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Concretta FS is Meoded's natural microcement finish plaster - a thin, durable, water-resistant coating that gives interior and exterior surfaces the look of polished concrete. It's a popular choice for showers, tub surrounds, backsplashes, countertops, and feature walls because it bonds directly to tile, marble, drywall, and most existing hard surfaces without a full tear-out. This guide walks through surface prep, application, and sealing so you know what a Concretta project involves before you start.
Tools You'll Need
Concretta FS is applied with a stainless steel trowel or plastic spatula. You'll also want a mixing paddle and drill for blending the material, a fine sanding sponge for smoothing between coats, and painter's tape to protect adjoining surfaces and edges. Ask us in-store about trowel options if you don't already have one.
Surface Preparation
New Surface – The surface should be clean and dust-free. Prime the substrate with the recommended water-based primer as needed: PVA primer for new drywall, or a multi-purpose primer for wood or glossy surfaces. Let the primer dry fully, then apply one coat of Meoded Quartz Primer and allow at least 3-5 hours to dry.
Existing Surface – Any surface with sheen should be sanded and dust-free, then primed with a multi-purpose primer and left to dry fully. Apply one coat of Meoded Quartz Primer and allow at least 3-5 hours to dry. Flat, unsheened surfaces only need the Meoded Quartz Primer step.
Shower Applications
Shower Tile/Marble – The surface should be clean and dust-free. Clean the grout lines to make sure there are no loose or flaking particles. No primer is needed when applying Concretta directly over tile or marble.
Drywall/Backing Board – Apply one coat of Meoded Quartz Primer over the waterproofed substrate and allow at least 3-5 hours to dry. Always waterproof the substrate before beginning application in showers or moist areas — Concretta is a finish coat plaster only. Shower applications must be completed with PlasterGuard and Plaster Seal Plus.
Applying Concretta FS
Concretta is applied in two thin coats using a stainless steel trowel held at a shallow angle, working in manageable sections so each pass stays wet at the edges and blends smoothly into the next. Apply the first coat evenly across the surface and let it dry fully before lightly sanding away any high spots or trowel lines with a fine sanding sponge. Apply the second coat the same way, using overlapping trowel strokes to build the subtle texture and tonal variation that gives Concretta its polished-concrete look. Wipe your trowel clean regularly while you work to avoid dragging dried material into fresh plaster.
Allow the finished surface to cure fully before sealing or exposing it to water - cure times vary with humidity and temperature, so check with us for guidance specific to your project and season.
Curing and Sealing
Once cured, Concretta should be sealed to protect against moisture, staining, and everyday wear. Stain Defense is our recommended sealer for a natural, unaltered look, while Plaster Seal Plus offers a higher level of abrasion resistance for high-traffic surfaces like countertops. Showers require both PlasterGuard and Plaster Seal Plus as noted above. Reseal periodically in wet areas to maintain water resistance over time.
A Note on Application
We recommend this project be completed by a professional experienced with plasters, such as Venetian plasters or concrete plasters. Contact us for more information or for a professional recommendation.
Safety: avoid extended skin contact, use eye protection and a breathing apparatus when sanding, and keep the room well ventilated when working indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Concretta go directly over existing tile?
Yes - for shower tile or marble, Concretta can be applied directly over the existing surface with no primer needed, as long as the grout lines are clean and free of loose or flaking material.
Is Concretta waterproof on its own?
No - Concretta is a finish coat plaster, not a waterproofing membrane. Any surface exposed to standing water, like a shower, needs to be waterproofed underneath before Concretta is applied, and finished with PlasterGuard and Plaster Seal Plus on top.
Can I apply Concretta myself?
It's possible for an experienced DIYer, but because the finish depends on consistent trowel technique and timing between coats, we generally recommend it be applied by a professional familiar with Venetian plasters or concrete plasters. We're happy to point you to a professional applicator.