FAQs

Yes, any of the different CimentArt products can be applied outdoors, on walls, ceilings or floors.

The exception is over paving where the temperatures are too low, on the winter and mostly where snow can get accumulated for several days (i.e. terraces that are exposed to the environment and do not have any ceiling or covers): 

We do not recommend for 2 reasons: the surfaces where the Microcement is going to be applied, suffer of dilatation and contraction because of the changes of temperature, because there is a possibility of breaking and the fissure may be visible on the Microcement.

The second reason is because the last protection layer of polyurethane varnish can be affected or even damaged if exposed several days to snow, ice or water. 

Of course, Microcement can be applied over a countertop; the important part is that the base, if it’s wood or MDF, should be completely waterproof. If the countertop is made of two pieces (because its length is too long) the joint should be stable.

Marble, stone, granite, a countertop made of bricks and cement can be used as a surface for Microcement.

Once the Microcement coating is completed over the countertop, the only cautions that must be taken are the same that you would have with a wooden countertop: it should not be used as a cutting board and avoid placing hot pots or pans directly on the Microcement.

For more information you can send an email with photos attached to info@grupocimentart.com and we will be happy to help you.

CimentArt Microcement can be applied over any kind of surface, which is normally use in the construction of houses, either indoors or outdoors.

Some examples of absorbent surfaces where Microcement can be applied:

• Plaster
• Caulk
• Cement coat
• Concrete
• Pladur
• Facades monolayer mortar

Examples of non-absorbent or low-absorbing substrates where the microcement can be applied:

• Tiles
• Glazed stoneware
• Clay pottery
• Porcelain stoneware
• Wood
• Paint

Is the Microcement for any support?

If, however, it is possible by applying a primer coat, which is key to getting a good micro-cement job:

• Leaves a more aesthetic finish
• It is much more durable
• Ensures and guarantees that it does not come off substrate
• Facilitates application

The Primer helps the microcement to adhere more easily.

If you have any technical questions. contact our free technical support.

Yes, it is possible thanks to an adherent primer layer which is key to obtain a good application of microcement:

• It allows a very aesthetics finishing
• It last longer
• Ensures and guarantees that it doesn’t peel off the surface
• Facilitates the application

A primer enhances the adherence of the microcement to the surface.

If there is any technical question, please contact our free technical support.

Absolutely!  CimentArt microcement can be used over old tiles in the shower without the requirement of demolition.  We recommend that any mold be cleaned with various solutions available on the market and then the mesh and primer would just be applied over the tiles.

As to which product line of CimentArt is recommended, the Aqua line is fully waterproof in each of the base and finish layers and was developed to ensure longer maintenance-free life of the coatings.

All microcement is not the same, so please do not take this as technical fact for all brands.  We have heard that some companies are selling a bag of something that one adds water to and calls it microcement, with no additional primers, sealers, polyurethanes, and even no mention of which of those might work for it.  So to be clear, we are discussing only Cimentart microcement (admittedly the best in Europe for 4 years straight per the independent architectural committees there).

Here is what we can summarize on what to avoid putting Cimentart on:

• Any unstable substrate, like tiles that might be loose – this goes for walls or floors or anywhere.
• If sub-floors have new cement boards or any new board like Advantek put down, those need to be put down as per their technical specs, and if not, motion up/down can cause the screws and the seams to crack which will show through our decorative coating.
• Foam shower trays – we have heard that many foam trays (two main suppliers in US per my research are Schlluter and Hydro-Blok but we’ve seen some from Builtwithfloam.com) can dent and are not rated for penny-tiles as there can be too much pressure addressed to a small area and it can dent.  You CAN use these trays if you put a rigid covering over it, and we hear that Hydro-blok has started selling one of those that are thin and rigid – but some folks just use thin cement board over these trays to ensure no dents in the foam.  Many Cimentart-ists are using classic mud/drypack to create the slanted shower trays or walk-in/curbless shower floors.
• Same goes for foam-core products on countertops- do not use without a rigid top layer like cement board or marine plywood as their core can dent with the Cimentart decorative coating which bends and doesn’t crack  (called “elastomeric”).

