How to apply microcement on stairs: step by step and tips

El microcemento es el revestimiento decorativo por excelencia para pisos y paredes. De hecho es muy frecuente observar pavimentos continuos yparedes de microconcreto en todo tipo de locales comerciales y negocios. Pero también en el ámbito doméstico, donde este recubrimiento ha ganado una popularidad estelar en la renovación de baños y cocinas gracias a los acabados impermeables y antideslizantes que ofrece el microcemento.

A versatility to which must be added the microcement stairs, a differentiating decorative element that more and more professionals and individuals take into account for its modern aesthetics, the continuity it provides by not needing expansion joints and, above all, its extraordinary functionality compared to other materials.

Since we must not forget that although microcement stairs are designed to facilitate and speed up access to the different floors of the building in question, it is still a powerful design element at a visual level due to its disruptive nature.

In this article we are going to address everything you need to know about microcement stairs: advantages, types, most suitable colors, how to correctly make a microcement staircase and a series of tips for you to become a true expert in the field.

Ventajas de las escaleras de microconcreto

Las escaleras son uno de los lugares más transitados de las viviendas. Se utilizan varias veces al día, con el consecuente desgaste que ello supone. Con el microcemento no solo se aporta un toque de modernidad a la escalera, sino también durabilidad y una gran resistencia al desgaste por abrasión y al tránsito.

Regardless of the shape of the staircase, whether it's old or newly built, staircases covered with microcement are imposing and attract anyone's gaze. But there are many more reasons why they have become a current decorative trend.

A continuación explicamos las principales ventajas que han elevado a las escaleras de microcemento a lo más alto.

¿Por qué las escaleras de microcemento se han convertido en una tendencia decorativa? A continuación explicamos los principales beneficios que han elevado a las escaleras de microcemento a lo más alto.

1. Las escaleras de microcemento promueven la continuidad

Las escaleras revestidas con microcemento tienen cada día más seguidores por muchas razones, especialmente porque no necesitan juntas de dilatación a diferencia de las escaleras de madera o parquet, por ejemplo. Un valor agregado ya que las escaleras de microcemento fomentan la continuidad de la propia escalera y, sobre todo, del espacio en el que se encuentran.

Todos los elementos (escalera, suelo, paredes, techo) forman parte de un todo al quedar integrados a la perfección. Una apariencia de continuidad absoluta que puede ir un paso más allá si el color de la escalera va en consonancia con el del pavimento.

2.Olvida las obras con las escaleras de microcemento

Microcemento is a decorative coating with great adhesion that is applied directly over the existing material such as marble or concrete. A competitive advantage that allows you to renovate the stairs with microcemento without the need for construction and debris in just a few hours, with the time and cost savings this entails.

3. Fácil limpieza de las escaleras de microcemento

Las escaleras pequeñas usualmente no causan muchos problemas en términos de limpieza. Pero, ¿qué pasa con esas escaleras interminables que conectan pisos y pisos y que te dan vértigo solo de mirarlas?

Las escaleras de microcemento son muy prácticas, ya que su limpieza es de lo más sencilla al tratarse de una superficie continua sin juntas que facilita y agilita el proceso de limpieza de cada escalón. Con agua y jabón neutro, es más que suficiente.

4. Las escaleras de microconcreto son muy resistentes

If there is a distinguishing element of microcement stairs, it is their durability. They will remain in perfect condition even as the years go by thanks to the excellent resistances they enjoy, especially to traffic, impact and abrasion. The Topciment microcement for stairs is a material that withstands all kinds of blows.

5. El microconcreto en escaleras no afecta a la carga estructural

It should be noted the minimal thickness of the microcement (between 2 and 3 millimeters). This allows that covering the stairs with microcement does not affect in any way the structural load.

6. Escaleras de microcemento para interiores y exteriores

Microcement stairs are a very versatile architectural element that is used mainly in interior design for the feeling of stability, spaciousness, and cleanliness it offers. However, it has become increasingly fashionable to cover stairs with microcement also in exteriors, for the elegance, majesty, and presence they exude.

