The Process of Installing X-Bond Microcement
Our team of microcement installers work on sites all over Victoria. Whether we’re engaged by builders, architects, or directly by homeowners, we want every new client to feel confident, supported, and excited about the quality and craftsmanship we bring to their project from start to finish. If you’re exploring seamless surface options, knowing what you’re in for makes all the difference in timelines, expectations, and final results. So here’s a breakdown of the process: what we do, why it matters, and what you should know before we begin.
1. Surface Prep is Everything
Microcement might look like a decorative topcoat, but its beauty is deeper than that. For starters, its performance depends largely on what’s underneath. When quoting your job, we always assess the substrate, whether it’s concrete, compressed sheet, tiles, or something else.
If there are any cracks, movement joints, or uneven levels, we’ll have to address those prior to applying X-Bond. This might involve:
Grinding, sanding, or levelling the surface
Repairing damage
Installing a flexible, waterproof membrane for wet or movement-prone areas
Builder tip: If you’re working on a new build or renovation, make sure all structural work is complete before microcement goes down. This ensures longevity and reduces the risk of cracking.
The good thing is that X-Bond is engineered to form a hard yet flexible coating, and create a strong molecular bond to a range of existing substrates without cracking or delamination — provided they’re in the right condition before its application.
2. It’s Coloured During Application
People often ask if they can paint their microcement surface, or have questions about how we apply the pigment. Colour is mixed into the formula before application, so each layer is already coloured as we install it. Colour choices therefore need to be made before installation.
Once the final coat of X-Bond is applied and dries off, we also seal the surface with a clear protective topcoat. This not only enhances durability but will help develop the depth of colour. It’s always best to go off our samples to get the most accurate indication of what your surface will look like.
Good to know: Microcement is a hand-trowelled finish, and for some finishes the visibility of the trowel marks throughout the surface is a natural characteristic — creating colour variations in the final surface.
3. We Apply Seamless, Even Layers
X-Bond Microcement is applied in thin layers with a thickness of 2-3mm. Each layer is hand-trowelled with precision as one seamless coating. Many people ask us if it’s self-levelling or can be used as a levelling compound; and while X-Bond can be built up in some cases, usually the substrate needs to be levelled prior to application allowing us to trowel the X-Bond in even layers.
Drying time between layers can vary depending on the product and environment — for example, humidity and ventilation will play a role.
Renovator tip: Expect the process to take several days, especially if you’re coating both walls and floors. But since you’re not dealing with the mess or inconvenience of demolition, you can enjoy a faster transformation with minimal disruption to your daily routine.
4. Curing and Aftercare
After sealing, we let an X-Bond surface cure for a minimum of 48 hours before light foot traffic. Full cure is usually reached at around 7 days, so we tell clients not to wash an X-Bond surface for the first week after application not even with water. This allows sealers to set completely.
From there, maintenance is simple: avoid harsh chemicals, use neutral pH cleaners, and don’t let certain chemicals sit on the surface for too long (like fake tan, nail polish remover, or citrus). While X-Bond is resistant to scratches and wear and tear, felt protectors on furniture are a good idea. Same goes for keeping floors free of any abrasive debris.
Final tip for clients: Make sure no other trades come into contact with the surface during cure time. No tools, ladders, or boots — trust us, we’ve seen it all!
5. Lead Times: Plan Ahead Where You Can
Like many specialised finishes, microcement isn’t something we can typically install on a few days’ notice. Lead times can range from 2 to 5 weeks, depending on the time of year, project size, and location. At the time of writing this in July 2025, our lead time at Alt. Surfaces in 4-5 weeks! It’s great to see the demand for X-Bond in Victoria, but it does mean clients need to plan ahead if they’re working within strict deadlines.
In peak building periods or just before the holidays, we recommend locking in your job early to avoid delays — especially for larger homes and commercial sites.
For builders and designers: If specifying X-Bond Microcement, it’s worth reaching out for a quote as early as the design or rough-in stage so we can help you plan around our availability.
For homeowners: Even if your project isn’t starting for a few months, we’re happy to advise early, provide samples, and pencil in timing to avoid the last-minute rush.
Installing microcement is a skilled, multi-step process. We call X-Bond a ‘system’, as it really relies on a set of components all working together to achieve that beautiful, long-lasting finish. Knowing all the different steps involved can help set realistic expectations and ensure confidence in the finish.
If you're planning a project in Melbourne and want to incorporate X-Bond, get in touch! We can advise on surface readiness, timing, and product suitability to make sure your application goes smoothly (pardon the pun).