Otherwise – works on wood, drywall, granite, metal, porcelain or any tile, and even plastic.

CimentArt Microcement declares that it’s Microcement is warranted on the following situations:

taking in account that the application rules and the data sheets are followed by the book:

• No crack warranty. The Microcement CimentArt don’t breaks if in any instance a fissure appears on our Microcement it will always be the result of the surface breaking where the Microcement was applied.
• Adherence warranty. We warrant that the Microcement CimentArt does not chip or falls apart from the surface where it has been applied.
• Discoloration warranty. We warrant that Microcement CimentArt does not have discoloration or apparent changes in the color, over the time, even if it is applied outdoors.
• Fabrication warranty. CimentArt Microcement, as a manufacturer of Microcement, offers a one-year guarantee on all its products, if these are unopened and storage in areas without much temperature changes and ventilation.
• Application warranty. The company that undertakes the application of the product is responsible for the final warranty to the client. These warranties are governed by and based on the European legislation for decorative coating and have a duration of 2 years.
• Product transportation warranty: CimentArt hires external transportation companies and as part of the contract, there is an insurance for each shipment. Once our products are shipped to the client, it becomes the transportation company’s responsibility and that of the final client. Once the products have arrived at the final destination, the client must verify that the products match the invoice and the request done to CimentArt.

This warranty does not cover structural movements or building/house settlement, that cause fissures, chipping or if parts of the surface where the Microcement was applied are falling apart, hits, floods or scratches on the surface.

Care of the microcement right after been applied

The possible danger of scratching the Microcement or of it losing its luster always occurs in the first weeks. After curing, when 100% hardened, it has superior mechanical qualities that allows a superb aspect over time. 

Our cement topcoat requires about 4 weeks to achieve its maximum hardness.

On a microcement topcoat that is recently finished, no one must step on it for 3 days.  It is vital the use of floor protectors on the feet of furniture to avoid scratches. Completely avoid dragging the furniture or household appliances over a microcement floor.

This topcoat reaches in the first 48 hrs half of its approximated resistance. Cold weather, under 10°C (50°F) temperatures can stop or slow down the hardening process.

Care for the first 72 hrs.

Keep the temperatures of the place between 17°C (62°F) and 25°C (77°F). It is not recommended to go above this temperature.

Do not step on the new floor in this period and do not undertake works in the place where the microcement has been applied.

Avoid completely leaks, liquids spills and humidity during this period. The humidity and the water whiten the polyurethane resin when it’s not completely dry (the polyurethane varnish needs 10 days to expel its internal humidity and reach its maximum hardness).

Do not wash, wet or attack the paving under any circumstances.

Do not protect the paving with paper or cardboard.

Care before the 10 days of the application of the last layer of polyurethane bi-component

Do not undertake painting, construction or similar works in the areas been treated; and if these are undertaken, use floor protectors on furniture, never use ladders without floor protectors.

Clean only with water and without abrasive mechanical efforts and no detergent of any kind.

Under any circumstances paint, glue or liquids should drop on the floor, as these can amalgamate with our polyurethane and its cleaning would be impossible.

Avoid hits or objects falling down the floor.

Use the floor with care.

Do not use acids to clean the floor only neutral detergent (as the ones used to lean marble or wood floors) and use plenty of water.

Care after the first month

It is recommended to apply an acrylic wax each month to help with its protection.

Always avoid the contact with strong dissolvent, turpentine, hydrochloric acid, any other kind of acids or corrosive product.

In the case of luster lost because of the use of smooth flooring, a cleaning and polishing activity can be undertaken in the following way: energetic cleaning with a cleaning agent and a rotate polishing machine (with a polishing sponge disc ) rinse and then the application of an acrylic wax.

In the case of kitchen countertop. Do not place hot posts or pans over the microcement. Always use floor protectors on the feet of the furniture. Completely avoid the dragging of furniture or household appliances over the microcement.

