How to apply Festfloor Life microcement?
Technical guidelines

Microcement is a liquid polymer and cement-based coating for use on floors, walls, countertops, etc. The total thickness of the floor is only about 2 mm. Despite this, it has very high abrasion resistance.
Thanks to its properties, microcement is water-resistant and can be used in wet rooms such as bathrooms, saunas, and kitchens.

How to apply Festfloor Life microcement?

Microcement is one of the simplest systems for achieving a concrete effect. No heavy equipment is required for its application. When laying microcement floors, most contractors use oscillating grinders, eccentric grinders, and floor polishers (so-called scrubbers). An industrial vacuum cleaner and basic tools such as steel trowels, stucco trowels, etc. will also be necessary.
The more experience the contractor has, the greater their ability to shape the microcement surface.

Substrate preparation

This step should never be overlooked. Many problems that may arise during subsequent work and use of the floor are caused by improper preparation of the substrate. The substrate for microcement must be level and load-bearing. It must be free of cracks, plaster residue, paint, or other residues from previous work. Please note that all slopes (e.g., to a linear drain in the bathroom) and level differences must be prepared before applying microcement. We would like to remind you that the thickness of a microcement floor is only 2 mm and it is practically impossible to correct slopes of previous layers. 

The substrate should be primed with FESTGrunt. This product is used to seal and improve the adhesion of subsequent layers to the substrate. Proper priming ensures that the liquid microcement polymer will not be “sucked” into the substrate and that the entire system will have proper adhesion. 

Priming should be done with a regular roller once or twice, depending on the absorbency of the substrate. The intervals between subsequent layers are approximately 2-3 hours, until the preparation is absorbed into the substrate.

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Priming the substrate for microcement

During the priming process itself, you can see whether the floor on which you will be applying the product has any cracks or scratches that are not visible at first glance.

You can find out how to do this and what to look out for in the following video:

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We recommend using a layer of FESTFLOOR Base primer together with fiberglass mesh for floors. The primer layer together with the mesh will protect against possible cracks in the substrate that may appear during use. This is particularly recommended for floors with underfloor heating, where additional thermal stresses occur.

See how to apply fibreglass mesh:

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See how to reinforce the substrate with Festfloor Base - step by step:

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Microcement – application

The polymer-cement decorative microcement layer is available in two versions:
- traditional, consisting of two components: dry white mass and liquid polymer, which, when combined, form an easy-to-apply floor compound (Festfloor Life, Festwall Life),
- a ready-to-use mixture colored according to a palette based on RAL and NCS (Festfloor Go!).
In the case of two-component microcement, both components, together with the pigment, should be weighed according to the proportions specified in the technical data sheets on a precise electronic scale and then thoroughly mixed.  To ensure that the pigment is thoroughly mixed, we recommend pouring it directly into the liquid polymer (mix) and then adding the dry mixture.
For single-component microcement, simply open the package and stir the contents.
 

Before starting work

Before starting work, ensure that the room is adequately lit so that all areas and corners are clearly visible and allow for the even distribution of the floor compound. Also remember that microcement should be applied at a temperature of 15oC-25oC. Below this range, the microcement will not set, while above this range, the finished compound will be workable for a very short time, which may prevent it from being applied correctly. During hot summer weather, you can use the FEST Timer microcement retarder.

Once everything is ready, you can start applying the mixture. Prepare enough microcement to cover the entire surface.

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Floor sanding

The compound should be spread using a trowel and other metal tools to a thickness of no more than 1 mm. The application should be carried out with quick, vigorous movements in different directions depending on the desired effect. Start spreading the compound from the furthest point in the room and move systematically towards the exit.


Apply subsequent batches of material within a single layer using the “wet on wet” method.


After about 4 hours, when the material has completely set and is dry, sand the floor with a single-disc sander (a so-called polisher) with 60-120 grit sandpaper (depending on the desired effect). In hard-to-reach places (corners, along walls, etc.), you can use hand-held eccentric or oscillating sanders.


After sanding the floor, vacuum thoroughly. You can then proceed to apply subsequent coats in the same way as the first. Once the last coat has dried, sand the entire floor with 80-grit sandpaper or finer to achieve the smoothest possible finish.

Next, after applying the last layer, leave the floor for at least 12 hours to dry completely. After this time, you can proceed with varnishing.

Protecting concrete floors with microcement. VARNISHING

Every microcement concrete floor requires protection. Properly applied impregnation will extend the durability of microcement and facilitate daily maintenance. Festfloor microcement varnishes are technologically advanced products that provide optimal protection against dirt and water.   Thanks to this, a mop with warm water and a mild detergent, such as FestCleaner, is usually sufficient to keep microcement clean.
PU FEST 2K microcement varnish is supplied in two components. Component A – varnish and component B – hardener. Before starting work, shake both components. Then mix in the correct proportions for about 2 minutes at low speed. Leave for 10 minutes and mix again.
The substrate should be dry and clean, free of dust and other contaminants before application. Use a nylon or high-quality microfiber roller to apply the varnish. After a minimum of 2 hours and once the material has dried, apply a second coat in the same way as the first.
If necessary, use additional products to extend the life of the varnish or a solvent-based varnish.
 

The final step (if necessary) is to recreate the expansion joints that existed in the old substrate.

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That's all. The floor can be used after 12 hours. The floor will be water-resistant after 7 days.