SureCrete MicroTek One Coat Microcement Overlay Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

SureCrete MicroTek One Coat is a professional-grade microcement overlay designed for creating smooth, modern finishes on various interior and exterior surfaces. This versatile product can be applied over drywall, cement board (when primed with SureCrete Elastoshield), or directly over prepared concrete. It is a single-component, self-bonding material that requires only water for mixing, making it suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors.

MicroTek One Coat is ideal for transforming walls, bathrooms, fireplace surrounds, and floors, providing a refined architectural aesthetic. It is available in Gray and White bases, with the White base being suitable for custom pigmentation using SureCrete SC Color Packs or XS Color Packs.

This image highlights key features of MicroTek One Coat, including its ability to create smooth, seamless microcement finishes, its simple water-only mixing requirement, and its suitability for both interior and exterior wall and floor applications.

2. Safety Information

Always prioritize safety when working with cement-based products. Read and understand all safety data sheets (SDS) before use. The following precautions are recommended:

• Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect against dust and splashes.
• Skin Protection: Wear waterproof gloves and protective clothing. Prolonged contact with wet cement can cause skin irritation or burns.
• Respiratory Protection: Use an approved dust mask or respirator, especially when mixing, to avoid inhaling cement dust.
• Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area.
• First Aid: In case of eye contact, flush immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention. For skin contact, wash thoroughly with soap and water.
• Keep Out of Reach: Store product out of reach of children and pets.

3. Product Overview and Features

SureCrete MicroTek One Coat offers a range of features designed for ease of use and durable, aesthetic results:

• Microcement Overlay: Creates a sleek, modern finish with a smooth, tight-troweled surface.
• Versatile Surfaces: Apply on interior or exterior walls, drywall, or cement board when primed with SureCrete Elastoshield, or directly over prepared concrete.
• Just Add Water: Single-component formula mixes easily with water only; no extra additives required.
• Wide Range of Applications: Perfect for feature walls, bathrooms, fireplace surrounds, and floors.
• Color Options: Available in Gray and White bases. White MicroTek should be used when adding pigment with SC Color Packs or XS Color Packs.
• Coverage Per Bag: One 40 lb. bag covers 200–300 sq. ft. per coat, depending on surface and application style.
• DIY & Pro Friendly: Easy to mix and apply with a trowel for consistent results.

This image illustrates the availability of white or gray bases, the product's suitability for both DIY and professional use, and its application versatility on feature walls, bathrooms, fireplace surrounds, and floors.

This image details how to achieve custom colors by pigmenting the White MicroTek with SureCrete color packs and notes that MicroTek Gray can be used for darker color variations.

This image displays the Gray color of the MicroTek One Coat product, serving as a reference for the final finish.

4. Setup

4.1 Surface Preparation

Proper surface preparation is crucial for optimal adhesion and finish quality. All surfaces must be clean, dry, structurally sound, and free of dirt, oil, grease, paint, sealers, curing compounds, and any other contaminants that may inhibit bond.

• Concrete Surfaces: Concrete should be fully cured (minimum 28 days) and mechanically profiled to achieve a CSP-2 or CSP-3 profile. Repair any cracks or spalls prior to application.
• Drywall or Cement Board: These surfaces require priming with SureCrete Elastoshield or a suitable primer recommended by SureCrete to ensure proper adhesion and prevent moisture absorption. Follow the primer manufacturer's instructions for application and drying times.
• Existing Coatings: Remove all existing coatings unless they are specifically designed to be compatible with microcement overlays and are in excellent condition.

4.2 Mixing Instructions

MicroTek One Coat is a single-component product that only requires the addition of water. The exact water amount may vary slightly depending on desired consistency and ambient conditions.

1. Begin with a clean mixing container and a low-speed drill (400-600 rpm) with a paddle mixer.
2. For a 40 lb bag, typically start with approximately 5-6 quarts (4.7-5.7 liters) of clean water.
3. Gradually add the MicroTek powder to the water while continuously mixing.
4. Mix thoroughly for 3-5 minutes until a lump-free, homogeneous consistency is achieved. The mixture should be smooth and workable, similar to a thick pancake batter or plaster.
5. Allow the mixture to 'slake' (rest) for 5-10 minutes to allow all polymers to fully hydrate.
6. Remix briefly for 1-2 minutes before application. Do not add more water after the slake period, as this can compromise the product's strength and performance.

