Valpaint Microcement - I-Beton Plus or e-volution PLUS? Systems compared
1. What the systems have in common
Before I move on to the differences - what they share, because the list is long and important:
- Application over existing tiles without removal - all systems bond to ceramic, porcelain stoneware and terracotta once the glaze has been ground down
- Substrate preparation stage - in I-Beton Plus and e-volution PLUS: Promotore ADP + Primer AZ + CT10 + Stucco SB30 + CT90. e-volution Easy simplifies this stage with the lighter Ancorante PG bonding primer
- Meteore 12 decorative base - shared by both e-volution variants (PLUS and Easy)
- Substrate moisture per the technical data sheet - an absolute condition; verify the value in the product's TDS before application
- Application temperature +10-30°C (+15°C for some products)
- Sigillante SG15 - sealing of corners and joints in wet areas - mandatory in all systems
- Top Coat AR60/AR70 + CT80 - shared finishing sealer
- Full mechanical strength: 28 days
- Require an experienced applicator - difficulty 4/5 (Easy slightly easier)
2. Key differences at a glance
Smooth concrete. One effect. Proven.
- Base: Meteore 14 Grosso + Medio
- Finish: Otturapori OTB + Top Coat
- Effect: smooth concrete in a color from the palette
- Hardness: 70 Shore D
- HACCP certification
- Fewer resin layers
- Simpler finish application
Three effects. Resin. Unique worldwide.
- Base: Meteore 12
- Finish: Gel EP40 + CT50 + Top Coat
- Effects: marble, concrete, decorations under resin
- Hardness: 75 Shore D
- Jute, Klondike, Arteco 7 in the shower
- Epoxy resin = higher water resistance
- Gel EP40 pot life: 20-25 min - takes skill
The lighter and cheaper e-volution variant - for walls and smaller floors.
- Base: Meteore 12 (same as PLUS)
- Primer: light Ancorante PG (no Promotore / Primer AZ / mesh)
- Finish: Otturapori OTB + Top Coat - no Gel EP40 resin
- Effects: smooth concrete and marble (Sabulador) - no decorations under resin
- Lowest material cost and simplest application of the three
- Smooth variant allowed in wet areas; marble - dry areas only
3. Detailed comparison - table
| Parameter | I-Beton Plus | e-volution PLUS | e-volution Easy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative base | Meteore 14 Grosso (leveling) + Meteore 14 Medio (1-3 decorative coats) | Meteore 12 (leveling + decorative coat) | Meteore 12 (same as PLUS) |
| Base granulometry | Grosso 0.6 mm + Medio 0.4 mm | Meteore 12 - textured | Meteore 12 - textured |
| Primer / preparation | Promotore ADP + Primer AZ + PV127 mesh | Promotore ADP + Primer AZ + PV127 mesh | Ancorante PG - light bonding primer (simpler, cheaper) |
| Protective finish | Otturapori OTB + CT45 → Top Coat AR60/AR70 | Gel EP40 + CT50 → Top Coat AR60/AR70 | Otturapori OTB + CT45 → Top Coat (no Gel) |
| Finish type | Water-based resin (Otturapori) + sealer | Epoxy resin (Gel EP40) + sealer | Water-based resin (Otturapori) + sealer |
| Finish hardness | 70 Shore D | 75 Shore D | Finish without Gel - close to I-Beton |
| Abrasion resistance | <30 mg / 200 cycles (ISO 11998) | <30 mg / 200 cycles (ISO 11998) | <30 mg / 200 cycles (Top Coat) |
| Adhesion to substrate | 2.22 N/mm² (Meteore 14 Medio) | >2.2 N/mm² (Meteore 12) | Ancorante PG - bonding primer (per TDS) |
| Decorative effects | Smooth concrete in a color from the palette | Veined marble, smooth concrete, Valpaint effects under resin | Smooth concrete + marble (Sabulador) |
| Possible decorative finishes | No additional decorative layers | Arteco 7, Jute, Klondike, Klondike Light, Valrenna 2 | Marbling only (Sabulador) |
| For the shower | Yes - with Top Coat | Yes - with Gel EP40 + Top Coat (higher tightness) | Smooth variant - yes; marble - dry areas |
| For the sauna | Yes | Yes | Dry areas |
| On stairs | Yes | Yes - with 3D effects under resin | Small areas - PLUS or I-Beton is better |
| HACCP certification | Yes (in the manufacturer's sheet) | To be confirmed with the manufacturer | To be confirmed with the manufacturer |
| Finish pot life | Otturapori - no critical window | Gel EP40: 20-25 min - critical | Otturapori - no critical window |
| Number of base coats | 3-4 (Grosso + Medio separately - more control, minimal sanding) | 2 (Meteore 12 = coarse + fine aggregate in one) | 2 (Meteore 12) - lighter primer |
| Full system cure | 28 days | 28 days (system) + 48 days (Gel EP40) | 28 days (no Gel) |
| Base VOC | max 40 g/L (Meteore 14 Medio) | max 6.6 g/L (Meteore 12) | max 6.6 g/L (Meteore 12) |
| Emission class | F**** | A+ (TVOC <1 mg/m³) | A+ (Meteore 12) |
| Base application temperature | +10-30°C | +5-30°C | +5-30°C |
| Material cost /m² | €45-65 | €45-75 | Lowest of the three (no Gel) |
4. Decorative effects - this decides the choice
This is the heart of the difference between the systems. I-Beton Plus gives one effect - smooth decorative concrete in any color from the Valpaint palette. Beautiful, durable, proven. If that is what you are after, I-Beton is the simpler and cheaper choice.
