FC - Microbase XT (ENG)
Craftsman Guide / Base Coats Forcrete β Microbase XT. Complete guide for applications, mixing, troweling, and sanding of Microbase XT.. π‘ About Microbase XT & Its Applications: β’ Base Coat: Microbaseβ¦
Updated
by tomas martinsson
Craftsman Guide / Base Coats
Forcrete β Microbase XT
Complete guide for applications, mixing, troweling, and sanding of Microbase XT.
π‘ About Microbase XT & Its Applications:
β’ Base Coat: Microbase XT is primarily used as a base coat on worktops, as well as on high-wear vertical surfaces such as stairs and bathtubs.
β’ Recommendation for Other Surfaces: With the exception of worktops and vertical surfaces, we recommend applying the first (and usually also the second) base coat with Forprime HB/FL. They embed the mesh more effectively and provide a harder foundation.
β’ Final Finish: XT features a coarse aggregate texture that can be difficult to maintain indoors. Consequently, it is primarily used as a final decorative finish in outdoor environments.
β’ Base Coat: Microbase XT is primarily used as a base coat on worktops, as well as on high-wear vertical surfaces such as stairs and bathtubs.
β’ Recommendation for Other Surfaces: With the exception of worktops and vertical surfaces, we recommend applying the first (and usually also the second) base coat with Forprime HB/FL. They embed the mesh more effectively and provide a harder foundation.
β’ Final Finish: XT features a coarse aggregate texture that can be difficult to maintain indoors. Consequently, it is primarily used as a final decorative finish in outdoor environments.
π± Coverage & Mixing Ratio:
β’ Mixing Ratio (A:B): 92 : 8 (1 full bottle of Comp B to 1 bucket of Comp A).
β’ Coverage: approx. 1.5 kg/mΒ² with reinforcement mesh / approx. 1.0 kg/mΒ² without reinforcement mesh.
β’ Layer Thickness: approx. 1.0β1.5 mm per coat.
Always use the mixing app to obtain exact quantities of material, water, and pigment for your surface area.
β’ Mixing Ratio (A:B): 92 : 8 (1 full bottle of Comp B to 1 bucket of Comp A).
β’ Coverage: approx. 1.5 kg/mΒ² with reinforcement mesh / approx. 1.0 kg/mΒ² without reinforcement mesh.
β’ Layer Thickness: approx. 1.0β1.5 mm per coat.
Always use the mixing app to obtain exact quantities of material, water, and pigment for your surface area.
β οΈ Important Information Before Starting:
β’ Working Temperature: Material, substrate, and room air must be between +5 Β°C and +25 Β°C.
β’ Application Tool: Always troweled out using a flexible steel trowel to the thickness of the aggregate grain.
β’ Storage: Protect from freezing. Shelf life is 12 months from manufacturing date in unopened packaging.
β’ Pot Life: Approximately 40β60 minutes after the hardener (Comp B) has been incorporated.
β’ Working Temperature: Material, substrate, and room air must be between +5 Β°C and +25 Β°C.
β’ Application Tool: Always troweled out using a flexible steel trowel to the thickness of the aggregate grain.
β’ Storage: Protect from freezing. Shelf life is 12 months from manufacturing date in unopened packaging.
β’ Pot Life: Approximately 40β60 minutes after the hardener (Comp B) has been incorporated.
1. Primer & Substrates
Before troweling Microbase XT, the substrate must be primed or already based with Forprime HB/FL. Select the appropriate guide below for your substrate:
2. Substrate Preparation & Setup
1.
Inspect the Substrate: Ensure the surface is dry and clean from dirt, oil, and grease.
2.
Sanding: If the primer has been blinded with sand, sweep up excess sand and vacuum clean. Knock down any high spots with 40-grit sandpaper or a 50 diamond pad before troweling. If the surface is based with Forprime HB/FL, diamond-grind and vacuum thoroughly before applying Microbase XT.
