we are specialists in microcement and we will advise you on the best solution for the renovation of your home. Visit our CimentStudio website to see all the options you have at your fingertips.

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Microcement Experiences

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Microcement Experiences

Experiences of Our Clients

MICROCEMENT EXPERIENCES – As CimentStudio we have met a multitude of clients and the only point in common could be to look for something different. Mainly, our type of client is two, the private client and the professional. The private client is basically looking for practicality or aesthetics, since on some occasions he has not seen the results of the microcement in person.

When we talk about practicality, we refer above all to the elimination of joints in the entire floor or walls. It is the best solution to achieve a 100% easy-to-clean surface. Aesthetically, the fact of dispensing with tiles also brings that freshness to not-so-seen surfaces. Some choose the combination of tiles with microcement. The latter, when they try microcement, many times regret not having done everything with this material. The easy cleaning and its natural touch is incomparable with any other material.

As for our professional clients, they are basically decorators and architects. They are usually clients who are looking for a natural finish in their projects and who are up to date with the latest trends in decoration. Looking for that naturalness, they combine microcement with wood, glass or stone. All are elements that have a very pure touch and come from sustainable materials.

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Opinions of Our Clients

Once the microcement is installed, the experience of all our clients so far has been very positive. Most have managed to carry out reforms without cumbersome works, achieving a highly decorative finish. As for color, everyone has managed to find the perfect color they were looking for. Being a pigmented mass, any color can be achieved to suit the room.

Ciment Studio is a professional team with great experience in the installation of decorative continuous coating, our clients trust us and repeat hiring our services. The detail and the guarantee of a perfect finish is our hallmark. Ask us for information without obligation, we will advise you on the best application of microcement in your project.

Learn more about us on our CimentStudio website.

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Drywall and Microcement: a Great Team

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Drywall and Microcement

Drywall and Microcement: a Great Combination

DRYWALL AND MICROCEMENT – The plasterboard is a material that has increased its use in recent years. It is a product that is soundproof, resistant to fire and insulates from extreme temperatures. Its acoustic and thermal insulation, to which we have to add that it is easy to install and barely leaves dirt, is the reason for its use in renovations and decoration.

Nowadays, with so many renovations taking place anywhere in the world, it is logical that plasterboard and microcement have become a great combination. They are widely used in commercial premises, apartments, home renovations, offices, etc. With plasterboard a quick installation of the distribution is achieved and with microcement the natural coating that so many decorators are looking for today is achieved.

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Application of Microcement on Drywall

It is important that the microcement installer be an experienced professional. When placing this coating on plasterboard panels we have to be careful with the absorption differences. The explanation is that being a natural product, microcement can end up with different shades depending on the drying time. The absorption of concrete walls, plasterboard and tiles is different. Therefore, its treatment becomes necessary to avoid it.

This characteristic fact of microcement cannot be solved with an acrylic bonding bridge. If done, unwanted stains may appear at the end of the installation. Joints between plasterboard plates can even appear. To solve this, the surface is treated with an epoxy primer that evens the absorptions of the entire space to be coated.

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DRYWALL and microcement are star materials when combining them in renovations and decorations. Although we must bear in mind that some details can make the project fail. At CimentStudio we apply it with all guarantees, microcement is an innovative material that achieves extraordinary results if applied by professionals.

Visit us on our CimentStudio website to learn more about us.

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Advantages of the Use of Microcement in New Construction

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Microcemento New Construction

Advantages of Microcement in New Construction

In this article we are going to analyze the advantages of using microcement in new construction. Possibly the most widespread use of microcement is in renovations. Possibly for two fundamental reasons:

  • Minimum Thickness
  • Easy combination with existing elements

But microcement is increasingly used by architects and decorators in new builds due to many other advantages that it possesses. Probably the main reason why professionals choose it is that it is a natural element. Currently, if we look at trends in decoration, we will see the use of stone, wood and possibly metallic elements.

Microcement is a material composed of resins and aggregates, the production of which does not generate waste or require high energy, as is the case with ceramic materials. This makes it a sustainable and natural coating. Both visually and to the touch, the sensation that microcement gives is similar to the touch of a stone.

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Other Advantages Microcement

Although it might seem otherwise, but the price is another advantage of microcement. Any self-leveling floor can be easily covered with microcement, achieving prices similar to a floor tile. Obviously, if low-end tiles are chosen, the prices will surely be lower. But if we are looking for a more exclusive finish, microcement is a very competitive solution.

The infinity of colors and textures is possibly another of the properties that architects and decorators like the most. You can achieve the colors you want, customizing each installation and achieving unique results.

Versatile Microcement

The possibility of using microcement in all rooms is another of its strengths. Being a technical material, it has properties that make it recommendable for any use:

  • Waterproof
  • High scratch resistance
  • It does not lose tone with the passage of time

That is why it can be used in the bathroom (walls, floors, shower, sink), in the kitchen (walls, floor, worktop) and even outdoors. Thus, a very natural environment can be achieved throughout the house.

