FC - Application on Tiles
Craftsman Guide / Preparation Troweling Over Tiles & Pavers. Practical instructions on how to prepare and skim-coat a tiled surface or tiled floor prior to applying microcement.. π The Key to a Greatβ¦
Updated
by tomas martinsson
Craftsman Guide / Preparation
Troweling Over Tiles & Pavers
Practical instructions on how to prepare and skim-coat a tiled surface or tiled floor prior to applying microcement.
π The Key to a Great Final Result:
β’ Because microcement builds a total thickness of only 2β4 mm, it will not conceal depressions or level differences. The surface must be completely flat without noticeable grout lines or lips once finished.
β’ If the substrate is uneven, there is a high risk that the old grout pattern will telegraph through, which often only becomes visible when applying the final sealer.
β’ Always check for hollow tiles (loose tiles) and repair any damage before starting.
β’ Because microcement builds a total thickness of only 2β4 mm, it will not conceal depressions or level differences. The surface must be completely flat without noticeable grout lines or lips once finished.
β’ If the substrate is uneven, there is a high risk that the old grout pattern will telegraph through, which often only becomes visible when applying the final sealer.
β’ Always check for hollow tiles (loose tiles) and repair any damage before starting.
π‘ Craftsman Tip for Troweling:
Pass the spatula over the surface just before the filler dries completely to scrape away ridges and imperfections immediately. Cement-based repair mortar (e.g., Ardex A46) becomes extremely hard and takes a long time to sand down afterward. Careful skimming saves a substantial amount of sanding time.
Pass the spatula over the surface just before the filler dries completely to scrape away ridges and imperfections immediately. Cement-based repair mortar (e.g., Ardex A46) becomes extremely hard and takes a long time to sand down afterward. Careful skimming saves a substantial amount of sanding time.
1. Preparation per Surface (Floor vs. Wall)
Workflow for Tile Floors
β’ Remove Silicone: Cut away all soft joints and silicone in corners and internal angles. Microcement does not adhere to silicone.
β’ Concrete Grinding: Grind the tiles with a concrete grinder to roughen the glaze and level out any lipped tile edges.
β’ Normal Grout Lines: On even tile floors, concrete grinding is sufficient, as two coats of Forprime HB/FL will completely bridge the grout lines.
β’ Wide Grout Lines / Uneven Floors: Pre-fill wide or deep grout lines with cement-based repair mortar (e.g., Ardex A46). For very uneven surfaces, apply a thin self-leveling screed.
β’ Concrete Grinding: Grind the tiles with a concrete grinder to roughen the glaze and level out any lipped tile edges.
β’ Normal Grout Lines: On even tile floors, concrete grinding is sufficient, as two coats of Forprime HB/FL will completely bridge the grout lines.
β’ Wide Grout Lines / Uneven Floors: Pre-fill wide or deep grout lines with cement-based repair mortar (e.g., Ardex A46). For very uneven surfaces, apply a thin self-leveling screed.
Workflow for Tile Walls
β’ Remove Silicone: Cut away all soft joints and silicone in corners and internal angles prior to starting.
β’ Concrete Grinding: Grind the tiles to roughen the surface and level out any lipped tiles.
β’ Fill Grout Lines: Fill the grout lines using cement-based repair mortar. Pull the spatula diagonally across the joints to fill them completely without scooping the mortar back out.
β’ Concrete Grinding: Grind the tiles to roughen the surface and level out any lipped tiles.
β’ Fill Grout Lines: Fill the grout lines using cement-based repair mortar. Pull the spatula diagonally across the joints to fill them completely without scooping the mortar back out.
2. Skimming & Sanding
3. Exception for Larger & Even Wall Tiles
If the wall tiles are of a larger format, installed evenly, and have shallow grout lines, pre-filling can be skipped:
β’ Following concrete grinding, prime the surface with Monogrip and embed the reinforcement mesh directly using Monostone XL.
β’ Important: This only applies if the tiles are completely flat and the joints are shallow. Otherwise, you will be forced to apply overly thick layers of Monostone, which can cause cracking in subsequent Microquartz coats.
β’ When finishing with Rockplaster, the system is less sensitive to thicker builds, but pre-filling larger grout lines is always recommended as a first choice.
β’ Following concrete grinding, prime the surface with Monogrip and embed the reinforcement mesh directly using Monostone XL.
β’ Important: This only applies if the tiles are completely flat and the joints are shallow. Otherwise, you will be forced to apply overly thick layers of Monostone, which can cause cracking in subsequent Microquartz coats.
β’ When finishing with Rockplaster, the system is less sensitive to thicker builds, but pre-filling larger grout lines is always recommended as a first choice.
β³ Drying Times: Repair mortar and tile adhesive must be 100% dry through before priming or applying microcement.
4. Next Steps
Choose the appropriate primer or instruction based on your substrate and area of application:
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