Microcement: a waterproof product with an unprecedented final strength
With our ready-made product you can create a quality countertop!
Do you want to give your kitchen countertop an industrial makeover and are you a real do-it-yourselfer? Then our microcement is for you! We supply a 4-layer microcement total system especially for your countertop. A waterproof and rock-hard product of only a few millimeters thick.
Want to know how? With these 5 TIPS you can get started well prepared!
Tip 1: the substrate
Provide a stable base, as the type of surface determines the final strength of the material!
Suitable substrate: waterproof MDF
For the application of microcement it is important that the surface is solid and of the right material. We therefore recommend for making a microcement countertop to make your surface of green (waterproof) MDF.
Seams where two plates meet must be sufficiently supported, screwed and glued. Over this seam, you smear a narrow strip of gauze in a 2K polyester filler which you then sand smooth. This is to prevent the microcement from tearing at the seam, very important!
Advice for correct processing
Do you have an existing worktop made of, for example, laminated chipboard, natural stone or another surface? In most cases, microcement can also be applied to it. For the correct processing, we are happy to provide you with customized advice, please feel free to contact us for this.
Tip 2: finishing the front of the countertop
Mitered end edges or not?
Go for a mitered edge
We recommend finishing the front – end – of the countertop with an edge that is mitered. This way you neatly finish the sides of the sheet material and you can easily spread the microcement from the top of the top to the front of the top.
Rounding the edge
The edge on the front you glue to the top after which the edge can be sanded so that you get a light rounding. The rounding is intended to ensure that you can put a little more microcement on the edge of your worktop, which gives the corner more strength!
Tip 3: Sink and Faucet
Neatly concealed in your microcement countertop
Surface mounted sink
A sink (with flange) can be mounted both on and under the countertop. As a surface-mounted sink, it should be cemented to the countertop after the entire microcement system has been applied to the countertop. For cementing the sink – and sealing the other seams – see tip 4.
Mounting under the blade
You can also mount a sink under the worktop, in the same way as the surface-mounted sink. It is important that in both cases you apply the entire microcement system to both the end of the recess and to the underside of the worktop, up to approx. 10 cm from the recess. This is to prevent moisture from getting behind your microcement. The tap hole can be made afterwards, with a sharp speed drill Ø 35 mm.
Tip 4: Sealing
Transparent or in the colour of your microcement?
Caulk all internal corners
All internal corners, such as the transition countertop - wall, must be sealed with an acid-free silicone sealant 4 days after the application of the last layer of PU coating. We usually use a transparent sealant for this.
No cracks due to cutting transitions
If you have provided both the countertop and the back wall with microcement, make sure that you score the transition between the countertop and the wall with a Stanley knife after each layer of microcement. This way, both surfaces can work independently of each other and you will not get cracks here.
Tip 5: Use and maintenance
Regular cleaning for long lasting enjoyment
Be careful in the first few weeks after application
In the first 3 weeks after completing your beautiful microcement countertop, you should be careful with the use of the countertop. This is because the PU coating ideally needs 3 weeks to fully harden for a top quality coating. Make sure that during this period you do not place anything on the countertop that has moisture/water underneath it, nor any devices that have rubber caps underneath. Place these devices on a breathable surface, such as a cork coaster. After these 3 weeks, the countertop is of course suitable for intensive use.
Regular cleaning (nice anyway)
For proper maintenance, you should clean the countertop regularly with all-purpose cleaner. The PU coating is resistant to heat up to approx. 180 degrees and resistant to acid corroding from coffee, tea, wine, fruit, etc. for up to 16 hours.
Extra tip
So make sure you remove coffee rings, fruit residues and wine stains in time. That way you can enjoy your concrete-look countertop for as long as possible!
