FAQ’S

Although Ideal Work Rasico® and Rasico® Touch systems have been specially designed for external use, Microtopping® can also be used for external applications such as terraces, footpaths, swimming pool decks, porches and walls. Different textures and sealants with anti-slip resistance beads can be used to enhance slip resistance. The Microtopping® system is resistant to UV rays and other climatic stress.  

After carefully assessing the substrate, and with proper preparation, Microtopping® can be installed on any type of surface, including tiles and wooden parquet if solid. We or your nominated professional installer will know how to advise you on the necessary preparation for your particular project. Tiles may need grinding and a mesh and epoxy treatment will be required to prevent grout lines shadowing through. For wooden floors a mesh and epoxy treatment would also be required.

Microtopping® has perfect adhesion, even on surfaces with underfloor heating systems. Microtopping® has a heat conductivity value of λ =0.46. We recommend putting the underfloor heating system through three heating cycles to test the substrate’s response to thermal variation prior to application of Microtopping®.

In addition to being an EC certified product, Microtopping® has undergone multiple performance tests. For the latest results see our test sheets.

Certainly. Microtopping® is a very popular choice for bathrooms and wet rooms because the seamless finish promotes easy cleaning and a stylish aesthetic. Ideal Work sealers provide good protection against water penetration. As always, an appropriate assessment needs to be made of the substrate and the build up. A mesh and epoxy system can be used to reduce the risk of transfer cracking where the substrate is likely to undergo movement due to building materials settling or other reasons.

Ideal Work offers a very wide range of sealers and other types of protection. The choice of sealer will depend on the type of environment and any particular requirements of the end customer. There are solvent and water based sealer products, with different levels of shine from super matt to gloss. Even though the sealer coats protect the surface from rapid penetration of spilled liquids, as with any sealed surface basic cleaning and maintenance should be followed in the event of a spill. See our Care and Maintenance Guide here as well as our stain and chemical resistance tests.

Microtopping® is easy to maintain. A sensible approach is all that is required, for example providing a doormat at the entry to the house and sweeping and/or vacuuming at regular intervals to protect the sealer coat from grit.  The use of protective felt under furniture,  such as chairs, is recommended and in the event it is necessary to move heavy furniture, place a woollen cloth under the feet or the base of furniture to avoid scratching. And finally, before carrying out painting, electrical jobs, plumbing, moving and handling furniture, of course protect the floor.

Cleaning a Microtopping® floor is very simple. A damp cloth or mop is sufficient to clean the surfaces, with the addition of a little neutral detergent for floors (for example perfetto! Ideal Work: a specific detergent for decorative Ideal Work surfaces).You can periodically treat the floor with protective, sacrificial products such as Ideal Cera. Aggressive cleaners containing soap, acid, ammonia, chlorine or other abrasive detergent products must not be used. Our Care & Maintenance Guide  can be found here.

Tests of the heat resistance carried out on the material obtained excellent results. Microtopping® was heated to a temperature of 115°C without displaying any defects. However, it is inadvisable to lay boiling objects directly on the surface so suitable heat resistant mats should be used. Moreover, in the case of kitchen tops, a suitable chopping board must be used, avoiding cutting or chopping directly on the top.

Microtopping® is a 2mm overlay and draws its strength from the substrate. Assuming the substrate meets the minimum surface strength of 25N/mm2, which is satisfied by concrete, tiles, sand and cement screed and many other screeds, the residual effect is similar to a good quality wooden floor giving rise to the same sort of wear and tear such as dents and scratches. For more information about how to maintain a floor please see our Care and Maintenance Guide. 

Microtopping® will not crack of its own accord but is likely to crack if the substrate below it cracks, known as transfer cracking. Substrate cracking can be caused by a number of reasons including movement or settling of the building materials. The chance of transfer cracking occurring can be significantly reduced with proper substrate evaluation and preparation. Application of epoxy and mesh prior to Microtopping® is an excellent substrate treatment.

Ideal Work acid stains are formulated to react only during the 4 hours following application and do not release harmful substances. Once the application is finished and the surface has been neutralised and treated with surface protection, no substance is released that could be harmful to health. Tests carried out show that the acid stain flooring is classified A+ as regards the quality of the air measured in interior spaces.

The application of acid stain is a relatively quick process, and the amount of time the process takes will depend on the area you need to cover. Typically, acid staining will add at least one day to the overall process.