Types of microcement

Today, we am going to share about the current types of microcement there is in Singapore. There are so many suppliers of microcement which you could probably buy from and DIY it yourself (but its some that I don't recommend). Microcement is not something that you can pick up within a week, or a month. It takes years to understand how microcement work.

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Traditional Microcement

This is the very first form of microcement developed. The basic components are cement, resins and sands.

Pros:

Great material for large floors

Easy to apply and open-time is longer than others,

Can be sanded to achieve a refined finish

Can be overlayed with colourwash for added depth or 2 tone floor.

Cons:

Not suitable for bathroom floors as its porous without the polyurethane clear coat

Best used for:

Interior residential floors

Our favourite brand: Novacolor Wall2floor Topcoat

Acrylic modified microcement

The key ingredients are acrylic resins, polymers, sands. This type of microcement is usually waterproof in mass, which means that if you don't sand the surface, it is waterprooof.

Pros:

Great for bathroom or small floors

Normally, is harder than traditional microcement

Cons:

Dries too fast resulting in unsightly trowel marks or burnishing marks

Requires a lot of sanding to bring it to a smooth finish.

Can only achieve monotone effect. 2 tone is not possible with this material

Best used on:

Bathroom floors, sinks,

Our favourite brand: Cemher Microne Medium

Epoxy Based Microcement

The key ingredients are epoxy binders, polymers, sands. This type of microcement is waterproof and remains waterproof even if it is sanded. It is the hardest type of microcement

Pros:

Can be used for exterior flooring or small driveways

High hardness index. Able to withstand heavy impacts

Cons

Dries too fast resulting in unsightly joint marks.

Cannot finish a floor as refined as others

Epoxy smell is not so pleasant during application

Can only achieve monotone effect. 2 tone is not possible with this material

Best used for

Residential floor exterior, retail floor interior, areas with minimal corners

Our favourite brand: Cemher Microrock Medium

Lime Based Microcement

The key ingredients are cement, lime, resins, sands

Pros:

Great material for large floors

Comfortable open-time

Can be sanded to achieve a refined finish

Can be overlayed with colourwash for added depth or 2 tone floor.

Cons:

Takes longer to cure to required hardness.

Not suitable for bathroom floors as its porous without the polyurethane clear coat

Our favourite brand: Topciment Natture

Whichever product you use, always remember that it is the proficiency of the applicator that is most important. Just like senior vs junior chef.

"Same ingredients + different hands = different results"

While we try our best to explain key characteristics of the different types of Each of the product above has its own unique working requirements and is not meant to be DIY material.

Aftertouch's Modification

Easy to apply = weak floor but gives a refined finish

Hard to apply = strong floor but gives a less refined finish

In the interest of our clients, we have modifications of our own to make the products perform better than what is expected. The best projects are always completed with a mix of modified products from different brands, never from one.

It is an ongoing journey for us to keep up with latest products and stay ahead in the game.

Summary

Choosing the type of microcement for your project is not an easy task. By estimating the amount of abuse that the floor will receive, and considering the design intent, Aftertouch will propose the right materials for your projects.

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