Ready-to-use microcement for high decoration | Efectto Quartz

Efectto Quartz is the ready-to-use microcement line that offers highly decorative continuous finishes. Its exclusive formula does not contain cements that can cause unforeseen shrinkage or cracking.

A continuous coating designed for professionals who want to be more productive, increase the speed of microcement application and avoid debris. For all these reasons, Efectto Quartz ready to use microcement is the best choice for work on houses that are already inhabited.

This ready-to-use microcement stands out for its low thickness which, together with its great adherence, allows it to be applied on practically any substrate. It’s a coating suitable for vertical surfaces and light-traffic horizontal surfaces in interior spaces.

A product that boasts excellent workability, does not yellow, and does not require the use of mesh for application due to its extraordinary flexibility. It is an exceptional decorative solution for covering old surfaces made of concrete, ceramics, plaster, drywall, cement, and many more options.

Efectto Quartz ready-to-use microcement is available in a wide colour palette featuring 48 different shades, all in line with current design trends. All of them are distinguished by their natural look.

Logo Efectto Quartz Small Grain

Topcoat ready-to-use microcement

Originally, Efectto Quartz Small Grain was developed as a topcoat ready-to-use microcement specifically for walls and other vertical interior surfaces. However, depending on the aesthetic desired by the professional, this pre-mixed system can also be used on bathroom floors where foot traffic is very light.

Regardless of how Efectto Quartz Small Grain topcoat ready-to-use microcement is used, it is essential to first apply two coats of Efectto Quartz Big Grain to the substrate. Once this base is complete, two additional coats of Small Grain should be applied to finalise the decorative surface.

Download the Efectto Quartz Small Grain technical data sheet here

Types of topcoat ready-to-use microcement

Efectto Quartz
Efectto Quartz Small Grain 17 Kg
Efectto Quartz
Efectto Quartz Small Grain 6 Kg

Technical characteristics

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Maximum thickness per layer

0,3 mm /p>

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VOC

16 g/L

Densidad aparente
Density

1,6±0,1 g/cm3

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Taber Abrasion

376 mg

Performance

The performance of Efectto Quartz Small Grain topcoat ready-to-use microcement is 0.250 kg/m².

Packaging

Efectto Quartz Small Grain topcoat ready-to-use microcement is available in 6 and 17 kg black plastic conical buckets.

Grano medio

Ready-to-use microcement for finishing

In contrast, Efectto Quartz Medium Grain is our ready-to-use microcement for finishing, initially formulated for flooring. However, its more rustic texture is increasingly appreciated on vertical surfaces as well. For this reason, professionals may choose to apply this grain size to either light-traffic indoor floors—such as bathrooms—or to interior walls, depending on the desired visual outcome.

Before applying this ready-to-use microcement for finishing, it is essential to first apply two coats of Efectto Quartz Big Grain to the substrate. Once this base is complete, and unlike the finer Small Grain version, only one single coat of Efectto Quartz Medium Grain is needed to complete the finish.

Download the Efectto Quartz Medium Grain data sheet here

Types of ready-to-use microcement for finishing

 Efectto Quartz Medium Grain 6 Kg
Efectto Quartz Medium Grain 6 Kg
  Efectto Quartz Medium Grain 17 Kg
Efectto Quartz Medium Grain 17 Kg

Characteristics

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Maximum thickness per layer

0,5 mm

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VOC

16 g/L

Densidad aparente
Density

1,6±0,1 g/cm3

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Taber Abrasion

139 mg

Consumption

The consumption of Efectto Quartz Medium Grain ready-to-use microcement for finishing is 0.450 kg/m².

Packaging

Efectto Quartz Medium Grain ready-to-use microcement for finishing is available in 6 and 17 kg black plastic conical buckets.

Logo Efectto Quartz Big Grain

Ready-to-use microcement for preparation

As previously explained, Efectto Quartz Big Grain is the ready-to-use microcement for preparation designed for interior walls and low-traffic floors. After applying this base coating, the next step—depending on the client’s aesthetic preferences—is to apply either two coats of Efectto Quartz Small Grain or one coat of Efectto Quartz Medium Grain.

Download the Efectto Quartz Big Grain data sheet here.

Types of ready-to-use microcement for preparation

Efectto Quartz Big Grain 6 Kg
Efectto Quartz Big Grain 6 Kg
Efectto Quartz Big Grain 17 Kg
Efectto Quartz Big Grain 17 Kg

Technical characteristics

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Maximum thickness per layer

0,8 mm

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VOC

16g/L

Densidad aparente
Density

1,6±0,1 g/cm3

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Taber Abrasion

106 mg

Performace

The performance of Efectto Big Grain ready-to-use microcement for preparation is 0.9 kg/m².

