Professional Resources for Cementec Applicators

Cementec is a Spanish, ready-to-use microcement system supplied in containers (not mixed on site). Typical total build-up is approximately 2–3mm. It is a seamless decorative finish for walls, floors, bathrooms, kitchens, furniture and (in suitable conditions) some exterior areas.

No — Cementec Ireland supplies materials only. Installation is carried out by independent applicators.

• Areas (m² walls / floors seperate)

• Room type (bathroom / wetroom / kitchen / bedroom etc.)

• Substrate type (tiles / board / screed etc.)

• Underfloor heating (yes/no)

• Finish preference (usually matt)

• Colour choice (or shortlist)

Cementec Microcement should be installed by trained professionals. Substrate preparation and correct application technique are critical to long-term performance.

The sample kit is intended to help you test the look and finish (colour/texture) on a small sample panel/area. The standard kit includes:

• Cementec BASE (5kg)

• Cementec FINO (5kg)

• Cementec MEDIUM (5kg)

• Tecno PRIMER (1kg)

• Finish FORTE PLUS Matt (1kg)

• Tecno Consolidador Forte (1kg)

• Pigment jars for the standard kit colour (Arabian)
  
  N.B typical/contents may vary

It is a finish and colour tester, not a complete specification for every substrate type. It helps clients and applicators see the finish in real life before committing to a full project.

Can I test the Sample Kit directly on tiles?

Tiles are a non-porous, jointed substrate, so a proper over-tiles test typically requires additional preparation products that are not included in the sample kit (e.g. epoxy bonding primer and reinforcement). For a reliable colour/finish test, it’s usually easiest to apply the sample to a cement board/sample panel instead.

They can use the same product family, but system selection depends on the application:

• Walls: most commonly Standard system (BASE + FINO / MEDIUM depending on texture)

• Floors: select system based on traffic and environment (Standard / Medium / High Transit)

These are system options to match expected wear:

• Standard: typical residential use

• Medium: higher wear / public areas

• High Transit: higher performance system for heavier wear and more demanding floor use
  Final selection depends on traffic level and substrate.

Typical build-up (system dependent):

• Reinforcement (mesh as required)

• 2 coats of Cementec BASE

• 2 decorative coats (FINO / MEDIUM / High Transit finish coat depending on system)

• PRIMER

• Finish system (FORTE or FORTE PLUS depending on exposure)

The standard floor build-up includes mesh reinforcement and two base coats:

• Mesh (required): Fibreglass mesh (MALLA) is required on all floors and is installed across the full floor area.

• Higher crack/movement risk: Where there is higher risk of movement or cracking, specify double mesh crossed (two layers laid in different directions) for additional reinforcement.

• Base coats: Apply two coats of Cementec BASE on floors before the decorative coats.

• Thickness: Total build-up on floors is typically around 3mm (system dependent).

Floors must be installed onto a substrate that is solid, stable and free from movement.

Floors should be protected with the correct sealing system. In wet areas and higher-wear situations, the typical finish system is PRIMER + FINISH FORTE PLUS (matt is most common).

Not automatically. MEDIUM provides a different texture, but slip performance depends on multiple factors (texture, finish choice, additives, site conditions). If slip resistance is critical, it should be specified separately (and confirmed by the applicator/specifier).

Microcement can be used over underfloor heating where the substrate is correctly built, stable and properly commissioned. UFH increases movement risk due to thermal cycling, so preparation is critical.

Before microcement is applied:

• The screed/substrate should be fully cured and dry.

• UFH should be commissioned / brought up to temperature in advance so initial movement and settling cracks occur before the microcement system is installed.

• Any cracking, weak areas, or movement joints must be assessed and addressed by the applicator.

• Rapid temperature changes should be avoided during application and curing.

For UFH floors, a higher performance floor system is typically recommended (e.g. High Transit / Extreme depending on project requirements), with correct reinforcement and the correct sealing system for the environment.

Cementec supply fibreglass mesh in 70 g/m². Mesh should be butt-jointed (not overlapped) to avoid ridges. Floors require mesh across the full area; in higher crack/movement-risk areas, specify double mesh crossed. The mesh can be embedded either into the first BASE coat or (on jointed/non-porous substrates) into SEAL, depending on the substrate and applicator method.

Cementec is a decorative finish system. Surface water resistance is provided by the sealer/topcoat system, not by the microcement layers alone.