3. Mixing & Pigmentation
π§ͺ Mixing Microbase XT:
Microbase XT is mixed at a ratio of 92 : 8 (1 full bottle of Comp B to 1 bucket of Comp A). Both water and pigment powder can be added directly into the bucket with Comp A and mixed. Allow pigmented Comp A to rest for at least 120 minutes before adding the hardener. Mix mechanically with a paddle mixer for at least 3 minutes.
Microbase XT is mixed at a ratio of 92 : 8 (1 full bottle of Comp B to 1 bucket of Comp A). Both water and pigment powder can be added directly into the bucket with Comp A and mixed. Allow pigmented Comp A to rest for at least 120 minutes before adding the hardener. Mix mechanically with a paddle mixer for at least 3 minutes.
4. Application of Microbase XT
Coat 1: Microbase XT with Reinforcement Mesh
β’ Reinforcement: Fit 160 g mesh onto the substrate using a glue gun. Always lay sheets edge-to-edge without overlapping.
β’ Water Volume: Add approx. 30 g water per kg of material (less on worktops and vertical surfaces for more body/stability).
β’ Application: Trowel the material out evenly across the mesh using a steel trowel (coverage approx. 1.5 kg/mΒ²). Allow to dry overnight.
β’ Sanding: Sand the surface with 40 grit sandpaper or a 50 diamond pad. Vacuum thoroughly.
β’ Water Volume: Add approx. 30 g water per kg of material (less on worktops and vertical surfaces for more body/stability).
β’ Application: Trowel the material out evenly across the mesh using a steel trowel (coverage approx. 1.5 kg/mΒ²). Allow to dry overnight.
β’ Sanding: Sand the surface with 40 grit sandpaper or a 50 diamond pad. Vacuum thoroughly.
Coat 2: Microbase XT (Second Base Coat)
β’ Usage: Coat 2 of XT is primarily applied on worktops, stairs, or when used outdoors as a final finish.
β’ Water Volume: Add approx. 40β50 g water per kg of material for a smoother, more fluid consistency.
β’ Application: Trowel out a solid second coat to the thickness of the aggregate (coverage approx. 1.0 kg/mΒ²). Avoid ridges and thick edges.
β’ Curing & Sanding: Allow to dry overnight. Sand the surface smooth with 40 grit or a 50 diamond pad and vacuum thoroughly prior to Microquartz (or prior to outdoor sealing).
β’ Water Volume: Add approx. 40β50 g water per kg of material for a smoother, more fluid consistency.
β’ Application: Trowel out a solid second coat to the thickness of the aggregate (coverage approx. 1.0 kg/mΒ²). Avoid ridges and thick edges.
β’ Curing & Sanding: Allow to dry overnight. Sand the surface smooth with 40 grit or a 50 diamond pad and vacuum thoroughly prior to Microquartz (or prior to outdoor sealing).
5. Sanding & Next Steps
Once Microbase XT is sanded and vacuumed clean, the surface is ready for the finish coat with Microquartz:
π Safety & Protective Equipment:
β’ The product contains epoxy and may cause skin irritation upon direct contact.
β’ Always wear nitrile protective gloves when mixing and troweling.
β’ Wear safety glasses during mechanical paddle mixing.
β’ Wear a dust filter mask during sanding.
β’ Work in well-ventilated spaces and keep out of reach of children.
β’ Always wear nitrile protective gloves when mixing and troweling.
β’ Wear safety glasses during mechanical paddle mixing.
β’ Wear a dust filter mask during sanding.
β’ Work in well-ventilated spaces and keep out of reach of children.
β±οΈ Curing & Tool Cleaning:
β’ Sandable: Normally after 16β24 hours.
β’ Tool Cleaning: Clean tools and mixing buckets with clean water immediately after use before the material sets.
β’ Sandable: Normally after 16β24 hours.
β’ Tool Cleaning: Clean tools and mixing buckets with clean water immediately after use before the material sets.
Documents & Technical Data Sheets
π Data Sheets: Forcrete Microbase XT
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