Impressive fit with the rest of the decor. Love to watch those special skill workers work.

Thanks guys, another thought provoking video 👍. Yep follow up would be most welcome. Keep up the good work and all that jazz. 👏

Very interesting! First time i have heard of and seen anything like this. Finished product looks very nice and professional.Durability will be the final test! Appreciated. Cheers.

Discovered this stuff a few months ago, kept me busy doing up the wife’s new salon over the lockdown. Work tops, huge pedicure station and even built a sink using it as can be used in swimming pools 👍👍

@2006craig

2 жыл бұрын

If you're in the UK, where did you buy it? I've been hunting but most of the mixes I can find have a minimum depth of 4mm (presumably because there's bits of aggregate inside).

@lg3494

Жыл бұрын

​@@2006craigwhat did you find in the UK? Looking to do this myself x

Thanks Roger this is a great video and a really useful alternative to marble or quartz

You learn something new everyday and ive been in the building game my whole life

I've seen plenty of GFRC kitchen worktops but this technique is a new one on me

Interesting! This is new to me but looks great. I’d need to see it up close in person before I’m convinced though

Absolutely love this stuff looks very much like the same method as venetian plaster in its application the finished product looks great 👍

@SkillBuilder

3 жыл бұрын

you are right it is the same idea but more durable

What are you applying it to? What material is the base? Looks amazing and would like to know the process for pricing Thanks bro great work!! You know your good when you can work and teach and deliver the quality of workmanship you produce in front of a camera !! Hats off lads!!! Good to see a firm that actually knows and has a passion for what there doing.

Shane and the guys at Merner and Mason are top plasters, they’ve done several rooms in my house. Nice to see them applying their art to other uses.

Hi Guy’s Interesting product never seen this used before, cool video have a awesome week all the best Tony 👍

Never knew this even existed. Really interesting. Definitely an art form.

@TheDanielShepherd

2 жыл бұрын

An art form? Really? Not sure about that.

A very interesting product and I might consider it when I do my kitchen remodelling is this available in the West Midlands

Looks nice .

Wow impressed.

This was interesting. Never knew there was such a thing

very nice work

I like it. Looks like a good alternative to granite what is the cost of this compared to granite etc

Nice work,,should do a few more videos and more in depth with those guys 👍👍

@SkillBuilder

4 жыл бұрын

We catch them when they are doing some plastering, very neat and clean

Can you do an update on this clip and show us how this kitchen counter looks after two years?

Very interesting material. Any information about durability against knocks on the edges? Ie , does it chip?

@SkillBuilder

3 жыл бұрын

It is as tough as old boots. It is used on floors in shops and restaurants

Really like this, how smooth is the finished coat, just wondering from a cleaning point of view

Thanks for the video roger,it looks like an interesting product. Yes it would be nice to know how resilient it is and if it will last,I don't really agree with all the comments slating the use of mr-mdf as the mdf is essentially covered so no moisture is likely to get on to it,ok so there's. Chance of moisture getting in through any humidity in the room but that's also the case with the traditional chipboard tops and probably comparable in price when you allow for the cutting and fitting of chipboard with the butt and scribe joints. We all know that kitchens aren't cheap, I think that this would be a good compromise if for example you can afford to get your kitchen fitted but don't yet have the funds to adorn your new units with a nice solid stone type top,you could quite easily keep this for a few years until you can afford the more expensive tops. I also think that it's a nice choice even as a lasting work top for a reasonable price, I'd rather give something like this a try than have a chipboard,melamine type work top that let's face it are a bit dated these days. I might buy some and knock a couple of training rigs up for the plasterers that we use so that I can start offering this to my clients. Thanks!

@jaytea3299

3 жыл бұрын

I agree- if no steps are skipped- workmanship varies so that is the limiting factor to durability of this install. I've done other applications of polymer modified cement products and the products themselves are unbelievably durable. The only time I've seen a system failure on is when substrate is not prepared properly or it is already damaged. In this case the installers were careful to note the MDF was primed, no doubt with a primer that seals the MDF and you can bet the back of the backsplashes were primed also. All that before the micro cement and final sealant coats (plural) are applied. Moisture has little chance of entering and swelling the MDF when the correct methods are used. You could use other substrates too if you were worried or wanted to waste money.