Another of its great advantages is the absence of joints. It is having the possibility of forgetting the accumulation of dirt, and that the rooms give a feeling of much greater spaciousness.

At CimentStudio we recommend the use of microcement in new works and renovations due to its many advantages. Visit us to learn more on our CimentStudio website.

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How long does a Microcement Application last?

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Microcement Reform Duration

How long does an Application with Microcement last?

Knowing how long an application of microcement lasts is essential to make the decision to reform. The duration of the microcement is one of the factors that will make us opt for this type of coating on most occasions.

We analyze in this post the factors that influence the time of a microcement application. We will see what affects the final time of a correct application of microcement.

In the first instance, it is the state of the support that will determine the duration of the reform. If it is necessary to regularize the surface, it will be necessary to take into account the time of these works. In addition, and not least, the drying time of the treatment that we have applied. The normal thing is to try fast drying materials, if not, the time from the beginning to the end of the application will inevitably increase.

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Microcement Application

Once the surface is prepared and completely smooth, the application of the microcement will begin. The duration from here depends on the system you choose. In this article we will talk about a normal application of two layers of base and two of fine.

Therefore, the next step is the application of the first base coat. Once applied, we must take into account the environmental conditions. This fact will affect all layers, since their drying is directly proportional to humidity and ambient temperature. Assuming a temperature of 20 degrees, the drying time is 4 or 5 hours for each layer of microcement. If conditions are less favorable, each coat we apply should be the next day.

Therefore, considering the 4 layers, if the conditions are favorable it could be done in two days. If they weren’t, we could go in four days.

Polyurethane Application

Once the microcement is dry and the entire surface has been sanded until the desired finish is achieved, the next step is the application of polyurethane. The polyurethane varnish forms a waterproof barrier on the surface to be applied. Therefore it is very important that the lower layers are completely dry.

We will consider a normal application of two layers of varnish. In this case, even if the environmental conditions are favorable, we cannot cut the time between application of the two layers. The reason is that although it is dry to the touch, chemical reactions that need air are still carried out inside. Therefore if the first layer is covered by the second without having cured a minimum, it is possible that this causes hardness problems.

In summary, we have seen that a microcement application can go up to 7 days, and could be reduced using tools to improve drying. Therefore, it is the drying of the layers that will determine the final duration.

At CimentStudio we use the best materials and techniques to minimize work times and reduce uncomfortable construction sites. Visit us on our CimentStudio website.

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Polyurethane Varnish in Microcement

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Polyurethane Microcement

All about Polyurethane Varnish

The application of microcement is a system where various techniques and products come into play apart from the microcement itself. Usually these products are the bonding bridge, and the polyurethane varnish. While the bonding bridge is the first layer, the polyurethane is just the final layer of the system.

The microcement that is normally used in microcement applications is a two-component water-based product. It is a product that must be mixed into its two components A and B just before application, otherwise it hardens and loses its properties if time passes after being mixed.

Its main functions are:

  • Improves impermeability
  • Improves the cleaning of the microcement as it eliminates pores
  • Avoid scratching the surface
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Microcement Two-Component Polyurethane

Water-based polyurethane is relatively new, since solvent-based polyurethane was used until not many years ago. Like most solvent-based chemicals, its use is increasingly reduced. Its high toxicity has definitely ruled it out.

Although water-based polyurethane recently did not have properties that would make it advisable for this application, today this has changed. The products that exist today on the market have the technical specifications necessary to achieve an optimal microcement application.

Polyurethane Application

Polyurethane is applied as a top coat in any microcement application. Two coats are normally applied. The first rule that must be observed is that it should always be applied on a completely dry layer. It is very important to respect it, since otherwise that moisture would be trapped and could cause stains or even adherence problems. This condition is even more important between layer and layer of polyurethane. The consequences could be more damaging.

The polyurethane varnish is applied with a short-haired roller or brush, always trying to stretch the material and not leave areas with a higher concentration of product. It will be applied on the surface, and it will prevent dripping, since these marks could not possibly be removed once dry.

The waiting time between coat and coat is at least 12 hours, with manufacturers who speak of a minimum of 24 hours. At CimentStudio we recommend adapting this time to the conditions of each project. Although it may appear dry to the touch, chemical reactions may still be taking place and therefore it has not finished drying.

After the Application

Once the two layers of polyurethane have been applied, we recommend taking certain precautions to ensure that the layer acquires all its properties. These precautions can be divided into:

  • First week: do not use water and avoid supporting heavy elements
  • First month: wash only with water without leaving puddles

Once applied, we must be careful to use acidic products for cleaning. The ideal is to avoid them, and in case of using bleach, reduce it with water. We recommend the use of neutral soaps for cleaning, in this way, it will look in perfect condition for a long time.

To learn more about microcement, follow us on our CimentStudio website.

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