One of the biggest mistakes I see is people thinking micro-cement is just “skim and go.” If your prep is wrong, the finish will fail — period. Here’s how I prep tile for micro-cement the right way: 1️⃣ Check the Tile First Before anything: - No loose tiles - No hollow sounds - No movement If the tile moves, micro-cement will crack. Fix or remove it first. 2️⃣ Deep Clean & Degrease Tile holds oils, soap, and residue. - Degrease thoroughly - Rinse and let fully dry Skipping this step = bonding failure later. 3️⃣ Mechanical Abrasion You must break the glaze. - Sand or grind the tile surface - Focus on shine removal, not removal of tile Micro-cement needs tooth to bond. 4️⃣ Fill Grout Lines Never coat over open grout lines. - Use a cementitious filler or leveling compound - Flatten the surface completely - Let cure properly This prevents telegraphing later. 5️⃣ Primer + Mesh (Non-Negotiable) - Apply bonding primer - Embed fiberglass mesh - Smooth it out flat This step handles: ✔️ Movement ✔️ Cracks ✔️ Long-term durability

For decades, tile has been the standard for bathrooms, showers, and floors. It works — but it comes with grout lines, maintenance, cracks, and a dated look over time. Micro-cement changes the game. Instead of: • Tile + thinset • Grout lines • Multiple trades You get: • Seamless surfaces • Modern, designer finishes • Waterproof systems • One skilled installer This is why designers and homeowners are moving away from traditional tile and toward micro-cement and Venetian plaster. It’s cleaner, more modern, and creates a luxury look that tile can’t match. 💡 Important for tradespeople: If you already understand surface prep, levels, and detail work, you’re not starting from zero. You’re upgrading your skill set into a higher-paying niche. Tile isn’t dead — but seamless finishes are the future. 👇 Drop a comment: - Are you coming from tile, paint, drywall, or remodeling? - What made you interested in micro-cement?

Let’s talk one of the most common mistakes beginners make with micro-cement and Venetian plaster: not prepping the surface properly. Even a small crack or dust on the wall can ruin an entire finish. Here’s my go-to prep method for beginners: 1️⃣ Clean the wall thoroughly — remove dust, grease, or loose paint. 2️⃣ Apply a bonding primer — this helps your finish stick perfectly. 3️⃣ Sand lightly to smooth imperfections before your first coat. 💡 Pro tip: Take your time on prep. Most beginners rush this step, but it’s 50% of a professional-looking finish. Post a picture of your prep work or a wall you’re about to start — I’ll give feedback personally! Also, if you want a step-by-step guide for your first finished wall, check the free beginner course Luxury Finishes: Getting Started in the courses section.

Hey everyone! 👋 I’m Leeroy Sanchez, and I run high-end micro-cement and Venetian plaster projects in Austin, Texas. I’ve been doing this for years, and I’ve built a system that lets tradespeople like you break out of low-pay jobs and start charging $10k+ for walls, showers, and full room finishes. This community is all about learning, sharing, and leveling up your trade. Here’s how to get the most out of it: 1️⃣ Start with the free beginner course – Luxury Finishes: Getting Started. It shows you what luxury finishes are, why they pay, and how to start practicing. 2️⃣ Ask questions – post your challenges, job updates, or even mistakes. Everyone here is learning and growing. 3️⃣ Share your wins – whether it’s your first practice wall or your first high-paying client, we want to celebrate it! 4️⃣ Check the resources section – I’ll be uploading guides, pricing tips, and materials lists regularly. 💡 Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to start small. One good wall, one solid job, and you’re already on the path to landing $10k+ projects.