I'm baffled by how many people who are presumably in the trade and into building, design, architecture as they watch this channel have never heard of microcement before... At least it means for the next ten years or so it'll still be a unique floor covering to have.

@kamilmusalat

2 ай бұрын

you shouldnt be baffled.

Hi, Can you apply micro cement over granite and tiles in the bathroom - (I am assuming you would need something else for the base)?

Hello! If you wanted to make a countertop like this,but have an inset induction cooktop, is it better to apply the material on the inside edges of the inset cutout? Any additional help super appreciated!!!

Do u have a step by step tutorial and info on where to get all these materials?

Nice

So what did you seal the MDF with cause it soaks everything up like a sponge and how did this primer work to make the plaster stick

Can you comment on what sealers you used? I'm assuming they had to be food safe being a kitchen?

It certainly looks effective but I do query the MDF substrate. MDF is anything but stable although I guess if it's sealed all round it should be okay. Another alternative would be compressed fibre cement which presumably you can get in the UK. It's very stable and at 18mm thick it is virtually indestructible.

Very interesting video. It puts me in mind of a few American videos I watched a while back where resin was poured onto mdf worktops. I'd liked to have seen the whole process though, sealing etc.

@SkillBuilder

4 жыл бұрын

We do our very best and would love to show you more but the sealer is just a mini roller putting the liquid on. We struggle to get back to these jobs with a camera and coincide it with the guys who are, to be fair, often working on another job somewhere and can't give us an exact time. This is the nature of the building industry. If you like and share the videos and we get the views we can do a lot more.

Very nice! ..... Really interesting, not seen this before, has it been about long?

@SkillBuilder

3 жыл бұрын

20 years at least

I am curious why you decided to use mdf as a base layer? And not a cement board - like for e.g. aqua pannel from knauf? I've already bought the microcement and not sure what's best to have as a first layer? thank you

what brand is the sealer and microcement? I will be using it for my reno in 3 months, but we don't really have the product in NZ.

What brand of micro cement is this as the white im using mean you cant use a s/steel trowel as it leaves marks.

My wife wants to do this to our lovely oak worktops. How long lasting will it be?

Another very informative video thank you. Roger have you produced a video on balancing a radiator heating system to supplement the cold radiator video you made in 2018? I need a bit of guidance.

@SkillBuilder

4 жыл бұрын

I am ashamed to say we haven't done that video yet. For some reason it gets put back. If you have specific questions I will try and answer them but I will also try and get that video done in the next week or so.

@rob2941

3 жыл бұрын

@@SkillBuilder Thank you. I look forward to seeing this as my local plumbers are so busy. I know with your direction I can do this myself.

@SkillBuilder

3 жыл бұрын

@@rob2941 It is out now on Skill Builder

Can I apply this cement over on to the granite countertop directly?

How many layer do you need? and do you need to sand in between layers?

Price and durability are key questions. Love the look and ease of application. If the entire mdf section moves together it will be ok / no cracking, but it would seem if the substrate particularly of longer runs or corners move even slightly independently it’s sure to crack and potentially let water in? Does look super though! Can see the architects loving it as could easily run any shapes etc.

@SkillBuilder

3 жыл бұрын

It is used on floors and even outide around swimming pools with no expansion gaps. It is, as Roger thought, polymer modified cement and has a proven track record in kitchens and bathrooms.

Just a question, won’t this worktop’s edges damage easily?

I love how he never cleans that throwel yet the thing looks goddamn perfect

Can I ask what is the brand of the product you’re using?

what supplier would you recommend ?