Packaging

Efectto Quartz Big Grain ready-to-use microcement for preparation is packaged in 6 and 17 kg black plastic conical buckets.

Step 1. Cleaning and preparing the substrate.

Ensure the surface is level and structurally sound. Clean and dry the substrate thoroughly. If moisture is present, apply Primapox® 100 Barrier.

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paso 1 aplicacion pure mettal

Step 2. Filling joints.

Fill tile and grout joints using Primacem® Joint. Allow to dry for 12–24 hours, then sand with 40-grit sandpaper.

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paso 1 aplicacion pure mettal

Step 3. Priming.

Apply one coat of primer. Use Primacem® ABS for absorbent surfaces and Primacem® Plus for non-absorbent substrates. Leave to dry for a minimum of 30 minutes and a maximum of 2 hours.

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efecto paredes

Step 4. First coat of Efectto Quartz Big Grain ready-to-use microcement for preparation

Mix the product thoroughly before pouring. Then apply the first coat of Efectto Quartz Big Grain ready-to-use microcement for preparation with a steel trowel (pre-pigmented if desired). Allow to dry for 4–8 hours. Sand with 40-grit sandpaper.

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efecto paredes

Step 5: Second coat of Efectto Quartz Big Grain ready-to-use microcement for preparation

Apply a second coat of Efectto Quartz Big Grain ready-to-use microcement for preparation. Again, allow to dry for 4–8 hours, then sand with 40-grit sandpaper.

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Paso 5 paredes Efectto

Step 6A. One coat of Efectto Quartz Medium Grain ready-to-use microcement for finishing

Apply a single coat of Efectto Quartz Medium Grain ready-to-use microcement for finishing, previously mixed and pigmented to suit, using a steel trowel. Allow to dry for 4–8 hours. Sand with 80-grit sandpaper.

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Paso 6 paredes Efectto

Step 6B. Two coats of Efectto Quartz Small Grain topcoat ready-to-use microcement

Apply two layers of Efectto Quartz Small Grain topcoat ready-to-use microcement using a steel or rubber trowel (pre-pigmented if desired). Allow 4–8 hours of drying time between coats. Sand each coat with 220-grit sandpaper.

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Paso 6 paredes Efectto

Step 7. Sealing the Efectto Quartz ready-to-use microcement

To protect the surface, apply TopSealer® WT All in One varnish. Apply 3 coats, allowing 4–6 hours of drying time between each. Sand the first and second coats with 400-grit sandpaper.

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Paso 7 paredes Efectto

Certifications for ready-to-use microcement Efectto Quartz

  • Liquid water permeability (UNE-EN 1062-3:2008): w = 0,03 kg/(m²h05) W3
  • Water vapour permeability (UNE-EN ISO 7783:2019): Class I
  • Adhesion by direct tensile strength (UNE-EN 1542:2000): 1.0 MPa

Ready-to-use microcement Efectto Quartz colours

Cairo

Cairo

Dakar

Dakar

Tunez

Tunez

Oran

Oran

Tanger

Tanger

Malta

Malta

Adra

Adra

Samos

Samos

Bari

Bari

Derna

Derna

Oslo

Oslo

Malmo

Malmo

Turku

Turku

Kemi

Kemi

Bergen

Bergen

Tibet

Tibet

microcementos
microcementos

Frequently asked questions about ready-to-use microcement Efectto Quartz

Efectto Quartz is a highly decorative ready to use microcement for professionals designed to achieve unique and elegant designs.

A continuous decorative coating of low thickness which, due to its great adherence, can be applied on tile, terrazzo, plaster, concrete and other materials. It is applied by hand in several layers using a trowel. It is suitable for interior and exterior applications, on vertical and horizontal surfaces.

A ready to use microcement that can be used alone or as a complement to, for example, the Sttandard line, as they have completely different finishes, colours and textures.

Before applying Efectto Quartz ready to use microcement, it is necessary to prepare the surface with a primer.

Efectto Quartz is applied in several layers with a trowel, both indoors and outdoors and on vertical and horizontal surfaces as long as they are level and consolidated.

It is important that the layers are thin, otherwise cracks may occur. Allow 4 to 8 hours drying time between coats.

Once the product is dry, seal with TopSealer® WT All in One top coat.

Please note the following:

  • Never apply on natural wood or substrates consisting of parts that may expand differently.
  • The substrate must be consolidated.
  • The surface must be dry, free of dust and grease.
  • The planimetry of the substrate will determine the final appearance.
  • Any moisture issues, if present, must be resolved before applying the ready-to-use microcement Efectto Quartz. The ideal product for this is our Primapox® 100 Barrier.
  • There is no need to use mesh when applying the product. Additionally, it cannot be applied, fresh over fresh.