Although in the past some pools where covered, the application of microcement on pools isn’t recommended for two reasons:

• Microcement is a coating and its purpose is to decorate, therefore is not recommended to use it deep inside a pool, under water for long periods of time.
• The water ph changes as well as the products used for the maintenance of the pool, fresh water either (Bleach) or Salt water (Bromine), are corrosive and can damage the last layers of Polyurethane varnish.

Microcement is ideal to undertake fast reforms, basically without dust or debris since it can be applied over any surface.

Some examples are:

If you wish to reform your kitchen or bathroom walls, the tiles are out of fashion, you can apply Microcement over this surface without having to take the tiles off and then having to clean the space from all the debris.

Another example would be if you are tired of an old fashioned floor, but you don’t want to get involve in demolition as it would involve removing the baseboard and cut around the doors in order to install the new floor. 

With Microcement, you don’t have that problem as this has a thickness of 2 to 3 mm and you can even coat the baseboard if you want. 

Another common use of the remodel with Microcement is if it is expensive to change your kitchen countertop, such as granite, Italian or Brazilian marble or any other material like Silestone or Corian. With Microcement, you can completely change your old countertop without replacing it. 

One more example would be the typical reform of removing the bathtub and build a shower pan, but you don’t want to reform the whole bathroom, you just want to reform that specific area of the shower. The Microcement is perfect for this, and because of our color variety you will be able to choose the tone you like the most only for that area and you wouldn’t need to change all the tiles of the bathroom, neither the floor if you don’t wish.

Yes, we have a product that is called CimentArt Solid Color for this purpose.
A wall of Microcement CimentArt is for the entire life. When its painted normally it has to be painted again every 2 to 5 years as it chips, get dirty or worn-out.
The Microcement CimentArt is a completely waterproof product that allows you to clean the walls with rags and soap and have your walls as the first day.
Of course we know that the paint is less expensive than microcement, but it’s not everlasting and microcement will give you a result that will last without any kind of maintenance.

If you don’t like the stains or marbling effect of the traditional microcement on the wall you can use CimentArt Solid Color, which is an stainless and completely uniform color coating as paint, with the addition as it has been mentioned before, that it can be clean every time you wish with any chemical product usually used at home and doesn’t require maintenance which makes it a product for the entire life.

CimentArt, with its extensive variety of products, offers different finishing so every client can choose according to his home and personal likes a finishing and color according to his/her preferences. 

If you desire a completely smooth finishing with marbling effects choose Microcement CimentArt. 35 different colors are available. 

If you desire to have a more rustic o more resembling to cement effect, without a thin finishing choose Cimentart Rustic. We also have 35 different colors so you can choose the one that is more appropriate for you. 

If you prefer a cement finishing but with less stains or marbling than the traditional microcement you can choose CimentArt Nature, available also on 35 different colors. 

If on the contrary you would like to have a coating that resembles a natural rock without joints your product is Cimentart Stone.  This product is also available on 35 different colors.  

If you don’t like the stains or the marbling and prefers a completely smooth and uniform color, you can choose Solid Color CimentArt. This product is available in more than 1000 colors.

If what you desire is to have different wall or floor we have effects that are highly decorative as the Natural oxide or 12 different metalized. 

If you are not a professional but still you wish to apply the microcement on your own home, we can provide you with microcement ready to be use, no mixtures will be necessary and this product is really easy to use. The name of this product is iCem Quartz CimentArt and with this product you would be able to create applications that are very aesthetics with effects and “stains” similar to the traditional microcement and this product is available in 12 different colors.  

On the variety of ready to be use products we also have iCem Microconcrete, that produces a finishing with less stains or marbling than the iCem Quartz, available in 12 different colors. 

All of our products can be completed with a shining, matt or satin finishing, either in indoors as in outdoors.  

We are at your disposal to advise you about which is/are the product/s and color/s that fit better your home. Contact our microcement experts. 

These 2 products have similarities when they are observed from certain distance but really, they have many differences.

The Venetian stucco is a caulk-based product (calcium carbonate) and its mix with water. Because its nature its can be applied only over walls, it can never be applied over the floors. The Venetian stucco is not the ideal product to be applied on kitchens, bathrooms, showers or outdoors, because it is not waterproof.