I just went with engineered stone, after three years still looks the same. Only a 2mm chip off edge from a daughter with a frypan😀

@SkillBuilder

3 жыл бұрын

daughter + frying pan = chips

@lazylad9064

3 жыл бұрын

@@SkillBuilder 😂😂

Very interesting as an alternative to granite. I wonder how it would stand up in a high humidity environment

@godbluffvdgg

4 жыл бұрын

Terribly!

@rdy4trvl

3 жыл бұрын

@@godbluffvdgg Please explain. From experience? What others have said?

From the US. This is a first for me also. The closest thing I’ve seen to this finish is an epoxy coating sold for the same purpose. Unfortunately I’m with those comments below. I’d be interested to see how it holds up over time, especially at the sink over hang. You should be an update at some point to display its durability at some point.

Looks nice I would be interested to know what the durability is like over time

@infinityvideoprod

4 жыл бұрын

Agreed. Considering the substrate is MDF, how will the sharp-ish corners on the overhangs stand up to daily bumps and other impacts. Very nice look I will say though.

@arpadbrecska8178

3 жыл бұрын

I've recently disassembled a kitchen furniture which had the same top as it is. It was really hard to remove. On the other hand, there were huge almost straight cracks on it where the MDF tops were screwed together. Maybe the reason was the heat expansion/shrinking or residual stress from the fixing screws.

@mrmukura

3 жыл бұрын

Depends how it's applied. Mesh embedded to a coarser basecoat adds strength. If the MDF is properly sealed the expansion is not an issue. I've done mi e over AAC panel and it's fine. You need to put an aris on the corners. Easier to repair than engineered stone in many instances.

@annashealthylifeeverything8583

7 ай бұрын

​@@mrmukurasorry what is an aris?

@ironpirate8

20 күн бұрын

@@annashealthylifeeverything8583 The aris is the sharp corner along an edge, or where two edges meet. It's a weak point, so it's often a good idea to sand down or slightly bevel the edge. You remove an aris, you don't put one on.

looks good ,do you know if this goes on any surface

@SkillBuilder

3 жыл бұрын

You can put it on timber bases such as plywood and also cement board and screeds. If you use the right primer it will go on most things but try to make sure the don't move. This is a popular covering for floors in restaurants and shops.

Wonder how well this would work with a Abacus Wetroom

Looks very interesting ,would have thought a bigger trowel would be better too put it on though, less imperfections and much quicker.

@SkillBuilder

3 жыл бұрын

That is the trowel they recommend for the job. You can get it pan flat but they are trying to build in some interest in the texture and then put the next coat on to flatten it. That way you get some variation and interest. Have a look at some of the metalic finishes such as this floor. www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=Q1StEIgY&id=6262E4D51DED2C7792C72FBA103F0977D5D7F187&thid=OIP.Q1StEIgYjZgq27YaUAUkSAHaFj&mediaurl=https%3A%2F%2Fstoneseal.ie%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2020%2F04%2FIMG-20200311-WA0014-1.jpg&exph=1200&expw=1599&q=micro+cement+metallic&simid=608023595145496569&ck=DE231E7D9DAEAD47A6741710965B9204&selectedindex=5&qpvt=micro+cement+metallic&form=IRPRST&ajaxhist=0&vt=0&sim=11

Anybody have any objections as to why this can't be done on the mdf before fitting? As in get all parts cut and dry fit then remove to microcement and seal over all parts and refit once dry

I'd like to see how well this lasts. How well would it deal with humidity changes? Never really been a fan of mdf, especially near a sink or anything wet. What's it like to repair if it has an impact damage.. How about a follow up video in 3 years, see if it held up. Not knocking it, it does look nice but my scepticism hasn't been curbed just yet. Time will tell.

As an architect I’m surprised I’ve not come across this product. The appearance reminded me of a corian finish so I’d be interested to see it compared to that (cost, durability, maintainability etc). It certainly appeared well crafted!

@SkillBuilder

3 жыл бұрын

Just Google micro cement. It is used all over the place including shops and restaurants.

Interesting product. I think I'll stick with quartz stone but thanks for sharing folks.

