What Substrates Can X-Bond Be Applied To?
When it comes to X-Bond Microcement, many clients start with one area of their project (e.g. floor to create a polished concrete look) and then soon realise the same finish can also be used on their walls and joinery pieces too. Soon enough, X-Bond is used on various touch points throughout the space, and in different colours.
X-Bond is hand applied at a minimal thickness over a range of existing substrates to achieve the look of polished concrete. X-Bond is an alternative concrete coating that consists of stone and liquid polymers. The typical X-Bond application is 2-3mm thick and the end result is the look of pre-cast and polished concrete with hand trowel marks and colour/tonal variation — adding minimal weight and little depth to the existing substrate. Below is an overview of the different substrates X-Bond can be applied over. Please note: we will always conduct a site inspection prior to installation to ensure the substrate is in a suitable condition.
If you have any questions about substrate suitability on your project, get in touch with one of our reps via our contact us page or view our specification guides here.
Microcement Flooring
Concrete
Microcement can be used for concrete resurfacing. A light grind or sand is needed to make it level and free of debris. While the new X-Bond surface is usually applied seamlessly, any existing expansion joints in your concrete will need to be replicated. A saw-cut will be placed to allow for movement through the X-Bond, minimising the risk of hairline cracks.
Tiles
Remodel old tiles without removal. If you have tiles in your project that are in good condition, we can install X-Bond directly on-top. This eliminates the hassle and expense of having to rip them out. Any damaged, loose or drummy tiles will need to be removed and patched up, however. With tile application there are additional levelling base coats that we apply to make the surface even, eliminating the grout lines. It also includes a liquid membrane for adhesion, waterproofing and anti-fracture protection.
Compressed Sheeting
The beauty of X-Bond is that it can also be applied over compressed sheeting if your home is a timber construction. The compressed sheeting can only be used internally, and the thickness of the sheeting depends on the area of application. Usually a minimum of 12-18mm saw-cuts will be applied to all sheet joints to allow for movement from the timber sub-structure, which means the finished result will look like large concrete pavers as we follow the sheeting size.
Interior and Exterior Wall Finishes
Plaster, WR Board, Villa Board & Blue Board
For interior wall finishes, X-Bond can be applied to Plaster, WR Board, Villa Board & Blue Board. When applying X-Bond over these substrates the wall must be prepared as if ready for painting. This means all joints needs to be taped and stopped up. Plaster is the most popular and the preferred substrate for internal walls. For shower walls we recommend Villa Board.
Concrete
Applying X-Bond to a concrete wall is no different to installing over a concrete floor. A light grind or sand is required prior to installation and saw-cuts will be placed where there is an existing expansion joint in the concrete wall.
Foam
Want to achieve an X-Bond rendered wall on a facade? We can apply X-Bond over foam using mesh and a special base coat prior to installation.
Ply
If you want to achieve a curved wall or joinery piece, then Ply is a fantastic substrate to use. When we're applying over Ply, saw-cuts need to be placed at sheet joints to allow for movement.
Custom Joinery
MDF
Our surfaces are becoming more and more popular for internal joinery pieces. For a custom joinery item, MDF is a great base. It allows us or your builder to construct the unique shape required, including curved edges or bespoke design details.
Marine Ply
Marine Ply is the substrate used for external joinery that is located undercover. Before applying X-Bond to a joinery piece, we apply metal external angles at the edges to strengthen them.
Compressed Sheeting
A minimum of 12mm compressed sheeting is used for external joinery that is exposed to the elements.