MicroCement Tile Covering (Floor & Wall Installation Guide)

Application Instructions for Ecoflor® MicroConcrete Over Internal or External Tiled Surfaces

1. Purpose:

This guide provides instructions for applying Ecoflor® MicroConcrete to create a burnished concrete finish on floors and walls, including wet areas. It details surface preparation, mixing, and application methods for optimal results.

2. Introduction:

Ecoflor® MicroConcrete is a premium, polishable cement-lime blend for interior and exterior surfaces. Designed as an economical resurfacing solution, it adheres to structurally sound substrates and can be applied without professional expertise.

3. Resurfacing Overview:

Ecoflor® MicroConcrete is applied over existing hardened surfaces. The cementitious, polymer-modified blend ensures easy application, making it suitable for skilled DIYers and tradespeople alike.

4. Surface Assessment:

Ensure the surface is:

• Structurally sound, without excessive cracking or moisture ingress.
• Free from contaminants like mould, soap scum, or grease.
• Properly waterproofed underneath the tiles if in a wet area.
• Suitable for adhesion and capable of supporting the coating system.

5. Applying Over Tiles in Wet Areas:

• Confirm the presence of a sound waterproof membrane.
• Treat floors and walls as separate panels.
• Use a flexible caulking bead at internal corners after completion.
• Apply EcoGrip for slip resistance on floors if required.

Practice First: Test techniques on a cement sheet before applying on-site.

6. Basic Equipment Requirements:

• Mixing: High-torque drill, metal paddle stirrer, measuring jugs, and buckets.
• Application: Trowels, sponges, orbital sander (80-240 grit), dust extractor.
• Painting & Finishing: Microfibre rollers, brushes.
• Safety: Gloves, dust mask, goggles, boots.

7. Basic Consumable Requirements:

• Masking tape
• Mixing buckets

8. Required Products:

• Blocca Rete Water-Based Primer with Aggregates
• Fibreglass Mesh (200mm x 50m)
• Ecoflor® 600 Cement (15kg)
• Ecoflor® 300 Cement (15kg)
• Ecoflor® Micro Cement (10kg)
• Ecoflor® Concrete Modifier
• Ecoflor® Liquid Colour Dispersion (200ml)
• Plus - Clear Coat sealing Compounds

Application Process:

Step 1: Mask Adjacent Structures

• Remove internal doors where applicable.
• Apply 50mm painter’s tape along skirting, door frames, and flooring.
• Reinforce with 50mm cloth tape over painter’s tape.
• Protect all horizontal surfaces.

Step 2: Surface Preparation

• Clean tiles thoroughly removing all traces of slime and soap scum with detergent and rinse. The tiles must be completely clean.
• Let dry completely.
  

Step 3: Flatten & Level Surface (Optional Step)

• Prime grout lines with Concrete Modifier.
• Apply Micro Cement Paste to fill grout lines. Allow to dry for 1 - 2 hours.
• Sand entire surface with 80-grit paper.
• Remove dust and let dry.

Step 4: Priming the Surface

• Apply Blocca Rete. Let it dry for about 3 hours
• Apply adhesive-backed fibreglass mesh over the surface.
• Apply second coat of Blocca Rete to lock in the mesh. Allow to dry overnight.

Step 5: First Base Coat (600 Cement)

Mixing Ratio: For walls and other vertical surfaces reduce the liquid amount by 25% for form a workable putty.

• 2L Water + 2L Concrete Modifier (per 15kg Ecoflor® 600 Cement)
• 200ml Liquid Colour Dispersion per 15kg bucket
• Mix thoroughly using a power drill and paddle stirrer.
• Ensure the mixer is high speed to thoroughly mix the materials.
• Only mix an amount that you can apply in 30 minutes.
  

Application:

• Apply with a trowel in full coverage.
• Avoid buildup at edges and corners.
• Allow to dry for 6 - 8 hours.

Step 6: Surface Preparation Before 300 Cement

• Sand dried base coat with 80-100 grit paper.
• Vacuum dust.
• Apply Ecoflor® Concrete Modifier (add 20 - 30% water) as primer.
• Allow to dry for 60 minutes.

Step 7: Second Base Coat (300 Cement)

Mixing Ratio: For walls and other vertical surfaces reduce the liquid amount by 25% for form a workable putty.

• 2L Water + 2L Concrete Modifier per 15kg Ecoflor® 300 Cement.
• 200ml Liquid Colour Dispersion per 15kg.
• Only mix an amount that you can apply in 30 minutes.

Application:

• Apply thinly with a trowel to smooth the surface.
• Ensure render mesh is fully covered.
• Allow to dry for 6 - 8 hours.

Step 8: Surface Preparation Before Final Coat

• Repeat Step 6 (sanding and priming).

Step 9: Final Coat (Micro Cement)

Mixing Ratio: For walls and other vertical surfaces reduce the liquid amount by 25% for form a workable putty

• 1.8L Water + 1.8L Concrete Modifier per 10kg Ecoflor® Micro Cement.
• 200ml Liquid Colour Dispersion per 0kg.
• Mix thoroughly.

Application:

• Apply a thin coat using a steel trowel.
• Keep surface as smooth as possible.
• Avoid excess buildup.
• Allow to dry for 4 - 6 hours.

Step 10: Sanding the Final Coat

• Remove masking tape.
• Knock down dry ridges with a spatula.
• Sand with 100-120 grit paper.
• Vacuum dust thoroughly.

Final Sealing Process

Step 11: Apply sealer as per instructions

• Walls: Choose between Natural Enhancer (Deep Penetrating) or Prymaren / Ecostar Combination. (Topical Sealer)
• Floors: Apply 3-4 coats, use Prymaren / Ecostar Combination. (Topical Sealer) adding EcoGrip to the final coat for slip resistance if required.
  

Important Notes:

• Adjust mixing and application techniques based on ambient temperature and humidity.
• Never add water to rehydrate stiffening mix; remix instead.
• Practice first before coating your main surface.
• Follow all product safety guidelines for handling and application.

For further technical support, contact Ecoflor® customer service.