@danielbuckner2167

4 жыл бұрын

Quartz is to stone what MDF is to wood planks. Nobody ever took a filet or New York strip and improved it by grinding it onto ground chuck. MDF, ground chuck, and quartz are all made from scraps not good enough to ne sold otherwise. Enjoy your hot dog of a worktop!

@daverogers6443

4 жыл бұрын

@@danielbuckner2167 Having been fitting kitchens for 22 years and having just fitted 6 grands worth of quartz in my own kitchen, id have to argue that quartz is far superior to most other solid surfaces including marble and Granite, being ground up quartz and then bonded with polymers and resins they are extremely durable and will far outlast marble which is far softer. Also quartz is sealed so is 100% non porus and anti bacterial, unlike granite which can draw in stains and isn't anti bacterial. The slabs that company's buy in now are of an amazing quality and finish especially with finishes like mirror fleck or sparkle finishes. Granite also has natural faults and cracks where quartz is completely solid. All sites in the UK I've worked for over the years use quartz in anything from 200k to a million pound houses. So hardly like comparing mdf to real wood.

Looks great! I wonder if you can use it over a laminate work top (suitably 'keyed' or primed...)?

@SkillBuilder

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Richard There is a company in Lancashire that specialises in rennovating kitchen worktops in situ with a similar product. I will try and find their name

Really nice, I would have liked to use 32mm instead of 25mm.

@ricos1497

3 жыл бұрын

Each to their own, I really like the thinner top look. I've got a 28mm quartz worktop in my kitchen and it looks great. My old flat had 25mm black granite and it was stunning against a white wooden farmhouse style kitchen. Assuming it's done properly, and supported properly, it's great.

Is this cheaper than granite or quartz worktop?

Well that’s a new one for me , I’m sure it good though you boys are endorsing it 👌🏼🧱👍🏽

@SkillBuilder

4 жыл бұрын

We aren't endorsing it as such. We have seen it used and carried out some tests but, as many people are saying, the test is how long it lasts and remains looking good.

@SteveAndAlexBuild

4 жыл бұрын

Skill Builder Exactly, is it a refurb method or a standalone thing 🤔🧱👍🏽

From Canada and I’ve never heard of this. Could you finish it with epoxy on top for a marble finish? I’ve never worked with epoxy either. Looking for a cheaper alternative to granite and quartz countertops.

@SkillBuilder

3 жыл бұрын

Hi Bryan It would be good for you to get your hands on some sample sheets because the finish is rock hard and is used for flooring in commercial application. I don't know if an epoxy top would help much and you can achieve any finish you like with this material. The bronze and stainless steel finishes are particularly popular.

@garrethosmar1243

2 жыл бұрын

We do this here in Canada - If you are still interested send us an email at info@microcementcanada.com and we can provide you with more information!

does anyone know if this can be used in a bathroom applied to existing tiles around bath and shower

@SkillBuilder

4 жыл бұрын

Yes we have seen a number of projects using it in bathrooms and for showers. It will go onto any tile backer board and also with the right primer onto tiles. We will try and do some more on it in the near future

@jackrussell9811

4 жыл бұрын

@@SkillBuilder thanks roger , will do a bit of research on prices ,might save me ripping tiles off

Sealer?

Interesting whats the name of the product? I'll have a look and see if its available down under. cheers

@SkillBuilder

3 жыл бұрын

Just Google Micro cement. There are loads of people making it. Polymer modified cement

@68bwild

3 жыл бұрын

@@SkillBuilder So there is! just hadn't noticed anywhere before, I've got onto a couple of suppliers in Melbourne. cheers mate

MDF < Plywood ? Just wondering if the MDF is strong enough for 10, 20, 30 years of "abuse" as a kitchen top..

I think I read somewhere this stuff was invented by the US Navy for the surface of their air craft cattier decks (as it’s very strong and very thin/light!). Might give it a go for an outside kitchenz

@SkillBuilder

3 жыл бұрын

I would be amazed if that were true but you never know. It is like all those things that are supposed to have been invented by NASA.