Microcement is a product that because its hardness (it’s composed of cement and selected minerals, and mix with resin, not water) can be applied either over walls or floors also over areas that are exposed to water as bathrooms, kitchens and outdoors terraces. This characteristic makes these two products different and incomparable.

The microcement is a highly decorative coating and 100% waterproof, with little thickness; it can be applied on walls, floors and ceilings, indoors or outdoors.

Because its method of application it’s finishing is always smooth, continuous, without joints and its result resembles smooth or polished cement, with several tones that resemble several types of marbles.

Its formulation is a mix of special cements, selected minerals, acrylic resins, coloring and other components to obtain more resistance and the quality of being waterproof.

What is necessary to do the application of the microcement?

To do a renovation of Microcement, not much things are necessary. 

Necessary Material:

Primer– Fiberglass Mesh – Microcement Base – Thin Microcement – Mixture resin – Sealer – Polyurethane (Matt, Satin and shining).

Necessary Tools:

Masking tape – Sandpaper grit 40-60 (for Microcement Base) –  sandpaper  grit  140-200 (for Thin Microcement) – Sanding machine – Electric mixer – steel trowel – spatula – short-haired rollers – Vacuum machine.

What Microcement means?

The Microcement isn’t only a product is a type of finishing. It’s a decorative coating without joints that can be use over any kind of surface and is waterproof. 

In regards to where it can be use, the is a large variety because its waterproof quality, its hardness, not cracking, etc. and its minimum thickness, is can be use over any type of surface(floor, walls, shower trays, countertops…) or material (terrazzo, marble, plaster, cement, wood, tiles, etc.) either on indoors or outdoors

Learn how to do the application of microcement.

In present time there is a large amount of professional experts of specialized applications, therefore specialist who have the proper training will have a wide market. 

To obtain highly qualified experts on the application of Microcement, given the great existent demand of the market and the growing rhythm, The CimentArt Team performs training courses regularly on its facilities of “El Campello (Alicante)” and on our different delegations. 

Yes, perfectly the Microcement CimentArt can be applied over paving with radiant heating.

Actually it’s one of the best coatings that can be applied over a paving with radiant heating, since its maximum thickness is 2 to 3 mm, it’s perfect for the paving to not lose its heating power. 

Floor tiles, wood or floating floor can have more than 1cm of thickness and of course, the radiant heating need much more time and much more power consumption to reach the desired temperature.

Once the installation of the pipes for the radiant heating is done, this one is normally covered with a layer of minimum 4 cm of cement mortar, a self-leveling mortar or a dry mortar.

Before doing the mortar pouring, is needed the placing of perimeter dilation joints (these must have 5 to 8mm) on every wall and doorframe of the house in order for the mortar to not touch the walls. The reason of this perimeter dilation joint is that when the radiation heating is on, the floor expands (almost 1mm per each m2). If the joint is not used, the floor will break for sure.

It’s also recommended to make a fine dilation joint under every door or critical areas as the joints from the hallways to the rooms to avoid the breaking of those areas.

Finally, before starting the application of Microcement, the radiation heating should be on and it should reach its maximum temperature over several hrs. And, then turn it off. This activity should be repeated for 2 or 3 days in order to see how the floor behaves with the radiant heating before the application of Microcement.

Yes, Microcement is the perfect material to coat and/or reform stairs.

Usually the stairs are one of the most troublesome elements to reform on a house as it takes a lot of work to remove old steps and if a coat of other material like ceramic, marble, wood is done over the steps the result is a little variation of height next to the actual floor which is awkward.

The Microcement because of having a thickness of 2 to 3 mm is perfect to coat stairs ant the joint between the stairs and the floor, because it’s really fine it’s almost unnoticeable when stepping on it.

Surfaces with an old granite or marble are perfect surfaces for the application of Microcement as they have a high level of hardness and its corners are not liable to break over the time.