7. Escaleras de microcemento con acabado antiderrapante

Gracias a nuestros microcementos Microdeck, la escalera de microcemento será un espacio seguro y libre de resbalones y caídas, ya que son tipos de microcemento alisado que garantizan ese acabado antideslizante. Asimismo, por si el aplicador opta por otro tipo de microcemento, en Topciment contamos nuestro barniz Topsealer WT Anti Slip que le da a la escalera de microcemento dicho carácter antideslizante.

Tipos de escaleras de microconcreto

The design possibilities that microcement allows for coating stairs are unlimited. In the categorization that we are going to do, we have taken into account two factors. First, whether the steps of the microcement stairs are between the walls or not and the type of risers of the same.

Con esta diferenciación, nos encontramos las siguientes escaleras de microcemento: escaleras de microcemento cerradas con dos paredes, escaleras de microcemento cerradas con una pared, escaleras de microcemento cerradas sin paredes, escaleras de microcemento abiertas con dos paredes, escaleras de microcemento abiertas con una pared, escaleras de microcemento abiertas sin paredes, escaleras de microcemento empotradas en una pared, escaleras de microcemento empotradas sin paredes y escaleras de microcemento con soporte central.

¿Qué microcemento y color usar para las escaleras?

Although gray is the most demanded color for coating stairs with microcement, all kinds of colors can be applied to provide a distinguishing element to the decoration of your home or business. At Topciment, we have a wide catalog of microcement colors for stairs. From neutral colors for a more minimalist and industrial design to more vibrant colors if a more daring decoration is sought.

Regarding the type of microcement, our experts recommend the Microdeck finish microcement for coating the stairs. At Topciment we have developed three types of Microdeck: Sttandard Microdeck (traditional two-component microcement), and Evoluttion Microdeck (one-component microcement).

¿Sobre qué materiales se puede aplicar el microcemento en escaleras?

One of the qualities of microcement is that it can be applied on a multitude of the most varied supports. This versatility is what makes the difference compared to other decorative coatings on the market. In this way, microcement can be applied on a tile, marble, granite, and cement staircase, among other materials.

You will quickly, easily, and without construction renew your staircase by covering it with a couple of millimeters of microcement. A layer that being so thin will not affect the structural load of the staircase at all. The surface will be completely stable and continuous in a single operation, thus modernizing an element that will fit again with the interior design of the rest of the room.

Escaleras de microcemento y madera

However, there is a material on which we advise against applying microcement: wood. Why? Very simple. Wood is a material that can contract and expand and, consequently, produce microcracks that would affect the new support.

Another major problem with applying microcement to a wooden staircase is that, if the wood in question is not fully cured, it can release resins. This would cause the new microcement coating to copy the grain of the wood.

Por otro lado, si tienes unas escaleras de madera MDF, sí se puede aplicar microcemento en los escalones.

¿Escalera de microcemento exterior? ¡Sí rotundo!

The microcements that we have developed at Topciment can be applied both on interior stairs and on exterior stairs. With the use of our Topsealer varnishes, the staircase will resist the effects of the sun's rays as well as rainwater.

Otra de las ventajas de nuestros microcementos para escaleras exteriores es que proporcionan un acabado antideslizante, haciéndolas muy seguras ante posibles caídas y resbalones.

Por un lado tenemos Microdeck, que puede ser aplicado con la técnica fresco sobre fresco y que es uno de los microcementos más utilizados para revestir escaleras en espacios exteriores. Está disponible como microcemento bicomponente y microcemento monocomponente. En los dos casos, posee buena capacidad antideslizante y muy buenas resistencias mecánicas y químicas.

On the other hand, there is Sttandard Microstone, our two-component microcement specially created to coat exterior surfaces. Unlike Microdeck, it has a higher level of slip resistance. In terms of aesthetics, it is the most suitable for achieving a more rustic and rough finish.

How to apply microcement on stairs: 8 steps

The first thing to keep in mind when applying microcement to a staircase is that this process can only be carried out by an experienced professional. Since coating a staircase with microcement requires an advanced application technique to achieve the desired result. A series of peculiarities that must be taken into account and that only a trained applicator will be able to guarantee.

Take note of the 8 steps to follow on stairs coated with microcement.

