Abrasives and Tools for Microcement Application

Microcement is a super-thin, strong coating used to give surfaces a smooth, modern, industrial look. It's like a mix of cement and special resins, making it flexible and durable.

You can apply microcement on walls, floors, countertops, and even furniture without needing to remove the existing surface. Since it’s only about 2–3 mm thick, it doesn’t add much weight but still creates a stylish, concrete-like finish.

Applying microcement includes several sanding steps that require effective and long-lasting abrasives. Mirka offers a broad range of products for applying, sanding and fine-sanding microcement surfaces.

Preparations

Always use the correct PPE when undertaking any sanding operation, please refer to the technical data sheets for all information.

There are many different brands of microcement. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your microcement. Next, we will go through the most common steps for applying microcement.

Roll or brush the primer onto the surface. While it's still wet, place the laminated mesh on top. Press it firmly into the primer to ensure full adhesion. Let it dry completely.

Apply a thin, even coat over the mesh and smooth it out. Let it dry.

Sanding and Coating

The first two base coats of microcement are applied, allowed to dry and then lightly sanded with Abranet Ace HD P40–80 grit to remove the roughest irregularities.

Sand evenly but moderately with a DEROS RS. Too much sanding will negatively impact the adhesion of the following layer, and you will also risk exposing the laminated mesh.

The grain size, or 'granulometry', of microcement typically decreases with each successive layer. For instance, you can begin with an XL grain size for the first layer and then switch to L for the next layer.

The final coat (3rd or 4th) is the finest one, and can be sanded with Abranet Ace P120–180 grit.

Fine-Sanding and Sealing

For epoxy-based microcement, the final coat can be fine-sanded with Abranet Ace P240 grit and then Abralon P500–1000 grit. We recommend using a LEROS or LEROS-S for this task. Remember to dry sand if a glossy finish is desired.

The last coat is sealed with a lacquer to prevent grease (e.g., fingerprints) from sticking to the surface.

Find out more about Mirka solutions

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If you'd like to find out more about Mirka solutions, our team of trained staff have a wealth of industry experience and are on hand to discuss any requirements you may have.

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The new Mirka DEROS RS removes so much material that a job sanding our Microcement, which typically takes 5 hours, was completed in just one hour! The time reduction this machine offers is a complete game-changer for my industry. Not only does it save time, but it also makes it possible to create a better finish by keeping the surface flatter with fewer imperfections.

Ross Elwell

EarthCoat Ltd

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Learn more about microcement

Questions and Answers About Microcement

What is microcement?

Microcement, also known as micro-screed or micro-topping, is a cement and polymer-based coating popularly used as an alternative to polished concrete floors or other surfaces.

The microcement coating is applied in thin layers and usually consists of cement, water-based resins, additives and mineral pigments. Thanks to the solid polymer bonding, microcement can be applied to almost any substrate, including drywall, tiles, concrete, compressed sheeting and MDF.

Microcement can be used on surfaces indoors and outdoors. Pigments can be added to change the coating's colour.

How to sand microcement finishes

When sanding microcement, you should follow the same general rules that apply to sanding other materials. Start with coarse sanding and then move on to progressively finer abrasives. Also, take care to distribute and sand each cement layer evenly. It will pay off later in the process.

Sand the first two base coats of microcement with a coarse abrasive. We recommend Abranet Ace HD P40–80 grit.

The final coat can be sanded with Abranet Ace P120–180 grit.

For epoxy-based microcement, the last coat can be polished with Abranet Ace P240 grit and then Abralon P500–1000 grit. Dry sand if you want a glossy finish.

Can you apply microcement on floors?

Microcement can be applied on top of most hard surfaces, including floors and floor tiles. Floors are probably the most common use for microcement.

Microcement comes in different 'granulometries', or sizes of grains. The granulometry ranges from small to extra extra large.

Larger granulometry gives less of a visual effect, but a harder surface. That's why floors require a higher granulometry than walls.

Can you apply microcement on walls?

Microcement makes for a beautiful finish on walls.

You can facilitate your microcement finishing process by using the right tools and accessories, like the Mirka® LEROS. This random orbital sander is developed for sanding ceilings and walls, including walls covered with microcement. Pair the LEROS with a DEXOS dust extractor and you get the perfect solution for dust-free sanding.