Clean the surface thoroughly. Remove grease, dust, and any loose material. Any imperfection in the substrate will telegraph through to the finished surface. Fix it now, not later.

Apply 1225 primer with a medium-pile roller. This primer is quite adhesive, so the fibreglass mesh sticks to it easily. Pre-cut lengths of 1 to 1.5 metres and press them on one by one. Embed the mesh into the wet primer on floors and over all tile joints. The mesh is your crack prevention layer. Do not skip it.

Apply 2 coats of Level 1C base coat, sanding lightly between each one once dry. Both coats can be applied in a single day using a wet-on-wet technique when the first coat is approximately 80 percent dry. Use 40-grit sanding discs between coats. The base coats build the structural foundation of the system. Rushing them is the most common cause of finish failure.

Tint the microcement using standard colour tints from any reputable paint manufacturer, including Porters, Dulux, and others. Any normal colour tint is compatible. Always confirm your chosen tint with the No1 Microcement team before mixing to ensure compatibility with the system.

Apply 2 coats of Waterproof RTU medium grain in your chosen colour using a steel trowel, working in thin, even passes. The first coat does not need to be perfect. The second coat is where the finish comes together. The second coat can be applied after just 2 hours, which means both decorative coats can be completed in a single day.

Sand lightly with 120-grit paper once the decorative coats are fully dry. Apply 1 to 2 coats of sealer on walls using a 4mm nap roller, and 2 coats of sealer on floors. Light foot traffic is permitted after 24 hours. The sealer reaches full strength at 14 days. Some clients use their shower after 4 to 5 days, though waiting the full cure period always produces the best long-term result.