Would a heavy pan damage or crack this? A couple of mm thick on a particle board substrate....? Alot of money too easily damaged??

@SkillBuilder

4 жыл бұрын

Liam I don't understand your use of question marks. Is the last sentence a question or a statement. Obviously you can damage marble (easily) or granite. We will get a sample panel and hit it with a hammer and put that up on the channel.

@sadiporter2966

3 жыл бұрын

@@SkillBuilder That would be great, try bashing it with pans, glass jars and cans of beans too as those are common things that can land on worktops.

I wonder how much stick it would take from meat tenderising or heavy pan use etc?

@SkillBuilder

4 жыл бұрын

I would never tenderise meat straight onto any worktop. It is best to put down a board. A lot of worktops are porous and will absorb blood and bacteria.

@Nickpaintbrush

4 жыл бұрын

@@SkillBuilder Of course but the chopping board will vibrate when its being pummelled

@ricos1497

3 жыл бұрын

@@Nickpaintbrush yes, but the impact would be spread. I'm guessing the test would be from heavily placing a cast iron pan. I'm guessing it could handle a fair bit, and I'm assuming quite repairable too. The kitchen will be out of fashion in a few years anyway!

I thought this system was more involved than this. I've seen it done but it was with a basecoat 1, mesh, basecoast 2, topcoat 1, topcoat 2. All with sanding wiping down between each layer. You end up with a 4-5mm finish. Looks like it's only half the process here?

@SkillBuilder

3 жыл бұрын

That is an older product. This is thinnerm harder and more flexible

@ajs8198

3 жыл бұрын

@@SkillBuilder oh right didn't know there was a newer system. Thanks. What is the brand?

Beton cire. Stuff's been used in France for years.

@SkillBuilder

4 жыл бұрын

So tell us a bit more. Is it durable?

@dugurquhart191

4 жыл бұрын

Gets used on floor's, bathroom walls internal and external as well as worktops. Seems to be good stuff. It's commonly used for a polished effect finish There's lots of DIY products available for renovating an old worktop, floor's etc. always been tempted to have a go but probably needs a bit of practice first. Most DIY stores sell the kits.

@cjhification

3 жыл бұрын

@@SkillBuilder what's the quality of the MDF like, as it can be quite variable, if it's low durability, then knocks to edges will likely allow deformation of the base material, which would likely lead to cracking of the shell material, especially as there didn't appear to be any mesh (fiberglass or similar) worked in round edges to withstand the forces. I could be wrong, it might have incredible impact resistance and tensile strength as a coating, which is able to protect the MDF, but that seems quite unlikely.

Why do I think? I could do that !:)

👍

Reminds me more of venitian plastering.

@SkillBuilder

3 жыл бұрын

It is the same idea, small trowels and application is similar

Hmm

Could this method be used over existing dated worktops? thanks

@SkillBuilder

3 жыл бұрын

Yes it is used a lot for refurbishing kitchens and bathrooms.

@MegC

3 жыл бұрын

@@SkillBuilder amazing thanks. Do you know where it can be bought? Thanks

@MegC

3 жыл бұрын

Kind reminder 😃 really want to do this

@anonnymous4684

3 жыл бұрын

@@MegC Just Google micro-cement and then click on 'Shopping' to bring up suppliers.

Did this in my bathroom. Ball ache.

are you here after looking up "microgement" scene from The Office while stoned?

a right faff

wouldn't trust MDF around that sink !!

@Stop..carry-on

3 жыл бұрын

Yea , a bit dodgy. But if it’s sealed up in theory it should be ok

@FiscalWoofer

3 жыл бұрын

I’d agree, but if it is fully sealed (hmmm) it should be just fine. Really depends on cost, If this is 1/8 price of granite could replace it every two years!

@kempshott

3 жыл бұрын

Hopefully it's MRMDF / Tricoya or similar. In a Robin Clevett video it was unchanged after 3 weeks in a bucket of water.

