FC - Microgranite / Microstone (ENG)
Craftsman Guide / Floor Systems Forcrete β Microstone & Microgranite. Complete guide for preparation, troweling, rolling, and flake broadcasting for Microgranite and Microstone.. π‘ About Microstone &β¦
Updated
by tomas martinsson
Craftsman Guide / Floor Systems
Forcrete β Microstone & Microgranite
Complete guide for preparation, troweling, rolling, and flake broadcasting for Microgranite and Microstone.
π‘ About Microstone & Microgranite:
Microstone and Microgranite are popular floor systems created by applying pigmented Microquartz Medium and broadcasting decorative flakes directly into the wet layer. The system delivers a 100% waterproof surface with extreme abrasion resistance and a classic terrazzo or granite aesthetic.
Microstone and Microgranite are popular floor systems created by applying pigmented Microquartz Medium and broadcasting decorative flakes directly into the wet layer. The system delivers a 100% waterproof surface with extreme abrasion resistance and a classic terrazzo or granite aesthetic.
- Microgranite: Created exclusively using small flakes (shades 01β18). Provides a uniform, dense granite texture.
- Microstone: Created with a combination of large flakes (colors AβK) and small flakes (01β18). Delivers enhanced depth and character in the terrazzo pattern.
π± Materials & Estimated Coverage:
β’ Cement Base: Microquartz Medium, pigmented in the desired shade.
β’ Mixing Ratio (A : B): 916 : 84 (5.5 kg Component A to 500 g Component B).
β’ Coverage Microquartz Medium: approx. 450β500 g/mΒ².
β’ Small Flakes (shades 01β18): approx. 300 g/mΒ² for full-broadcast standard (for partial coverage, use is determined by desired density).
β’ Large Flakes (colors AβK, Microstone only): Amount adjusted according to desired coverage and visual pattern.
Always use the app for exact calculations of materials, water ratio, and pigment amounts for your project.
β’ Cement Base: Microquartz Medium, pigmented in the desired shade.
β’ Mixing Ratio (A : B): 916 : 84 (5.5 kg Component A to 500 g Component B).
β’ Coverage Microquartz Medium: approx. 450β500 g/mΒ².
β’ Small Flakes (shades 01β18): approx. 300 g/mΒ² for full-broadcast standard (for partial coverage, use is determined by desired density).
β’ Large Flakes (colors AβK, Microstone only): Amount adjusted according to desired coverage and visual pattern.
Always use the app for exact calculations of materials, water ratio, and pigment amounts for your project.
β οΈ Important Information Before Starting:
β’ Working Temperature: Material, substrate, and ambient air must remain between +5 Β°C and +25 Β°C.
β’ Base Coat Requirements: Flakes are applied exclusively over base coats of Forprime HB or FL (Microbase XT is not used with flakes). It is essential that the base coat has been fully blinded with silica sand 0.3β0.6 mm or 0.4β0.8 mm to ensure adequate mechanical key.
β’ Staffing & Workflow: Flake floors generally require more installers than standard Microquartzβespecially Microstone, which includes an extra application step. On larger floor areas, it is recommended that one person trowels while another wears spiked shoes to roll and broadcast flakes.
β’ Spiked Shoes: Ensure the spikes are clean and sharp. Worn or dirty spikes will pull flakes and leave permanent marks in the uncured surface.
β’ Pot Life / Working Window: Approximately 40β60 minutes after Component B has been blended in.
β’ Working Temperature: Material, substrate, and ambient air must remain between +5 Β°C and +25 Β°C.
β’ Base Coat Requirements: Flakes are applied exclusively over base coats of Forprime HB or FL (Microbase XT is not used with flakes). It is essential that the base coat has been fully blinded with silica sand 0.3β0.6 mm or 0.4β0.8 mm to ensure adequate mechanical key.
β’ Staffing & Workflow: Flake floors generally require more installers than standard Microquartzβespecially Microstone, which includes an extra application step. On larger floor areas, it is recommended that one person trowels while another wears spiked shoes to roll and broadcast flakes.
β’ Spiked Shoes: Ensure the spikes are clean and sharp. Worn or dirty spikes will pull flakes and leave permanent marks in the uncured surface.
β’ Pot Life / Working Window: Approximately 40β60 minutes after Component B has been blended in.
1. Base Coat
Substrate preparation is built up using an approved base coat (Forprime HB or FL). Follow the guide below for proper buildup and sand blinding:
2. Substrate Preparation & Setup
1.
Inspect Substrate: Ensure the base coat (HB/FL) is completely cured, dry, and clean of dust, dirt, and grease spots.
2.
Sand the Base Coat: Sand the base layer using 40-grit sandpaper or a 50 diamond pad to remove ridges and high spots. Sweep up excess sand and vacuum the surface thoroughly.
3. Mixing & Pigmentation
π§ͺ Mix Microquartz Medium:
Mix pigmented Microquartz Medium in the ratio 916 : 84 (1 bottle 500 g Component B to 1 bucket 5.5 kg Component A). Always calculate exact pigment and partial batch amounts in the app. Follow the separate mixing guide for full instructions:
Mix pigmented Microquartz Medium in the ratio 916 : 84 (1 bottle 500 g Component B to 1 bucket 5.5 kg Component A). Always calculate exact pigment and partial batch amounts in the app. Follow the separate mixing guide for full instructions:
4. Application & Flake Broadcasting
Step 1: Troweling & Preparation Rolling
Step 2: Select Finish & Broadcast Flakes
β’ Troweling in Sections: Lay out material in sections approximately 1 meter deep. Adjust the width to your crew size (approx. 2 meters wide per person).
