Microcement Mastery: Final Stages — Sealing and Sanding for a Perfect Finish

Welcome to Daniel Lee Plastering and Rendering! In this guide, we walk you through the final and most crucial stages of completing a microcement project. This article is based on our Microcement Mastery — Final Stages: Sealing and Sanding for a Perfect Finish video and explains each step clearly so homeowners, DIYers, and professionals can fully understand the process.

🛁 Project Overview: Waterproof Microcement Bathroom

This project takes place inside an en‑suite bathroom where we are finishing waterproof microcement walls. By this stage, the system already includes:

• Two reinforced base coats with mesh
• Two coloured coats in Stucco White, a beautiful cloudy white tone with grey speckles
• Final sanding, sealing, and polishing to complete the surface

🧰 Step 1 — Final Sanding Before Sealing

Before applying any sealant, the surface must be perfectly smooth.

✔ What we use:

• 240‑grade sandpaper — ideal for smoothing the last colour coat
• Orbital sander (125mm)
• Detail sander/manual sanding for tight areas

✔ Why it matters:

Microcement is a decorative finish. Any dust, bumps, or imperfections left behind will show through once sealed. A perfect final sand ensures:

• Clean, even texture
• A smooth, high‑end finish
• Proper bonding with the sealant

🧴 Step 2 — Preparing the Epoxy Sealer

The next step is applying a two‑part epoxy sealer, which provides waterproofing, durability, and a long‑lasting finish. The customer chose a gloss finish for this project.

Important preparation tips:

• Use brand new microfiber rollers — epoxy destroys rollers quickly
• Use a new tray liner for every coat
• Use a clean brush for cutting in edges
• Measure only what you need (epoxy is expensive)

Mixing the epoxy:

• Mix gently (NO mechanical mixer)
• Avoid introducing air bubbles
• Stir slowly with a clean stick or paint stirrer
• Once mixed, you have about 45 minutes of working time

Cleanliness is everything — microcement demands clean tools, clean rollers, clean surfaces.

🎨 Step 3 — Applying the First Coat of Epoxy Sealer

This stage determines how beautiful the final finish will look.

🔧 How to apply it correctly:

• Start at the bottom, then move upward
• Work in short, random roller movements
• Avoid straight, repetitive strokes that cause roller lines
• Cover the wall 4–5 times to ensure proper absorption
• Watch carefully for:
  • Drips
  • Bubbles
  • Uneven patches

Pro tip:

After finishing a wall, wait around 10–15 minutes, then roll over it again without adding more sealer. This levels the surface and reduces air bubbles.

Safety note:

Epoxy is strong and has a potent smell. Proper ventilation is essential.

⏳ Step 4 — Allowing the Coat to Cure

After the first coat:

• Leave it for 12 hours minimum (ideally overnight)
• Don’t touch the wall during curing

Once cured, the surface will harden and take on the first stage of waterproof protection.

🪵 Step 5 — Light Sand Before Final Coat

The next day, lightly sand again using 240‑grade sandpaper to remove:

• Dust particles
• Tiny bumps
• Debris that might have settled while drying

Clean the area thoroughly afterward.

✨ Step 6 — Final Coat of Sealer

The final coat is applied exactly like the first, using the same method:

• Start bottom‑up
• Random roller strokes
• Careful inspection to avoid drips and lines

Once the second coat cures, the surface becomes:

• Fully waterproof
• Anti‑mould and anti‑fungal
• Extremely durable
• Suitable for bathrooms, kitchens, or feature walls

🧼 Final Cleanup & Reveal

After the last coat:

• Remove tapes
• Clean the edges
• Wipe down the room

The result?
A stunning, glossy, Stucco White microcement bathroom — resilient, modern, and built to last.

🎬 If You Enjoyed This Guide…

Check out the full video on our YouTube channel Daniel Lee Plastering and Rendering for detailed visuals.
Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share for more professional plastering and microcement tutorials.

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