Technical resources / Application guides / Microtopping
INCISE Microtopping System
One continuous finish.
Every step matters.
A practical sequence for preparing, applying and protecting INCISE Microtopping. Before starting, read the current INCISE Microtopping System datasheet and the approved project specification.
IU-AG-MTS-001 · APPLICATION GUIDE
Understand the build-up
A system.
Not a single coat.
Primer, decorative layers and final protection work together. Keep movement joints functional throughout.
Densifier is optional at the preparation stage or after FC sanding, as specified. Diagram is schematic, not to scale.
Prepare to apply
Start with the right conditions.
Avoid direct sunlight, high wind, rain exposure and rapid drying. Use suitable PPE and dust extraction, following the current safety data sheets.
Tools and products
Floor grinder with dust extraction, floor or handheld sanding machine, industrial vacuum, moisture and ambient-condition instruments, calibrated containers or scales, clean buckets, low-speed mixer, stainless-steel trowels, 40–80 / 80–120 / 180–320 grit abrasives, short-nap rollers and suitable PPE.
INCISE Crack Sealant, Epoxy Primer, quartz, Microtopping BC / HD / FC, Polymer, Color Pigment, optional Densifier and specified protective sealer.
Prepare your kit
The right tools. Ready before you start.
Prepare
Floor grinder, dust extractor, sanding machine, crack-repair tools and moisture-checking equipment.
Mix & apply
Low-speed paddle mixer, calibrated jug and scale, clean buckets, stainless-steel finishing trowels.
Refine & seal
40–80 / 80–120 / 180–320 grit abrasives, vacuum, short-nap roller, tray and suitable PPE.
Coverage & layer control
Thin coats. Consistent coverage.
Sand: 40–80 grit
Sand: 80–120 grit
Sand: 180–320 grit
Each BC, HD and FC coat must not exceed the size of its aggregate. Build the system through controlled layers. Do not use a heavy application to make up thickness. Apply sealers in thin, even coats.
Approximate coverage per 21.5 kg bucket of dry mix. Coverage varies with the surface, technique and thickness; additional FC coats require additional material.
Colour mixing
1 kg pigment : 20 L Polymer = 0.05 kg (50 g) : 1 L Polymer. Mix colour into the Polymer before adding powder. Adjust pigment dosage to increase or decrease intensity, approve a sample first and record the recipe. Keep the Polymer-to-powder ratio unchanged.
Before work begins
Assess the substrate
Confirm a structurally sound base. Moisture-test the substrate, assess cracks and identify movement joints. New concrete must be at least 28 days old and at least 25 MPa.
Record substrate condition, moisture results and joint locations. Confirm the approved build-up before starting.
Grind / repair / clean
Prepare and repair cracks
Mechanically grind the surface to remove weak material and create a key. Remove oil, grease and curing compounds. Assess and repair suitable cracks with INCISE Crack Sealant before coating. Allow the repair to cure; level the surface and vacuum thoroughly.
Keep structural movement joints functional; do not fill them rigidly with crack sealant. On tiles, check bonding, degrease, abrade and level joints.
Allow 8–12 hours to cure
Prime and broadcast quartz
Apply INCISE solvent-free Epoxy Primer and broadcast quartz sand to refusal to create a consistent mechanical key. Work across the entire prepared area. Allow the primer to cure before the decorative coats.
Use the specified primer mixing ratio and quartz grade. Check that the cured surface is sound and ready for the Base Coat.
1 kg pigment : 20 L Polymer
Mix the colour consistently
Thoroughly mix INCISE Color Pigment into measured INCISE Polymer before introducing the powder. The standard starting ratio is 1 kg pigment to 20 L Polymer, or 0.05 kg (50 g) to 1 L Polymer. Keep measuring equipment and buckets clean.
Increase or decrease pigment dosage for the required intensity, then make and approve a sample first. Record the final recipe and keep it consistent across every batch. Keep the Polymer-to-powder ratio unchanged.
BC / 40–80 grit
Apply and sand the Base Coat
Mix the measured coloured Polymer with BC powder. Mixing example: 10 L Polymer to 15 kg BC powder. Apply with a stainless-steel trowel in controlled, thin passes; no coat should exceed the size of its aggregate. Once dry and firm, sand with 40–80 grit according to hardness, then vacuum.
Do not build thickness in one heavy coat. Inspect edges and high points before progressing. Indicative coverage: 30–35 m² per 21.5 kg bucket of dry mix.
HD / 80–120 grit
Apply High Density Coat
Add HD powder gradually to the measured coloured Polymer. Mix at 300–600 rpm for 2–3 minutes; rest 1 minute and remix briefly. Apply thin, controlled layers, no thicker than the aggregate size. Allow 4–8 hours and check dryness and firmness before sanding with 80–120 grit. Vacuum.
Mixing example: 10 L Polymer to 15 kg HD powder. Working time: approximately 30–40 minutes. Indicative coverage: 55–60 m² per 21.5 kg bucket of dry mix. Do not add water or re-temper after pot life.
FC / optional additional coat
Create the Finish Coat
Mix measured coloured Polymer with FC powder at low speed for 2–3 minutes; rest 1 minute and remix briefly. Apply a thin, uniform coat using a clean stainless-steel trowel and consistent pressure. Do not exceed the size of the aggregate. An additional FC coat can create a cloudy aesthetic and tonal depth; allow 4–8 hours and let each coat cure first.
Mixing example: 10 L Polymer to 15 kg FC powder. Working time: approximately 30–40 minutes. Indicative coverage: 65–80 m² per 21.5 kg bucket of dry mix. Do not dilute or remix stiffened material.
FC / 180–320 grit
Refine and remove all dust
Sand the cured Finish Coat with 180–320 grit to refine the chosen texture. Vacuum thoroughly. Where specified, apply optional INCISE Densifier after sanding; allow it to react and dry before sealing.
Wait at least 48 hours after the final FC coat before sealing. Confirm full cure and internal dryness. The surface must be clean, stable and dust-free.
Choose protection for the application
Seal in thin, even coats
Select the INCISE sealer for the intended space, traffic and exposure. Apply thin, even coats with a suitable short-nap roller or the specified application tool. Maintain a uniform film; avoid puddles, heavy overlaps and excessive build-up.
Refer to the INCISE website or technical team for the right sealer and its mixing ratio, coverage, number of coats and recoat interval. Use the sealer appropriate to floors, walls, wet areas or exterior exposure.
Final curing time / 7 days
Protect, cure and hand over
Protect the sealed surface during curing. Allow 7 days after sealing for final cure, heavy-duty use and full chemical resistance. Light foot traffic is generally permitted after 24 hours, subject to the selected sealer and site conditions.
Record the products, pigment recipe, batch numbers and completion dates. Explain care and return-to-service requirements at handover.
Watch & learn
The technique, in motion.
Before you leave site
Check the complete system.
Personal checklist only; selections are not saved or submitted.
Build confidence through practice
Learn the finish. Refine the craft.
Ask about practical training through INCISE Academy.
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