If the application is done in a new work we recommend using hidden metallic angles for a lasting finishing and therefore the avoidance of any breakage of the corners on the surface where the Microcement will be applied (normally the steps on a new work are done with bricks and plaster, cement mortar or smooth concrete steps with cement mortar). 

On these cases, it is always recommended to use the hidden metallic to attain a better finishing and durability of the corners of the steps.

In all the cases, we recommend the edges of the stairs not to be of 90° but slightly rounded.

Microcement is a coating with high decorative level. Its purposes are to create a continuous coating without joints and to decorate at the same time.

Each material has its precise use as anyone would use asphalt over the bathrooms floor, we don’t recommend the application of microcement on industrial warehouses, parking, malls, roads etc., as these are areas with high traffic of heavy machinery and where pallets are moved around this can hit and damage the microcement. 

There are adequate materials for these areas, like epoxy, polish cement, asphalt, etc.
Microcement is perfect for houses indoors, shops, offices, etc.

If you want more information you can contact our Microcement technical experts. 

Do you have capillary humidity (water coming behind a surface/slab)?

The microcement should not be applied (never) on surfaces with capillary humidity, as it’s finished with a polyurethane varnish that makes it water-proof and not breathable.

If the microcement is applied over cement surfaces or plaster with capillary humidity, dark stains can appear because of the ascendant humidity and overt the time this will deteriorate the microcement.

If the microcement is applied over tiles coating or in floors with ceramic tiles that have capillary humidity, over the time the joints on the tiles can cause marks on the microcement. 

Our advice is that if you wish to do a microcement application and you have capillary humidity on the floor or walls, use CimentArt Dry with a thickness of half of a cm prior to the microcement application to stop the capillary humidity. CimentArt Dry is a water-proof mortar use to cut the capillary humidity and on the plaster for water deposits and planters. After the application of CimentArt Dry proceed with the application of the microcement and the humidity will not go through the surface. 

In some cases, while working with floors with capillary humidity, there have been instances where all the joints were fully filled and covered and then 2 layers of 2 components epoxy and this help for the ascendant humidity and once this layer are completely dry, microcement was applied following our methods and good results we’re achieved.

If you need assistance contact our Microcement technical experts. 

The surface where master microcement is been applied, either its absorbent or no, a new construction or a reform, must have perfect conditions, dry, with high hardness level, without movement or dilatations, without parts coming off or deteriorated.

Over a cement coat, concrete or plaster 3 weeks should have pass before the application of microcement, to get the surfaces cured and all the internal humidity is expelled. 

If the microcement is going to be applying over tiles or ceramic tiles, these should be completely attached to the surface. If while hitting the tiles it sounds hollow these should be removed and an application of microcement must be done on the surface bellow the tiles. If a tile is incorrectly placed it must be removed and fill with mortar cement.
If the microcement is going to be apply over paintings, the paint must be in perfect conditions, no chipping paint or parts that are coming off.

If the surface where it’s going to be apply has capillary humidity, it must be treated with the waterproofing mortar CimentArt Dry.

To handle any doubts or clarifications or consultations do not hesitate to contact us via phone or email to support@grupocimentart.com.

CimentArt microcement in general is not a complex product to use, but it’s has layers method and it’s a precise method to apply it.

We do recommend that the application is done by a professional that has done the CimentArt training courses with us to make sure your microcement is correctly applied and you feel satisfied with it.

Contact us to find the Cimentart professional that is closer to you.

CimentArt Microcement performs training courses often at its facilities for any person or professional that wants to learn its application techniques. 

Contact us to obtain more information about our training courses. 

We also have microcement ready to be use call iCem CimentArt, which is easier to apply than the traditional microcement, as it doesn’t need special tools, is not necessary to do any type of mixtures; and is ready to use.  

iCem CimentArt  is a perfect  product for adventurous people that want to do the application by themselves, even though they are not professional in the area. There is still a system of layers with this type of microcement, so certification of those applying it is recommended.

