How to Apply Meoded Concretta: Prep, Steps, and a Flawless Concrete Finish

Concretta is Meoded's concrete-effect finish — a troweled, mineral surface that gives you the warm, seamless, industrial-modern look of polished concrete or microcement on walls, feature surfaces, fireplaces, and even showers. It reads as high-end and architectural, and with the right prep and technique it's absolutely achievable. Here's the full process, from surface prep to sealing. (For the complete official walkthrough, see our How to Apply Concretta guide.)

What you'll need

• Stainless steel trowel or plastic spatula
• Drill with a mixing paddle
• Fine sanding sponge
• Painter's tape for edge protection
• Meoded Quartz Primer, plus the appropriate base primer for your surface
• Concretta, and your chosen sealer (Stain Defense or Plaster Seal Plus)

Step 1: Prep and prime the surface

Concretta is only as good as what's underneath it, so don't rush this part. Prep depends on your surface:

• New surfaces: Clean and remove all dust. Apply the right base primer — PVA primer for new drywall, or a multi-purpose primer for wood or glossy surfaces — and let it dry completely. Then apply one coat of Meoded Quartz Primer and allow at least 3–5 hours to dry.
• Existing surfaces: Sand off any sheen and remove the dust, prime with a multi-purpose primer and let it dry fully, then apply a coat of Meoded Quartz Primer and again allow 3–5 hours.
• Showers and wet areas: On tile or marble, clean the surface and grout lines thoroughly — no primer needed. On drywall or backer board, waterproof the substrate first, then apply Meoded Quartz Primer and let it dry 3–5 hours.

The Quartz Primer is the key grip coat — don't skip it, and give it the full dry time.

Step 2: Mix the material

Mix the Concretta thoroughly with your drill and paddle until it's smooth and consistent. Well-mixed material, troweled evenly, is what gives you that clean, uniform concrete look.

Step 3: Apply the first coat

Apply a thin first coat, holding the trowel at a shallow angle. Work in manageable sections and keep your edges wet so each section blends into the next without hard lines. Thin and even beats thick and heavy every time — Concretta builds its look in layers, not in one pass.

Step 4: Let it dry, then sand lightly

Allow the first coat to dry completely, then knock down any high spots with a fine sanding sponge. This gives you a smooth base for the second coat and helps you control the final texture.

Step 5: Apply the second coat

Apply the second coat using overlapping trowel strokes to develop the texture and movement that make the finish. Clean your trowel regularly as you go — dried bits of material are the enemy of a smooth pass. This coat is where the character comes through, so work with intention.

Step 6: Cure and seal

Let the surface cure fully — timing varies with humidity and temperature, so ask us if you're unsure. Then seal it to protect the finish: Stain Defense keeps a natural look, while Plaster Seal Plus is the choice for high-traffic areas. Showers need both PlasterGuard and Plaster Seal Plus, and should be resealed periodically in wet environments.

A few tips for a flawless result

Always do a sample board first to dial in your colour and technique before committing to the wall. Keep a wet edge, don't rush the dry and cure times, and remember that Concretta's beauty is in its subtle variation — it's not meant to look perfectly flat like paint.

We'll set you up

We stock Concretta, the Quartz Primer, and the sealers, and we're happy to walk you through the technique for your specific project. Visit us at 321 19 St NW in Calgary, text (403) 270-9696, or get in touch — and read the full Concretta application guide before you start.