β’ Blade Angle & Opacity: Apply Microquartz Medium with a steel trowel held at roughly a 45-degree angle. Apply the layer thinly, passing over several times if necessary to ensure full substrate coverage and close any open pinholes.
β’ Rolling with a Texture Roller: Immediately roll over the freshly troweled section using a loop/texture roller (coarse wire-wool style texture). This lifts the material slightly to create a strong mechanical bond for the flakes.
β’ Perimeter Safety Zone: Never broadcast flakes all the way to the wet leading edge. Always leave a clean perimeter margin so you can blend subsequent sections wet-on-wet without lap marks or dry joints.
β’ Blade Angle & Opacity: Apply Microquartz Medium with a steel trowel held at roughly a 45-degree angle. Apply the layer thinly, passing over several times if necessary to ensure full substrate coverage and close any open pinholes.
β’ Rolling with a Texture Roller: Immediately roll over the freshly troweled section using a loop/texture roller (coarse wire-wool style texture). This lifts the material slightly to create a strong mechanical bond for the flakes.
β’ Perimeter Safety Zone: Never broadcast flakes all the way to the wet leading edge. Always leave a clean perimeter margin so you can blend subsequent sections wet-on-wet without lap marks or dry joints.
Option A: Microgranite
Small Flakes Only (01β18)
Classic and uniform granite appearance with small color flakes.
β’ Casting Technique: Start with small amounts and toss upward so the flakes drift down and distribute evenly across the surface. Throwing flakes directly downward creates piles, resulting in uneven binder absorption and patchy finish spots.
β’ Coverage Level:
β Full Broadcast (Standard): Gradually increase flake volume until the floor is completely saturated (no cement visible, approx. 300 g/mΒ²).
β Partial Broadcast: Scatter a lighter volume of flakes based on desired coverage density.
β’ Workflow: Continue to the next section and integrate the floor methodically.
β’ Coverage Level:
β Full Broadcast (Standard): Gradually increase flake volume until the floor is completely saturated (no cement visible, approx. 300 g/mΒ²).
β Partial Broadcast: Scatter a lighter volume of flakes based on desired coverage density.
β’ Workflow: Continue to the next section and integrate the floor methodically.
Option B: Microstone
Large (AβK) & Small Flakes (01β18)
Vibrant terrazzo structure combining large and small decorative flakes.
β’ 1. Cast Large Flakes: Toss small amounts upward to ensure broad distribution. Avoid clustering flakes on top of each other, which detracts from the pattern and risks delamination over time.
β’ 2. Rolling Over Surface: Once the desired amount of large flakes has been spread, roll over the surface with the texture roller to embed the flakes firmly into the wet cement. Note: Cement must not wash over the top of the flakes (or only minimally); if this occurs, the base layer was applied too heavy.
β’ 3. Cast Small Flakes: Broadcast the small flakes (01β18) upward until the surface reaches full saturation (or your desired partial density). Ensure upward casting to avoid clumps and patchy absorption.
β’ Workflow: Move on to the next section and work adjoining edges wet-on-wet.
β’ 2. Rolling Over Surface: Once the desired amount of large flakes has been spread, roll over the surface with the texture roller to embed the flakes firmly into the wet cement. Note: Cement must not wash over the top of the flakes (or only minimally); if this occurs, the base layer was applied too heavy.
β’ 3. Cast Small Flakes: Broadcast the small flakes (01β18) upward until the surface reaches full saturation (or your desired partial density). Ensure upward casting to avoid clumps and patchy absorption.
β’ Workflow: Move on to the next section and work adjoining edges wet-on-wet.
5. Final Sanding & Sealing
Once the surface has cured overnight, sand away loose and excess flakes, level the plane to achieve a better finish, vacuum thoroughly, and apply topcoat (2β3 coats):
Day-by-Day Schedule
π Safety & Protective Equipment:
β’ Product contains epoxy resin and may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
β’ Always wear close-fitting nitrile protective gloves throughout handling and application.
β’ Wear safety glasses during paddle mixing and flake broadcasting.
β’ Use respiratory protection fitted with a P2/P3 particulate filter during all sanding operations.
β’ Ensure adequate room ventilation and keep out of reach of children.
β’ Always wear close-fitting nitrile protective gloves throughout handling and application.
β’ Wear safety glasses during paddle mixing and flake broadcasting.
β’ Use respiratory protection fitted with a P2/P3 particulate filter during all sanding operations.
β’ Ensure adequate room ventilation and keep out of reach of children.
β±οΈ Curing Times & Service Load:
β’ Foot Traffic / Light Load: after 24 hours.
β’ Furniture Placement & Full Load: no earlier than 5 days.
β’ Water & Cleaning Agents: no earlier than 7 days.
β’ Rugs & Protective Coverings: no earlier than 14 days.
β’ Foot Traffic / Light Load: after 24 hours.
β’ Furniture Placement & Full Load: no earlier than 5 days.
β’ Water & Cleaning Agents: no earlier than 7 days.
β’ Rugs & Protective Coverings: no earlier than 14 days.
Documents & Technical Data Sheets
π Data Sheets: Forcrete Microstone & Microgranite
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