The versatility of our ready-to-use microcement Efectto Quartz allows its application on surfaces with joints, such as tiles. On these surfaces, it will be necessary to level them and conceal the joints with a suitable, high-quality product. At Topciment®, we offer Primacem® Joint for this purpose.

Before starting the application, it is essential to stir and homogenize the ready-to-use microcement Efectto Quartz. This can be done with the help of a mechanical stirrer or vigorously manually.

  • Ready to use, so you do not need to make any mixture.
  • Faster to apply than a traditional microcement.
  • Faster to dry than a traditional microcement.
  • Easy to apply, with no previous application experience
  • Very good adherence to the substrate
  • Flexible and it doesn't have shrink.
  • High abrasion resistance.
  • Wide range of colours and effects.
  • Compatible with conventional tintometric systems.

Efectto Quartz has a wide collection of colours and chromatic possibilities for floors and walls. Consult our colour catalogue to see which one best suits your taste (redirect to colours).

No, the ready-to-use microcement Efectto Quartz does not come in color. However, it can be purchased pigmented with a minimum order of 1,000 kg of material. Otherwise, the pigment or color for the coating must be purchased separately.

To pigment the Efectto Quartz ready-to-use microcement, it can be done manually by pouring all the pigment into the bucket and mixing it until a homogeneous mixture is achieved.

It is not possible to use mesh as it is a decorative coating designed to be applied in a thin layer. It is very important to always respect the drying times of Efectto Quartz ready-to-use microcement in order to achieve maximum performance.

For this type of ready-to-use microcement, the use of mesh is not recommended, as explained in the previous question. If it has been used, we will need a thicker layer of product to cover it, affecting the drying time and its hardness, as well as increasing the risk of cracking.

Efectto Quartz ready to use microcement does not contain cement, it is made of resins. It therefore has less shrinkage, is more flexible and slightly more elastic. This is why laying a mesh is detrimental to this microcement system.

If you have leftover product after finishing the work, it is advisable to place a plastic sheet to prevent the material from coming into contact with the air. By doing this, the Efectto Quartz microcement will be perfectly preserved without losing its properties.

Efectto Quartz is guaranteed for one year from the date of production. If the application systems are not followed correctly, the product will lose its warranty.

Efectto Quartz can be applied on both vertical and horizontal substrates. A ready-to-use microcement that is compatible with tiles, terrazzo, plaster, cement, etc.

Efectto Quartz is a very resistant coating that can be applied both indoors and outdoors, as well as in wet areas such as bathrooms and even inside showers. The sealing process of this microcement is key for the product to work perfectly in all these situations.

By itself, it is not waterproof, but it can become so with proper treatment. In humid areas such as bathrooms, we recommend treating the substrate with our Primapox® 100 Barrier and sealing the new coating with four layers of TopSealer® WT All in One varnish. In this way, the ready-to-use microcement Efectto Quartz will become waterproof.

To ensure the long life of Efectto Quartz ready-to-use microcement, we recommend the use of our Ecoclean microcement cleaners and our Ceraciment protective waxes (link products).

Yes, ready-to-use microcement is perfectly compatible with underfloor heating. In fact, it is one of the best materials for this purpose. However, a heating protocol must be followed to prevent cracks in the flooring due to temperature changes.

You can find all the information here.

The heating protocol is as follows:

1. Turn on the heating at least 4 weeks after placing the cement mortar.

2. Maintain the water entering the circuits at 25°C throughout 2 or 3 days. Then gradually increase the water temperature to 45°C and keep it on for several days.

3. Turn off the heating for at least 48 hours before starting the microcement application. The maximum floor temperature should be 18°C.

Microcement floors should be applied to cementitious mortars that have reached an advanced setting stage. This occurs after three or four weeks drying-out, depending on the weather. In any case, it is essential that the mortar is practically dry. To achieve this, there should be a maximum of 5% humidity in the support, which must be checked with a relative humidity meter.  

We recommend using quality self-levelling cement mortars.

Supports with powdery mortars are not at all suitable, since the base state for the application must be consistent, if otherwise then the base should be consolidated.

After applying the microcement, at least 48 hours should pass before the heating is gradually turned on (+5°C each day).

Always change the temperature gradually, both at the beginning and at the end of the heating period.

Make sure that the relative air humidity in the rooms is not too low.

Always avoid an accumulation of heat caused by rugs and carpets, or the lack of space between the furniture and the floor.

Important!  Between the floor and the vertical faces there will always be a joint to permit dilation. Failure to comply with this indicated requirement may result in cracking.