Microcement problems: tips to avoid the appearance of cracks, stains and scratches

We have little more to discover about microcement. Beyond being a fantastic material due to its properties, its great resistance capacity and the aesthetic diversity that it provides. Although, something that we have not yet talked about is the difficulties that can be appeared during the installation, use or care of microcement. This is: Fissures, cracks, scratches, stains, humidity, etc. Setbacks related to microcement problems to which we will try to respond.

Remember that, from Cementec, we provided a guide through which we explained how to apply microcement easily and simply in 4 steps. However, relying on the services of qualified applicators with extensive experience in continuous coatings or decorative coatings like ours, will always be a preventive measure against a bad application of the same. Thus, avoiding future inconveniences.

In the same way, it is important to consider the various scenarios that we can find. As well as the way to confront microcement problems. For this reason, we will analyse each of the cases below and reveal the solution that, in our opinion, is the most suitable.

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Cementec affords solutions to finish with microcement problems

Have you detected any failure in the installation of your coating? Do you think that your work or reform suffers from some damage and you want to know how to remedy it? Don’t miss out on everything we’ve come to tell you to put an end to the so-lucky microcement problems.

Fissures and cracks

cracked or fissured floor before applying ready-to-use  Cementec microcement analysing the problems microcement

Something that can be common and one of the defects in microcement finishes that sometimes occurs is the cracking of the material. That is, the appearance of cracks in the coating.

And this, why does it happen? It can be caused by three aspects: Either there has been a movement caused by the tension between the prior substrates, or it has been due to temperature changes. Or, perhaps, the complete application process that CEMENTEC recommends has not been carried out correctly. This causes the ready-to-use microcement, being a continuous coating 3 millimetres thick and without expansion joints, to be damaged or crack.

Now, how can we avoid it? Starting from the beginning, when carrying out well-done works, checking the state of the prior support on which it has to be applied and, applying the prior adaptation process, before applying the microcement. We will understand that a work or reform is well executed when:

  • The applicator is a specialist and has the necessary techniques and skills to carry out a correct application of microcement. 
  • The applicator knows how to identify the totality and use of the prior surfaces, something fundamental for the resistance of the microcement.
  • The applicator knows and follows each and every one of the steps when applying the microcement. Whether on floors, walls, kitchens, bathrooms, pools, etc. Applying, in any case, a priming layer, a base layer reinforced with the fiberglass mesh and the subsequent one and colour pigmentation. Finishing off with a final top coat.
renovation of the floor with Cementec microcement after solving the microcement problems.

Stains and scratches

Another of the inconveniences that can arise in microcement that both applicators and interior decorators fear the most are stains and scratches. First ones can occur both at the time of application and a posteriori. The second ones are only associated with the subsequent process of the work or renovation.

Despite the fact that Cementec’s ready-to-use microcement has good resistance to friction and daily wear. It may be that bad practices such as dragging heavy furniture, nailing sharp elements, etc., encourage the appearance of these visible damage as stripes.

As for the stains, they arise for different reasons:

  • Capillary humidity. Derived from poor adaptation in the treatment of the prior base.
  • Improper use of sealants or their low quality. Mainly, in the application of microcement on floors.
  • Hits during the renovation works damaging the varnish. Being able to cause future leaks that will evolve into stains.

How can we avoid it? Taking the above aspects into account, it is essential to use the Finish Forte Plus top coating product, a polyurethane varnish that is unique in its waterproofing characteristics, as well as its anti-stain properties. Providing total security for absolute protection. In this way, you will provide strength to the microcement system and prolong its duration with sporadic cleaning.

Humidity and color loss

Finally, in those cases in which ready-to-use microcement is used as a coating in wet areas, such as swimming pools, bathrooms or outdoor areas, waterproofing problems may arise.

These problems are related to wear itself. Either by water erosion, chlorine, salt, or sun rays. Thus, causing the loss of properties of the material and the color of the microcement.

How can we avoid it? In these special circumstances, it is necessary to carry out a protection application with products from Cementec’s Water Resistant range. Which differ, depending on the type of surface that is in contact with water.

On the one hand, Cementec Water Resistant has waterproof properties in the product itself, which makes it a perfect material to be applied outdoors too because those areas are most exposed to changes in temperature, humidity, rain, etc.

On the other hand, Cementec Pool product is aimed specifically for swimming pools. It supports the high compression that water provoked on pools. Likewise, it confers greater resistance to hits, scratches and corrosive chemicals.

What do you think?

That is why we consider you could solve your doubts and concerns about microcement problems. Despite this, we recommend you to contact us if, either, something is not clear to you or, if you require that we take care of any of the setbacks that have occurred on your microcement surface.

another example of before and after in a room after applying the solution to microcement problems with Cementec

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