The protective barrier comes from the sealing system, typically:

• PRIMER + FINISH FORTE PLUS in bathrooms, kitchens, showers and wet areas (matt is most common).

No. Wetrooms and shower areas should be correctly tanked/waterproofed by others before microcement is applied. Microcement + finish is the finished surface layer on top of a correctly waterproofed substrate.

For bathrooms, kitchens, showers and wet areas, specify FINISH FORTE PLUS (with the correct PRIMER system). Forte Plus is intended for areas in contact with water.

The specification is 2 coats of Tecno PRIMER before applying FORTE PLUS. In practice, applicators sometimes apply one coat depending on substrate condition and absorption, however, two coats is the correct specification and what we include in our material estimates

Shower trays—especially acrylic/plastic trays—are higher risk due to movement and poor adhesion compared to cementitious substrates. These should be assessed case-by-case and are generally avoided unless the substrate and detailing are specifically approved for the system

Microcement floors can be slippery when wet depending on texture, finish system, cleaning products and use. Cementec Medium is a more textured microcement finish which may improve grip compared with smoother finishes, but we do not describe any floor as “non-slip” unless slip performance is verified for the installed condition. Where slip resistance is a requirement (especially inside showers), it should be specified by the designer/applicator and confirmed by appropriate testing in wet conditions.

Mesh is used:

• In all cases on floors

• On vertical surfaces requiring minimal preparation (e.g. tile, cement backgrounds)

If microcement is applied on fully prepared vertical surfaces (plasterboard/gypsum board with taped & filled joints, plaster, or stable wood panels prepared like a paint-ready surface), mesh is not normally necessary — provided the substrate is solid, stable and free from movement.

SEAL (epoxy) is typically used where the substrate has joints or is non-porous, such as tiles/ceramic. On these substrates—especially on floors—the recommended method is to embed the mesh into SEAL before continuing the system.

On cementitious substrates, SEAL is generally not required, and mesh can be embedded into the first BASE coat instead.

Tiles and other jointed backgrounds typically require joint levelling (so grout lines don’t telegraph through) and the correct bonding route for non-porous substrates (often using SEAL epoxy with reinforcement). The exact preparation depends on the substrate condition and must be assessed by the applicator.

On tiled surfaces, grout joints can “telegraph” through a thin finish if not addressed. Joint levelling means filling/flattening grout lines before continuing the system. (The exact approach depends on joint width/depth and substrate condition.)

It can be used on correctly installed wet-area boards provided the substrate is stable, properly prepared and suitable for wet areas. Joints should be taped and filled and the surface finished to a paint-ready standard before microcement application.

Yes, ceilings can be finished with Cementec microcement where the substrate is sound, stable and smooth.

For a smooth ceiling, Cementec’s recommendation is:

• Lightly sand the surface,

• apply Consolidator,

• apply two coats of FINO,

• then apply PRIMER and the final polyurethane finish system (finish selection depends on the environment).

As with all applications, the substrate must be properly prepared and free from movement.

Yes. FORTE PLUS is a clear protective topcoat. Colour comes from the pigmented microcement coats beneath.

No. Matt/satin/gloss finish choice does not change microcement consumption.

Use a neutral cleaner and non-abrasive cleaning methods. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive pads. Follow the Cementec maintenance guidance for best long-term results.

Minor wear is often addressed by maintenance and, where appropriate, re-sealing. Repairs are substrate and damage dependent and should be assessed by a trained applicator.

Yes — Cementec can be used outdoors, but application conditions and substrate detailing are critical.

Minimum conditions:

• Minimum application temperature: 5°C

• No rain forecast during application and initial curing

Exterior substrate requirements:

• Substrate must be sound, stable and waterproofed

• Substrate must be sloped/falls formed to prevent standing water (no pooling)

Recommended systems (depending on exposure/traffic):

• Cementec Medium

• Cementec High Transit

Because site conditions vary, exterior projects should be reviewed case-by-case before materials are ordered.

It can be used on stable, correctly prepared substrates, with the correct sealing system for the environment. Suitability depends on substrate stability, detailing and expected exposure.

Pools/jacuzzis are treated as a separate system. Cementec provides a dedicated CEMENTEC POOL + FINISH POOL system for long-term water containment.

Some microcement products reference wet areas but state they are not suitable for pools.