e-volution PLUS opens up three decorative paths:
Technique 1 - Effetto Marmorizzato (marbled effect)
Sabulador Soft diluted 20-30% with water and applied with a compact sponge between coats of Meteore 12. A PV105 brush creates the veins while the Meteore 12 is still wet. Gel EP40 fills the veins from the inside - the effect of deep marble under a transparent resin. Each execution is unique.
Technique 2 - Effetto Liscio (smooth effect)
Smooth concrete - visually identical to I-Beton Plus, but with a different finishing system (Otturapori instead of Gel EP40). This is the only e-volution technique without Gel EP40 resin. Cheaper, faster.
Technique 3 - Altri Effetti Decorativi (other decorative effects)
Between Meteore 12 and the Gel EP40 resin - any Valpaint decorative product: Arteco 7, Jute, Klondike, Klondike Light, Valrenna 2. Each keeps its visual effect (rust, jute weave, Venetian plaster) sealed under the epoxy resin. A continuous, walkable, waterproof surface with a decorative effect.
And where does e-volution Easy fit in?
e-volution Easy uses the same Meteore 12 base, but covers only two paths: smooth concrete (like technique 2) and Sabulador marbling (like technique 1) - both finished with Otturapori, without Gel EP40 resin. Decorative effects under resin (technique 3 - Klondike, Jute, Arteco) remain the exclusive domain of PLUS. Easy is the choice when you want smooth concrete or marble on walls or a smaller floor at a lower cost.
5. Which system for which room
Bathroom - classic concrete, simple renovation
I-Beton PlusYou want a concrete effect, have no special visual expectations, and value a proven track record and HACCP certification. I-Beton Plus is simpler to apply and cheaper than PLUS with resin. For those who want a modern bathroom without complications.
Living-room walls or a smaller bathroom - budget
e-volution EasySmooth concrete or marble on walls, without effects under resin and without the highest budget. The light Ancorante primer and the absence of Gel resin shorten the work and lower the material cost. Best on walls (no area limit) and smaller floors; keep the marble variant in dry areas.
Shower - rust, jute or Venetian plaster effect on the walls
e-volution PLUS (technique 3)You want something no one else has. A Klondike (rust) or Jute (fabric weave) effect sealed under resin - directly in the shower enclosure. Hardness 75 Shore D, chemical resistance: hydrochloric acid, bleach, boiling oil - all rated Resistant.
Stairs - maximum durability with a 3D effect
e-volution PLUS (technique 3)Klondike or Sabulador Soft under resin on the steps. You see a corrosion or metallic-sand effect - you touch smooth resin as hard as ceramic. 75 Shore D, abrasion resistance like industrial flooring.
Stairs - classic concrete, maximum durability
I-Beton Plus or e-volution technique 2Smooth concrete in your chosen color. Both systems give an identical visual effect. I-Beton Plus is 70 Shore D, e-volution technique 2 (Otturapori + Top Coat) has similar parameters. Choose I-Beton Plus if your applicator knows it better.
Professional kitchen or restaurant
I-Beton PlusIf a sanitary inspection or the client requires HACCP certification, go with I-Beton Plus - it is documented in the manufacturer's sheet. For e-volution, the HACCP status is worth confirming directly with Valpaint before declaring it to the investor. Regardless of the system, use full Sigillante SG15 sealing around sinks and worktops.
Living room or hallway - marble effect on the floor
e-volution PLUS (technique 1)A veined marble effect under resin. A unique look, high durability. Every execution is different - no two floors look the same. Gel EP40 + Top Coat gives the parameters of industrial flooring.
