Treating Shower Area’s with Acrylic & Cement MicroToppings
The METEORE system can be used to coat over cement or tiled shower cabins and other areas. It is easy to use, dries quickly and can be painted over after 2 hours at 20°C.
It is also a high-performance product, being highly elastic, up to 350%, and resistant to mould. It permanently solves water-tightness problems in all points where materials are in contact (metal, ceramic, glass, wood, cement), such as drainage channel unions.
MicroToppings are an alternative to Tadelakt, with the advantage of a high bond resin system making it very versatile even over tile.
Coloring is easy as it’s supplied as a paste and unlike powders does not rely on a hydraulic component. It is a micro topping in an acrylic form that bonds directly on most non porous surfaces. If the surface is porous substrate prime with primer before the application.
We recommend applying Gorilla Paintable Silicone to drainage grilles or channels, as well as around the perimeter of the shower tray. These critical points must be treated to prevent problems with cracking around unions and assure a longer duration of the treatment. After applying it is possible to apply clear coats and the remaining cycle of the specific effect to be created.
Technical & Environmental Data
Skim Coating 1,0-1,5 m²/Lt. ( 12/15 sq. ft )one coating on smooth surface, with Fiber Glass Mesh. It may vary according to the roughness, porosity, surface absorption and to the method of application.
Finishing Coat on mesh 2,0-1,5 m²/L one coat. ( 22/15 sq. ft )
Final Coat 1,0-1,2 m²/L one coat over smooth application ( 12/15 sq. ft ). Again, this depends on the roughness, porosity, surface absorption and to the method of application.
- Over Coating: 8-12 hours at 20°C
- Cure time: 18-24 days at 20°C
- Adhesion pull test on Ceramic: ≥1,68 N/mm
- Adhesion pull test on Concrete: ≥1,68 N/mm
- Environmental: Absence of dangerous substances
- JIS A 1902-3 X< 0.005 mg/m2h
- VOC Max: 40 g per Litre
- Formaldehyde FREE
Surface Preparation
Surface Conditions: On surfaces with no humidity, after 24 hours at 20C from the application of the finishing coat.
- Apply a coating of Top Coat AR60 or AR70 Lucido by roller.
- Top Coat AR60 is to be catalyzed with Ct80 and diluted 1:2 with water mixing them perfectly.
- AR70 use as is after combining Ct80 well stirred.
Ceramic or Rough Cement Surface: Sand and level any ceramic tiles or any uneven parts on cement surfaces. Wash well with suitable detergents eliminating dust, greases, soaps, and anything that can create detachment.
NOTE: On walls and floors, on rough cement, or on tiled surfaces with missing tiles, you can apply a skim coat of Ardex MRF, using Fibre-Glass Mesh to even them up IF REQUIRED.
Showers using Plaster Or MicroTopping: Care must be taken due to unrepairable damage from black mold. THIS AREA MUST BE CLEANED USING BEACH PRIOR TO THE MICROTOPPING APPLICATION.
Technical Tip
The solution for you is to apply a coat of waterproof cement such as Ardex MRF or tile adhesive trowelled over the Red Guard. Now we have a substrate that will work with either of our available coatings inside the shower.
For a New Build, the walls of the shower enclosure are treated with cement-board, good for tiling not so good for plaster. There are lots of areas that can crack and allow water to find its way behind the wall and create black mold.
Frequently used is a product called Red Guard, again good for tile not so much for plaster. It stops cracking and seals ways for water to get under it.
Old Method with Maintenance Drawbacks
By applying a hybrid coating such as a 2 part flat sealer AR70, we can retain the beauty and aspect of the plaster with none of the drawback of soap. The finish is a strong as ceramic and can be cleaned like it.
As a bonus, AR70 is food safe on countertops, and can coat practically any previous coating.
Special Area’s of Attention in a Shower
Fossettes and drains, always apply silicone under these when fixing them to the finished wall. A silicone cove or bead should be applied between the shower tray and wall after applying the sealer.
We recommend applying Gorilla Paintable Silicone to drainage grilles or channels prior to the MircoTopping Product Application.
CAUTION – APPLY SILICONE BEFORE WAXING!
Do not apply silicone after soap wax has been applied to the MircoTopping.
If you are applying directly over tile, use Ardex MRF directly on the tile as a first coat, no primer is required. It may be necessary to grind the face of the tile to get a good bond on high gloss ceramic. If the tile has a deep joint you may need to add a partial coat of MRF over the joint area to get a consistent finish.
Using the 2 part sealer AR70: The sealer comes in a kit totaling 1 liter when mixed together. The first thing to do before mixing together is to stir each component. As this is flat, incorporation of the flatting agent before mixing together is required. Mix together, stir for one minute, this is called induction and very important, as not enough mixing will affect aspect, drying and cure.