What is Microcement?
Microcement is a fine decorative coating used to create smooth, seamless surfaces on interior walls and floors. It is popular in modern homes, bathrooms, kitchens and commercial spaces because it offers a clean, contemporary finish without the need for grout lines or visible joints.
Unlike tiles, microcement can be applied as a continuous surface, helping create a more refined and minimalist look. It can be used to achieve a decorative finish on floors, walls, worktops and other suitable interior surfaces, depending on the system build-up and preparation.
The EWI Pro FINO Microcement System is designed to help achieve this type of finish using a complete layered system. Each product plays a specific role, from preparing the surface and building up strength to creating the final decorative layer and protecting it with sealers.
We have created this handy buyer’s guide to help you understand how microcement works, what products are needed and where PRO-603 FINO Micro fits into the full system.Â
1. Preparing the Surface
Before applying a microcement system, the surface underneath needs to be properly prepared.
Substrates should be clean, dry, stable and free from dust, grease, wax and other contaminants. Any cracks or movement in the background should be dealt with before application, and smooth or dense surfaces may need sanding or grinding to improve adhesion. Moisture levels should also be checked to make sure the substrate is suitable for microcement.
Good preparation is important because microcement is applied in thin layers, so the quality of the background can affect the final result. A well-prepared surface helps support adhesion, durability and the overall appearance of the finished system.
2. Applying a Contact Primer
Where required, the next step is to apply a suitable contact primer, such as PRO-601 FINO Contact Primer.
A contact primer is used to prepare smooth, dense or low-absorption substrates so the following layers can bond properly. It helps create a high-adhesion base and is especially useful on more difficult backgrounds.
The primer should be stirred well before use and applied evenly. Fibreglass mesh should also be applied at this stage, especially when going over a surface that has a higher risk of cracking.
Once dry, the surface can be lightly sanded before the next stage.Â
3. Building the Microcement Base Layer
After priming, the next stage is to apply the base layer. Within the EWI Pro FINO Microcement System, this is achieved using PRO-602 FINO Base.
The base layer helps build strength, body and impact resistance before the finer decorative coat is applied. PRO-602 FINO Base contains 0.5mm quartz aggregate, making it slightly coarser than the final microcement layer and better suited to forming the main build-up of the system.
It should be spread evenly across the surface using a suitable trowel, then sanded once set to remove marks and create a smooth, uniform base for the next coat. Any dust should be removed before moving on.
4. Applying the Microcement Finish Coat
Once the base layer has been prepared, the decorative microcement finish coat can be applied. In the FINO system, this is achieved using PRO-603 FINO Micro.
This is the finishing layer that gives the system its refined decorative appearance. Thanks to its fine 0.3mm grain size, PRO-603 FINO Micro helps create the smooth, seamless look associated with modern microcement finishes.
It should be applied in thin coats using a stainless steel or rubber trowel, working continuously across the surface to maintain a consistent result. Because this is the visible decorative layer, care should be taken to apply it evenly and avoid interruptions that may leave stop marks in the finish.
5. Sanding and Refining the Finish
Once the microcement finish coat has dried, the surface can be lightly sanded to refine the texture and remove minor imperfections.
This helps achieve a smooth, decorative finish and prepares the surface for sealing. For the final coat, the guide recommends allowing the material to dry fully before sanding and cleaning. It is also important to use material from the same production batch across one area to help maintain colour consistency.
This stage plays a big part in the final look of the installation, especially on larger continuous surfaces.
6. Sealing the Microcement Surface
After the microcement has dried, been sanded and cleaned, the next step is sealing.
First, PRO-604 Pre Sealer is applied to reduce surface absorbency and help control how the final sealer is taken up. This supports a more even finish and prepares the surface for the protective top coat.
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The final stage is PRO-605 FINO Top PU, a two-component polyurethane sealer applied in multiple coats. This gives the surface its protective finish, helping improve resistance to water, chemicals, abrasion and everyday wear.
This sealing process is what helps transform the decorative microcement surface into a practical and durable finish for walls and floors.
7. Why Choose Microcement?
Microcement is a great choice for projects that need a smooth, modern and seamless finish. It is especially popular in contemporary interiors where a clean and continuous surface is preferred over tiles, grout lines or traditional floor and wall finishes.
A microcement system can help create a surface that is:
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Smooth and refined
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Seamless in appearance
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Suitable for walls and floors
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Durable and easy to clean
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Ideal for modern interior spaces
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Suitable for homes and commercial environments
When applied as part of a complete system, microcement offers both decorative appeal and practical performance. The FINO Microcement System includes the preparation, base, finish and sealing products needed to help achieve a professional result.
If you are looking to buy products from the EWI Pro FINO Microcement System and would like some more information please email us: marketing@ewistore.co.uk
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