The Microcement is always finished with a protection layer call polyurethane varnish.
In the market, there are two different kinds of polyurethane varnish: the one manufactured with a water base and the other with a solvent base. CimentArt only uses on his systems the water-based polyurethane varnish, because of the following reasons:

• It is less slippery when it is humid than the one that uses a solvent- based polyurethane varnish.
• It allows a thicker layer (it has more thickness than the one that uses a solvent-based polyurethane varnish) and therefore it has a higher power of coverage and protection.
• It does not release fumes and gases that are unpleasant and harmful for the environment, the professional who applied the product and the client.
• It is easier to transport, as it is non-flammable, the solvent-based polyurethane varnish is flammable.

Currently the most commonly sale products, for example for showers are shower tiles or enameled bathtubs. These materials are highly slippery because their smoothness and it has usually needed a plastic carpet slip-resistance or similar materials.

The water-based bi-component polyurethane that CimentArt uses for the finishing of its floors is much less slippery than any other shower or bathtub that is currently been sale on the market.

In any case, we dispose of Slip-Resistance Microspheres. This product is a fine powder composed of mineral and crystal that when mixed with the polyurethane varnish CimentArt creates slip-resistance floors and with these, you will find a C3 certificated of slipperiness.

Cimentart Microcement pone a su disposición para quien lo solicite este certificado contactándonos.

The components of CimentArt microcement are the following:

• Primer: guarantees the adherence of the microcement on the surface where the product is been use.
• Fiberglass mesh: ensures a good assemble of all the microcement and helps to prevent the cracking of the product. On surfaces with poor absorption as paint, stoneware floors and tile walls the fiberglass mesh makes easier the application of the first layer of Cimentart microcement base.
• Microcement base: its use for the regulation of the surfaces and the covering of the joints on floors and tiles, it’s a preparation for the application of the thin microcement.
• Thin Microcement: it helps to obtain a completely smooth finishing and with its application the decorative marbling effects characteristic of the microcement are achieved.
• Mixture resin: this is the resin that is use to mix all the cimentart microcements. With this resin a higher hardness and flexibility is achieve on any microcement. Our microcements are White or cream and with than we make our extensive chart of colors.
• Sealer: with our sealer the complete closure of the microcement pores are achieve, it creates the first waterproofing on it, allows the definitive color of the microcement to stand out and helps the application of the last product the protective varnish (Bi-component Polyurethane).
• Bi-component Polyurethane: this is the final product. With its application complete waterproof will be achieve. It’s also make it possible to use any regular home cleaning products over the surface and with this last product the final finishing choose by the client is achieve: satin, matte or glossy.

To obtain more information contact our microcement technical experts.

The CimentArt Microcement and its system must be applied with minimum temperatures of 5° and a maximum of 30°.

Lower or higher temperatures will end up in a really expensive application and an incorrect drying of the products; its final result and durability wouldn’t be the adequate.

It’s not recommended to apply microcement where there is straight strong Sun radiation or high drafts, as these accelerate too much its drying time and makes its application harder.

Microcement characteristics:

• Continuous decorative coating.
• Really aesthetic finishing, like polish cement.
• Maximum thickness from 2 to 3 mm.
• High flexibility and hardness.
• Can be applied over any existent surface.
• A high color variety to choose.
• 3 different finishing: shine, satin and matt.
• It can be applied on humid areas, bathrooms, lavatories, kitchen and bathrooms countertops etc.
• It can be applied on walls, ceilings and floors.
• It can be applied indoors and outdoors.
• Its finishing is completely waterproof.
• Regular house cleaning product can be use with it.
• It doesn’t need maintenance.

To obtain more information please contact us.

CimentArt Microcement, because of its composition, does not break never by itself in any instance.

If any fissure appears on the Microcement is because the surface where it was applied did break and this fissure is normally half an mm of width minimum.

The micro fissures that can appear on plaster or cement coating, Microcement CimentArt resist these and are not visible.

Therefore the surface where Microcement is been applied must have a high hardness level and be in perfect conditions, no chipping, wrongly placed tiles or  paintings in bad conditions as these can give a false appearance that the Microcement CimentArt  breaks, when in any circumstances it is true it’s always the surface the one that breaks.

A strong surface and a correct preparation are key for a lasting Microcement.