Notes on the correct application of protective sealers for microcement.

Note: If you have not already done so, we recommend that you read this introductory article: What is the best sealer for microcement?

Compatibility and affinity with microcement.
Not all sealers designed for concrete are suitable for our cement coating, or rather, are compatible with a micro-cement that is partly still fresh. If we could wait until the coating is fully cured, then the range of possibilities offered by the market would certainly be wider, but as is often the case it is necessary to apply the protective coating as soon as possible, in a context where the pH of the micro-cement is still very high and there is residual moisture. In these cases, polyurethane resins are not very suitable, as they suffer from contact with fresh cement and cross-link less effectively. One solution is to start with an acrylic resin, as in the case of the Cerbero system.

Before application.
After the last coat of micro-cement, a single-brush sanding is carried out to smooth the coating and to enhance the spatula strokes typical of this process. The floor must then be vacuumed very carefully, as it is common for dust to remain on the floor. After the application of the transparent resin, it is possible that these dust grains with time and wear will come off the base, leaving a small hole that will be evident when the floor is wetted for the first time. In case this has happened to you, there is an easy remedy: MICROMED +

Make sure that the surface is perfectly clean before applying the protective coating.

During application.
In the moments before it is protected with sealer, our cement coating is in a very dangerous situation. All it takes is one drop of sweat falling on the untreated floor to undo the effort of days. Make sure therefore that you are dressed appropriately, and that you do not lose any hair or hairs which, once embedded in the transparent resin, you will no longer be able to remove easily. If you have to interrupt the protective treatment for any reason, lay down a paper tape that clearly marks the point where you have arrived, preferably at a threshold.

Avoid dropping hairs, hair or anything else when applying the protector.

Methods of application.
If you choose to apply the product by roller, we recommend to use at least a 8mm microfibre roller. Short-haired rollers, which are often used with glaze paints and resins, should be avoided because they tend to dry the product too quickly in contact with the micro-cement with the consequent risk of leaving traces of the strokes.
When applying, always cross the applications (e.g. first coat in north-south direction and second coat in east-west direction) to ensure that the product is applied evenly.

It is recommended to use at least a 8mm microfiber roller.

Rubber feet.
Although some sealers allow moderate foot traffic after just a few hours, it should be borne in mind that resins always take a few days to fully cure.
A particularly sneaky enemy of our protective layer is the rubber feet that can be under our customer's chairs, tables and furniture. Due to the passing of time and the action of heat, some types of rubber tend to release components, which cling tenaciously to the sealer layer. The consequence is that the first time the table is moved after a long time, these feet will tear the cortical layer of the coating, leaving a mark. Always advise your customers to use felt pads, which are much safer.

Using felt pads under the chairs ensures that the cement coating lasts longer.

The Cerbero protective system by Ecobeton.