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Polyurethane Microcement

All about Polyurethane Varnish

The application of microcement is a system where various techniques and products come into play apart from the microcement itself. Usually these products are the bonding bridge, and the polyurethane varnish. While the bonding bridge is the first layer, the polyurethane is just the final layer of the system.

The microcement that is normally used in microcement applications is a two-component water-based product. It is a product that must be mixed into its two components A and B just before application, otherwise it hardens and loses its properties if time passes after being mixed.

Its main functions are:

  • Improves impermeability
  • Improves the cleaning of the microcement as it eliminates pores
  • Avoid scratching the surface
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Microcement Two-Component Polyurethane

Water-based polyurethane is relatively new, since solvent-based polyurethane was used until not many years ago. Like most solvent-based chemicals, its use is increasingly reduced. Its high toxicity has definitely ruled it out.

Although water-based polyurethane recently did not have properties that would make it advisable for this application, today this has changed. The products that exist today on the market have the technical specifications necessary to achieve an optimal microcement application.

Polyurethane Application

Polyurethane is applied as a top coat in any microcement application. Two coats are normally applied. The first rule that must be observed is that it should always be applied on a completely dry layer. It is very important to respect it, since otherwise that moisture would be trapped and could cause stains or even adherence problems. This condition is even more important between layer and layer of polyurethane. The consequences could be more damaging.

The polyurethane varnish is applied with a short-haired roller or brush, always trying to stretch the material and not leave areas with a higher concentration of product. It will be applied on the surface, and it will prevent dripping, since these marks could not possibly be removed once dry.

The waiting time between coat and coat is at least 12 hours, with manufacturers who speak of a minimum of 24 hours. At CimentStudio we recommend adapting this time to the conditions of each project. Although it may appear dry to the touch, chemical reactions may still be taking place and therefore it has not finished drying.

After the Application

Once the two layers of polyurethane have been applied, we recommend taking certain precautions to ensure that the layer acquires all its properties. These precautions can be divided into:

  • First week: do not use water and avoid supporting heavy elements
  • First month: wash only with water without leaving puddles

Once applied, we must be careful to use acidic products for cleaning. The ideal is to avoid them, and in case of using bleach, reduce it with water. We recommend the use of neutral soaps for cleaning, in this way, it will look in perfect condition for a long time.

To learn more about microcement, follow us on our CimentStudio website.

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