TT - Application: Worktops & Splashbacks
Craftsman Guide / Worktops Application: Worktops & Splashbacks (Topciment). Practical guide for system build-up, layering schedules, and application of Topciment microcement on countertops and splashβ¦
Updated
by tomas martinsson
Craftsman Guide / Worktops
Application: Worktops & Splashbacks (Topciment)
Practical guide for system build-up, layering schedules, and application of Topciment microcement on countertops and splashbacks.
π Before Starting the Project β Physical Sample Requirement:
β’ Always make a sample of at least 60Γ60 cm in the correct color and texture for client sign-off prior to work commencing.
β’ Rigid Substrate: The worktop must be completely solid and rigid with all substrate joints flush and level. Movement in the carcass or substrate board will lead to cracks over time.
β’ Disassembly: Remove sink, hob, and mixer tap before starting to enable proper edge sanding and seamless application.
β’ Order of Work: If treating both the countertop and the splashback, always start application on the splashback.
β’ Always make a sample of at least 60Γ60 cm in the correct color and texture for client sign-off prior to work commencing.
β’ Rigid Substrate: The worktop must be completely solid and rigid with all substrate joints flush and level. Movement in the carcass or substrate board will lead to cracks over time.
β’ Disassembly: Remove sink, hob, and mixer tap before starting to enable proper edge sanding and seamless application.
β’ Order of Work: If treating both the countertop and the splashback, always start application on the splashback.
1. Substrate Preparation & Reinforcement
1.
Degreasing & Cleaning: Thoroughly wash and degrease the surface. Residual grease or oil can migrate upward and discolor the microcement from below.
2.
Chamfer Edges: Slightly chamfer/ease the outer edges of the worktop to minimize the risk of sanding through. Straight, defined edges are recommended over fully rounded profiles.
3.
Reinforcement: Roll and embed a 50 g or 58 g fiberglass mesh using Primacem Plus across the entire top surface and around the edges. Reinforcement prevents cracking and reinforces exposed edges.
Instructions: Preparation on Tiles & Pavers β
Instructions: Primer Selection β
Instructions: Mesh Selection β
2. Build-Up System: Step-by-Step
Base Coat: 2 Coats Microbase / Natture L (Pigmented)
β’ Trowel 2 coats of base layer. Both coats must be pigmented.
β’ Continuously scrape away spillover along edges. Between coats, a completely dry sponge can be used to blend away ridges once the surface is touch-dry.
β’ Sand the base coat flat with 40-grit sandpaper after each coat to eliminate mesh bubbles and high spots.
β’ Continuously scrape away spillover along edges. Between coats, a completely dry sponge can be used to blend away ridges once the surface is touch-dry.
β’ Sand the base coat flat with 40-grit sandpaper after each coat to eliminate mesh bubbles and high spots.
Finish Coat: 1β2 Coats Microdeck / Natture M or Microfino
β’ Trowel 1 coat of finish layer. If you are satisfied with the texture and coverage, 1 coat is sufficient as a top layer on worktops. For a more homogeneous finish, trowel a second coat.
β’ Vacuum thoroughly and wipe down the surface with a dry microfiber cloth prior to application.
β’ Final Sanding: Sand Microdeck with 80-grit (machine) or 120-grit (hand). Sand Microfino gently with 120-grit (machine) or 240-grit (hand). Always sand external corners by hand.
β’ Vacuum thoroughly and wipe down the surface with a dry microfiber cloth prior to application.
β’ Final Sanding: Sand Microdeck with 80-grit (machine) or 120-grit (hand). Sand Microfino gently with 120-grit (machine) or 240-grit (hand). Always sand external corners by hand.
π Tip for Crisp and Clean Front Edges (Final Coat Only):
Apply masking tape along the front edge when troweling the top face. Once the top surface has dried for about an hour, lightly ease the edge by hand. Then tape the top face precisely along the edge line and trowel the front edge separately. This eliminates the risk of drips and tooling marks on the finished countertop.
Apply masking tape along the front edge when troweling the top face. Once the top surface has dried for about an hour, lightly ease the edge by hand. Then tape the top face precisely along the edge line and trowel the front edge separately. This eliminates the risk of drips and tooling marks on the finished countertop.
Sealing & Topcoat: Topsealer Pro-Plus + Topsealer Dragon
β’ Pre-treatment: Roll 1 extremely thin coat of Topsealer Pro-Plus using a 4 mm mohair roller. Allow to dry for at least 6β8 hours.
β’ Topcoat: Lightly abrade the surface with 400-grit paper and remove sanding dust. Then roll 2 coats of Topsealer Dragon (with 18β36 hours drying time and 400-grit intermediate sanding between coats).
β’ Topcoat: Lightly abrade the surface with 400-grit paper and remove sanding dust. Then roll 2 coats of Topsealer Dragon (with 18β36 hours drying time and 400-grit intermediate sanding between coats).
3. Step-by-Step Schedule & Drying Times
π¨ * Accelerate Drying with Fans:
Drying times for primer (Step 1) and cement coats (Steps 2β4) can be shortened significantly using standard circulation fans. Never use heat guns or fan heaters, as rapid heat drying impairs cement hydration and increases the risk of cracking.
Drying times for primer (Step 1) and cement coats (Steps 2β4) can be shortened significantly using standard circulation fans. Never use heat guns or fan heaters, as rapid heat drying impairs cement hydration and increases the risk of cracking.
β³ Curing and Load-Bearing:
β’ Light Use: The worktop can be put into light service after 5β7 days.
β’ Soft Joints / Silicone: Mount hob, sink, and apply sanitary silicone in all transitions no earlier than 3 days after final sealing.
β’ Covering: Do not cover the surface with protective paper or plastic during the first 14 days, as the sealer requires time to fully cure and breathe.
β’ Water & Cleaning: Clean with water only during the first 14 days. Thereafter, use pH-neutral detergents only. Avoid leaving standing puddles of water.
β’ Light Use: The worktop can be put into light service after 5β7 days.
β’ Soft Joints / Silicone: Mount hob, sink, and apply sanitary silicone in all transitions no earlier than 3 days after final sealing.
β’ Covering: Do not cover the surface with protective paper or plastic during the first 14 days, as the sealer requires time to fully cure and breathe.
β’ Water & Cleaning: Clean with water only during the first 14 days. Thereafter, use pH-neutral detergents only. Avoid leaving standing puddles of water.
Important Information for the Client
β’ Always clean microcement using pH-neutral cleaning products.
β’ Avoid standing water on the surface, as prolonged exposure may leave marks or stains. Wipe down the countertop regularly.
β’ Inform the client that the protective sealer experiences wear over time and will require a maintenance coat in the future (typically after 2 to 5 years depending on usage).
β’ Do not present microcement as an indestructible surface. It delivers exceptional seamless aesthetics, but does not match the heavy mechanical impact resistance of a solid solid-stone slab.
β’ Avoid standing water on the surface, as prolonged exposure may leave marks or stains. Wipe down the countertop regularly.
β’ Inform the client that the protective sealer experiences wear over time and will require a maintenance coat in the future (typically after 2 to 5 years depending on usage).
β’ Do not present microcement as an indestructible surface. It delivers exceptional seamless aesthetics, but does not match the heavy mechanical impact resistance of a solid solid-stone slab.
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TT - Mixing & Pigmentation Guide
TT - Fiberglass Mesh & Reinforcement Guide