5. Operating (Application)

MicroTek One Coat is typically applied in thin coats using a trowel. The number of coats and thickness will depend on the desired finish and surface conditions.

1. First Coat: Apply a very thin, tight scratch coat to the prepared surface using a steel trowel. This coat ensures maximum adhesion and fills minor imperfections. Aim for full coverage with minimal material. Allow this coat to dry to the touch, typically 2-4 hours depending on environmental conditions.
2. Subsequent Coats: Once the first coat is dry, apply additional thin coats (typically 1-2 more) to build up the desired texture and opacity. Each coat should be applied thinly and evenly. For a smoother finish, use a finer trowel and apply more pressure. For a more textured look, use less pressure and a slightly thicker application.
3. Drying Between Coats: Allow each coat to dry sufficiently before applying the next. This usually takes 2-4 hours, but can be longer in humid or cool conditions. The surface should be firm and not tacky.
4. Finishing: The final coat can be burnished with a trowel as it begins to set to achieve a polished, smooth appearance. Work quickly and efficiently.
5. Coverage: A 40 lb bag typically covers 200–300 sq. ft. per coat, but this can vary based on surface porosity, application technique, and desired thickness.

This image depicts the application of MicroTek One Coat to a wall using a trowel, illustrating the manual process of spreading the microcement overlay.

6. Maintenance

6.1 Curing and Sealing

After the final coat of MicroTek One Coat has been applied and allowed to dry for at least 24-48 hours, it is highly recommended to apply a suitable sealer. Sealing is essential for protecting the microcement from stains, abrasion, and moisture, especially in high-traffic areas or wet environments like bathrooms.

• Consult SureCrete's recommendations for appropriate sealers (e.g., water-based urethanes, epoxies) based on the application area and desired level of protection.
• Apply sealer according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically in multiple thin coats.
• Allow the sealer to fully cure before exposing the surface to heavy use or moisture.

6.2 Cleaning and Care

Once sealed, MicroTek One Coat surfaces are relatively easy to maintain.

• Regular Cleaning: Use a soft cloth or mop with a mild, pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or scouring pads, as these can damage the sealer and the microcement surface.
• Spills: Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining, especially acidic liquids.
• Protection: For floors, use furniture pads under legs and avoid dragging heavy objects to prevent scratches.
• Re-sealing: Depending on traffic and wear, re-sealing may be necessary every few years to maintain protection and appearance.

7. Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues and potential solutions:

• Mixture Too Runny/Thin: This indicates too much water was added. If caught early, allow the mixture to sit for a short period to thicken, or add a small amount of dry powder while mixing to adjust consistency. Avoid adding too much powder at once.
• Mixture Too Thick/Stiff: This indicates insufficient water. Add very small amounts of water gradually while mixing until the desired consistency is reached. Do not add water after the initial slake period.
• Fast Setting Time: High temperatures or low humidity can accelerate drying. Work in smaller sections, keep the product cool, and ensure the surface is not excessively hot.
• Uneven Finish/Trowel Marks: This can be due to inconsistent mixing, improper trowel technique, or working on a surface that is too dry. Ensure consistent mix, maintain a clean trowel, and apply even pressure. For a smoother finish, apply thinner coats and burnish the final coat as it sets.
• Poor Adhesion: Often caused by inadequate surface preparation (e.g., dirty, dusty, or improperly profiled surface) or applying over incompatible coatings. Ensure thorough cleaning and proper profiling/priming as per instructions.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

SureCrete products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For specific warranty information regarding MicroTek One Coat, please refer to the official SureCrete website or contact their customer support directly. Warranty terms typically cover manufacturing defects and are subject to proper product storage, preparation, and application as outlined in this manual and SureCrete's technical data sheets.

For technical assistance, product inquiries, or support, please contact SureCrete customer service:

• Website: www.surecretedesign.com
• Contact Information: Refer to the 'Contact Us' section on the official website for phone numbers and email addresses.