Bathroom Renovation – Timing Your Microcement Install
Getting the Order Right – Your Step-by-Step Microcement Timing Guide
A seamless, waterfproof bathroom renovation is the goal, but the path to get there may still be a little hazy. In a bathroom renovation – timing your microcement install requires precision planning. Our guide is designed to give you the clarity you need. We’ll cover the exact moment for installing Forcrete microcement, how to prep the space, and what surfaces it can be applied over.
Why listen to us? We’re Buxton Flow Screeds. For over 20 years, we’ve been the local go-to experts for flow screed, so we know a perfect foundation is everything. As approved Forcrete installers, we combine that deep substrate knowledge with technical microcement skills. We’re sharing our hands-on experience with you, so you can get your bathroom timing spot on.
1. Prepping Your Bathroom – What Surfaces Work Best?
We’ll start by getting your bathroom ready for microcement. A perfect prep is what guarantees a seamless, waterproof finish.
First, about timing. This work should only happen when your plumber and electrician have done their “first fix” (all the hidden pipes and wires are in) and before you fit the shower heads or vanity units.
Surfaces You Can Apply Microcement Over
Forcrete microcement is versatile. It can be applied over:
- Cement Backer Boards – This is the best option for showers and wet areas. They’re solid, stable, and they won’t warp.
- MR Plasterboard – Fine for areas that might get splashed (like behind a sink), but we wouldn’t recommend it for use inside the shower enclosure itself.
- Stable Existing Tiles – Got ugly tiles that are still solid? Microcement can be installed over them.
Forcrete’s Built in Waterproofing
The real benefit of Forcrete’s unique waterproofing system is that you don’t need to buy a separate tanking kit. The waterproofing is built in. We begin an install by applying a special membrane to all the corners and joints, “tanking” the whole room as part of the process.
2. When Does the Microcement Go In?
This is the question we get asked all the time. And the answer is that – we are the finish. We go in before the second fix plumbing and before the final decorating.
Here is the exact project timeline we give our self-builder clients:
- First Fix & Boarding – All pipes and wires are in the walls. All cement backer boards are fitted and joints filled. The room is an empty shell.
- Mist Coat (if needed) – Any fresh plaster on the ceiling or non-microcement walls should get a “mist coat” of paint.
- Buxton Flow Screeds On-Site – We arrive and complete the complete microcement system—from the waterproofing and base coats right through to the final Forcrete sealers.
- Curing Time – We leave, and the room should remain undisturbed while the sealer cures (we’ll tell you how long).
- Second Fix & Finals – Now the plumber come back to fit the shower screen, taps, toilet, and vanity. Fitting them after the microcement install gives you a better, cleaner finish.
3. Forcrete Microcement Installation – Our On-Site Process
A microcement install isn’t completed in a day – it’s a detailed, multi-layer application.
First, we tackle the waterproofing. As we mentioned, Forcrete’s system is integrated. We apply a fleece membrane to all joints, corners, and junctions, fully bonding it within the primer and base layers. This creates a ‘tanked’ shell before any colour is added.
Next, we build strength. We apply two base coats, with a reinforcing fibreglass mesh pressed into the first layer. This is what gives the system its flexibility and excellent crack resistance.
Then comes the design. Two thin, hand-trowelled coats of your chosen Forcrete colour are applied. The custom movement, texture, and clouding are created by hand at this stage.
Finally, the protection is added. After the curing period, we apply Forcrete’s specialist sealers. This is a multi-stage process using different types of sealers to achieve a 100% waterproof, non-porous, and highly durable finish that’s ready for everyday usage.
4. Maintenance – How to Protect Your Finish
Your Forcrete surface is protected by sealers. So, the aim of your cleaning routine is to clean the sealer, not the microcement. Use only pH-neutral cleaners.
Bleach, vinegar, or acidic bathroom descalers are too aggressive and can etch the sealer. Abrasive powders or scourers will physically scratch it. All you need is a soft cloth and a gentle, pH-neutral cleaning spray or floor cleaner. This simple approach ensures the sealer remains intact and your bathroom stays perfectly protected and easy to clean – and not a grout line in sight.
5. What to Expect from Your Forcrete Install
Here are the key things we want you to know about the Forcrete installation, before we even start work.
- Microcement is hand-applied. Its appeal lies in the subtle trowel marks and tonal variations. This “imperfect” look is the signature of a hand-crafted surface.
- Factor in the Curing Time. Letting the sealers fully cure before the second fix is a critical part of the timeline. We’ll give you a clear schedule. Your patience is what will ensure its long-term waterproof durability.
- Trust the Substrate. As flow screed specialists, we know that what’s underneath is more important than what’s on top. We will be insistent on ensuring your substrates are rigid and correct before we apply the first coat. This is our commitment to a crack-free, long-lasting finish.
Bringing It All Together
Planning is all with microcement, and you now have the installer’s timeline. From substrate prep onwards, every step is designed to give you a finish that is both flawless and tough.
Do you have a question about your own renovation? Our team of Forcrete installers is here to help. Get in touch, and we can talk through giving your bathroom a microcement finish that’s built to last – 020 3369 3396 or 07590 625100
