Types of microcement
- aftertouchworks
- Sep 19, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 22, 2024
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.
Click to expand
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.
Comments