1. Evaluar estado del soporte

It is necessary to analyze the condition of the existing support on the stairs before applying microcement. Since if the support that is going to be the base for the microcement staircase is not in optimal condition, all kinds of cracks or defects could end up appearing. That's why it's so important to have a good professional, who will know how to correctly evaluate the quality of the support.

2. Priming of the microcement staircase

Once we make sure that the support is in good condition, the second step to make a microcement staircase is to place the primer or adhesion promoter.

3. Nivelar los peldaños de la escalera de microcemento

El tercer paso para hacer una escalera de microcemento consiste en nivelar y proteger los escalones. De esta forma se previenen roturas y desgastes futuros al eliminar cualquier irregularidad que pueda haber.

4. Apply first layer of Microbase microcement on the staircase

El cuarto paso primera capa de Microbase sin pigmento. Una vez hecho, se lijaría.

5. Aplicar segunda capa de microcemento Microbase en la escalera

The fifth step in applying microcement on stairs is to apply a second layer of Microbase, in this case with pigment. The procedure and sanding from the previous step must be repeated.

6. Apply first layer of Microdeck microcement on the stairs

The sixth step to apply microcement on stairs is a first thin layer of Microdeck with color. Once the layer dries, the surface will need to be sanded.

7. Aplicar segunda capa de microcemento Microdeck en la escalera

The sixth step to make microcement stairs is to apply the second layer of Microdeck. As soon as it dries, it will be necessary to sand the surface.

8. Sellar y proteger la escalera de microcemento

El último paso de la aplicación del microcemento en escaleras es uno de los más importantes, ya que se trata de proteger el revestimiento y que su estado óptimo se prolongue en el tiempo. Para ello, en Topciment aconsejamos aplicar dos manos del barniz acrílico Presealer y otras dos manos de uno de nuestros barnices de poliuretano, especialmente Topsealer WT One Coat .

3 tips para aplicar microcemento en escaleras

As previously mentioned, not everyone is capable of making microcement stairs, only professional applicators with years of experience due to the complexity involved.

These are the three main tips to keep in mind when making microcement stairs:

1. Proteger con perfil de aluminio los bordes de la escalera de microcemento

The corners or edges of the microcement staircase steps are, without a doubt, the area that is most exposed to all types of scratches and bumps. Therefore, as manufacturers we advise applying corner guards or aluminum profiles . Accessories that can be hidden from view (although we recommend leaving them visible because they add a touch of elegance) and that will better protect and for a longer time the microcement stairs, thus avoiding breakages or wear and tear.

2. Bordes de la escalera de microcemento mínimamente redondeados

Although the step of the microcement staircase can be left at 90 degrees, it is advisable that the edges are rounded at least minimally. Following this advice and "cutting" the edges of the future microcement staircase, chipping or blows are avoided since the impact on the microcement staircase is less.

3. Malla de fibra de vidrio sí o sí en una escalera de microcemento

Although some applicators do not always place a fiberglass mesh in the base layer of the microcement, at Topciment we are in favor of always doing it. Thanks to the mesh we manage to reinforce the microcement staircase

Cómo mantener la escalera de microcemento en estado óptimo

As previously explained, the microcement staircase is very resistant, so it does not require exhaustive care to stay in good condition.

We recommend cleaning it once a week with a neutral detergent or using our professional cleaners from the Ecoclean range. The use of corrosive products would damage the new coating.

Additionally, it is also highly advisable to apply a wax every four to six months. This product renews the protective layer of the microcement on the stairs and also its shine. We have designed the Ceraciment family.

Precio de la escalera de microcemento

El precio the cost of a microcement staircase does not vary compared to the cost of coating a floor or a wall. The dimension of the surface, measured in square meters, is what matters. In addition, there are elements such as the complexity of the work or the quality of the materials that intervene in the final cost.

Aunque sí es cierto que hay algunos aplicadores que toman en cuenta las huellas y contrahuellas que tiene la escalera para determinar un precio final. Lo que puede incrementar el costo un poco.

Aproximadamente, el precio de una escalera de microcemento está entre 60 y 100 euros el metro cuadrado.