INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
Recent advancements in microcement technology mean that now is the time to reconsider the versatile on-trend material, says Achtis.
The industrial look has firmly cemented itself as a design trend. A quick Google search for industrial style will reveal everything from kitchens, bars, design studio’s and art galleries to furniture, shelving, lighting and worktops. So it is no surprise that polished concrete, screeds and microcements have been seeing a huge rise in popularity in both the commercial and domestic sectors over the past few years.
Microcements are ideal for this look – not only do they look and feel like concrete, but they offer a huge range of additional benefits making them extremely versatile for architects and designers as well as contractors. Applying microcements to walls as well as floors adds another dimension to any project and they can be applied to a variety of surfaces from concrete, screeds, tiles, timber and even metal.
Despite the vestality and creative scope that microcements can provide, they have historically been seen as bothersome. From their introduction decades ago in the very basic form of polymer, cement and aggregate, microcements have not always performed to expectations. Complicated systems that almost required a lab set up for mixing liquid polymers with pigments to aggregate and cement weren’t easy to use on site. Fiddly calculations based on humidity and heat further complicated these issues. Calcite-based aggregates such as limestone or chalk couldn’t offer the hardwearing surfaces required and bonding issues could sometimes be a problem, leading to delamination. In short, the older microcement systems could be difficult to work with and didn’t always perform in the long run.
However, the last 12-18 months have seen numerous advances in microcements and the new systems have
36 | SCREEDS, RESINS & COATINGS
addressed many of the negative characteristics seen in their forerunners. This has led to the creation of products that are easy to use, perform to expectations and offer a design scope that is perfect for today’s modern aesthetic.
New microcement systems are now easier to use with some being purely powder based so the aggregate, cement, polymer and pigment are all in one kit, the contractor just needs to add water. Not only does this make things much easier on site but the issues with colour and consistency are completely done away with and the first mix is the same colour as the last.
Harder aggregates have also been added in some cases making the latest microcements extremely hardwearing and durable. This coupled with new polymer mixes overcome issues of strength, durability and bonding all at the same time. Excellent bond strength in some of these newer systems means that they can be applied to walls and shelving, over timber and tiles making them a great renovation alternative.
Some microcements can now be polished once they have been laid offering a great alternative where it’s not practical to install a polished concrete floor. In some systems it is possible to achieve such a high shine that they create an almost mirror like effect. These systems have perfected the aggregate and polymer mix so the polymers no longer burnish and darken with the heat of the discs. It’s the actual microcement that is polished and not a sacrificial top coat.
So, if you haven’t tried microcements before, or not in a while, now is the time to take a look at the newer products available on the market.
achtisgroup.com/products/microcements-2 www.tomorrowscontractfloors.com
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