A close up would’ve been nice

Just a white cement with marbilite and a sh*t ton of polymers. Stuff is stronger than you think it is but... that MDF is an all stop red flag. Water will always find a way in and when it does this worktop is over and done. Some people do the same to make worktops with epoxy and those are beautiful... right up until water finds a way in.

@piee683

4 жыл бұрын

I would say they used mrmdf moisture resistant

I'd like to see the square ft cost...I get granite here in the states at 25/sqft... As a kitchen contractor for 30 years, counter top choices; Laminate is cheapest and least maintenance and can last 30 years no prob...Ceramic or Porcelain tile is next Surprisingly cheap ...Marble is HORRIBLE with maintenance and so is Granite but, very durable...Corian and Quartz are ugly...

@danielbuckner2167

4 жыл бұрын

We epoxy marble to seal it. Then scuff and under polish it to a honed finish which is also more popular now. Just epoxy by itself if done right is cheap per square foot too. If you buy your butcher block wholesale it's not bad and is great for island contrast in kitchens. Concrete isnt bad either but most folks doing it are hacks so there is a learning curve and some initial set up cost too.

0:37 un-uniform, I was thinking it’ll be best to be uniform?

@SkillBuilder

4 жыл бұрын

What he means is that you can put a little bit of texture in to make it look more like a natural stone. Some people want super flat but others like a bit of character.

@AcheForWake

4 жыл бұрын

Skill Builder thank you for taking the time to reply :-)

looks great on day one but it looks rubbish after 6 months of use. The stuff isn't hard enough, and yes I know its got polymers in it, but even pure resin counters look rubbish after some time. I'll stick with either wood that can be sanded back or real stone. Microcement is better for bathrooms and walls, not so great for kitchen bench tops that get a lot of abuse.

Why?

@adamflint2060

4 жыл бұрын

That's a simple yet great question.

@SkillBuilder

3 жыл бұрын

why not?

That has got to blow eventually - and I doubt it would take long. Drop something from the wall cabinet onto the worktop and it will all require refinishing. Honestly, I appreciate the skill here but this product has to be doomed long term and with 2 men coming over 2 days plus the same fitting time as any other worktop I cant see you're saving much money.

It looks ok but I’m still not convinced tbh

probably wont last, easily marked and not durable enough

@SkillBuilder

3 жыл бұрын

Charles You haven't seen it

Worker- “So this is Micro cement”. Roger “Ok so is that cement based?

Not convinced by this at all. So chippy a day to fit the counters and upstands, two plasterers for two days to prime and coat it, and one/two plasterers to return twice to apply sealer. Add on the materials and the time installing then you’re at the same speed and costs for granite. Show me where coated mdf even half approaches granite in performance and finish and I’ll eat my hat. Walls i can understand but not this application.

You'll defend the the product saying it's better than other microcement products but you don't actually say what the product is? Why is this?

@SkillBuilder

3 жыл бұрын

. We are not trying to do these guys out of a job by telling you where they get their materials from. If you like this product and reckon you can apply yourself then just Google micro cement and go from there. They have been on a training course to learn how to use it properly.

I don't care what you do to it but MDF is such a poor material.

@SkillBuilder

4 жыл бұрын

Hi Tony Water resistant mdf is better and is used in lots of kitchens these days. An alternative is cement board which is often used for this kind of job

@carforumwanker

4 жыл бұрын

Depends on supplier and type .The latest versions of Moisture resist MDF is far superior .When you go to buy , check a cut edge and see how soft and fury the side is .

@TonyGrant.

4 жыл бұрын

@@SkillBuilder Bloody hell, it should all be water resistant!

@alaurben

2 жыл бұрын

Roger, wouldn't Medite Tricoya Extreme MDF be a waterproof option? Used for soffit and fascia and exterior panelling, though it is much more expensive than MR. Your colleague, Robin Clevett, has a couple of videos on it, I believe. I use it for custom cabinets and windowboards in bathrooms and kitchen sink areas. Love the channel, subscribed, Alan