6. System layers - side by side
| Layer order | I-Beton Plus (tiles) | e-volution PLUS (tiles) |
|---|---|---|
| Substrate | Tiles - diamond grinding | Tiles - diamond grinding |
| Layer 1 | Promotore ADP | Promotore ADP |
| Layer 2 | Primer AZ + CT10 + PV127 mesh | Primer AZ + CT10 + PV127 mesh |
| Layer 3 | Stucco SB30 + CT90 (joints) | Stucco SB30 + CT90 (joints) |
| Layer 4 | Meteore 14 Grosso (optional - leveling) | Meteore 12 leveling |
| Layer 5 | Meteore 14 Medio (skim coat) | Meteore 12 decorative |
| Layer 6 | Meteore 14 Medio (finishing coat) | Sabulador Soft / decorative product (t.1 and t.3) |
| Layer 7 | Meteore 14 Medio (optional 3rd coat) | Gel EP40 + CT50 (t.1 and t.3) / Otturapori (t.2) |
| Layer 8 | Otturapori OTB + CT45 | Gel EP40 + CT50 (2nd coat) |
| Layer 9 | Top Coat AR60/AR70 (1st coat) | Top Coat AR60/AR70 (1st coat) |
| Layer 10 | Top Coat AR60/AR70 (2nd coat) | Top Coat AR60/AR70 (2nd coat) |
The e-volution Easy layer stack
Easy is deliberately shorter - that is its advantage. On prepared tiles the order is as follows:
- Primer: Ancorante PG - light bonding primer (instead of Promotore + Primer AZ + mesh)
- Joints: Stucco SB30 + CT90 (leveling the joints, optional)
- Base: Meteore 12 - leveling coat, then decorative coat
- Marble (optional): Sabulador Soft between coats of Meteore 12 - for the marbling variant
- Finish: Otturapori OTB + CT45 - no Gel EP40 resin
- Sealer: Top Coat AR60/AR70 (2 coats)
Fewer layers and the absence of Gel resin mean a shorter project and a lower cost - at the expense of no decorative effects under resin and a slightly lower finish resistance than in PLUS.
7. Prices and timeline
Material cost
I-Beton Plus and e-volution PLUS start from a similar material cost - around €45-65/m² for standard variants. e-volution PLUS with technique 3 (a decorative product under resin) is more expensive by the cost of the decorative product and the extra Gel EP40 coat - roughly €50-75/m². e-volution Easy is the cheapest of the three - no Gel resin and a simpler Ancorante primer lower the material cost.
Application time
I-Beton Plus: 8-10 working days with 3 coats of Meteore 14 Medio and 16-24 h breaks between them.
e-volution PLUS: 5-7 working days - fewer coats of Meteore 12, but working with Gel EP40 requires precision and experience within the short pot-life window.
e-volution Easy: the shortest - a lighter primer and the absence of Gel resin reduce the number of stages; a good option for walls and smaller areas.
Time to use
All systems: 72 h for careful walking, 7 days for placing furniture, 28 days for full strength. Gel EP40 in e-volution PLUS reaches full cure after 48 days - avoid aggressive chemicals during that time.
Calculator - estimate material and approximate cost
You already know which system fits your room. Enter the area and choose the effect, and the calculator will match the suitable systems and prepare a ready material list. If you wish, leave your contact details - we will send you a complete quote for materials and labor.
Calculate microcement for your area in 3 steps
Choose an effect, add your surfaces (you can mix substrates — e.g. tiles on the floor and plaster on the wall), and we'll select matching systems and prepare a ready shopping list.
Surfaces to cover
For each surface choose a substrate and enter the area. You can change the name — click the name field (e.g. „Bathroom"); it will appear in the shopping list. Area = length × width (wall: width × height minus openings).
Finish and reserve
Gloss emphasizes depth and color; matte gives a rawer, concrete look. Both lacquers are equally resistant to water and abrasion.
Area measurement is rarely perfect, and during application some material stays on tools, edges and offcuts. If you'd rather be sure you won't run out mid-job — add a reserve. For most projects we recommend 10%.
Frequently asked questions
Which Valpaint microcement system should I choose - I-Beton Plus, e-volution PLUS or Easy?
It depends on the effect. I-Beton Plus: classic smooth concrete, a simpler system, HACCP certification, 70 Shore D. e-volution PLUS: marble, concrete or any Valpaint decoration under resin, 75 Shore D, higher water resistance - if you want rust, jute or Venetian plaster in the shower, only PLUS will do. e-volution Easy: the lighter and cheapest variant (smooth concrete or marble, light Ancorante primer, no Gel) for walls and smaller floors.
Can the systems be applied over tiles without removal?
Yes - all of them were designed for application over existing ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware and terracotta without removal. I-Beton Plus and e-volution PLUS require grinding the glaze, the ADP adhesion promoter, Primer AZ + CT10 with mesh, and filling the joints with Stucco SB30 + CT90. e-volution Easy simplifies this stage with the light Ancorante PG bonding primer.
Which system is suitable for a shower?
I-Beton Plus with Top Coat - HACCP certification, 70 Shore D hardness. e-volution PLUS with Gel EP40 resin + Top Coat - 75 Shore D hardness; the epoxy resin creates a tighter barrier and makes the surface waterproof. e-volution Easy in the smooth variant is suitable for wet areas; keep the marble in dry areas. In all systems corners and joints are sealed with Sigillante SG15.
How does Meteore 12 differ from Meteore 14?
Meteore 14 Grosso (0.6 mm) is the coarse leveling compound of I-Beton, and Meteore 14 Medio (0.4 mm) is a pigmented decorative plaster giving a smooth concrete effect. Meteore 12 is the base of e-volution (PLUS and Easy), combining coarse and fine aggregate in a single product - hence 2 coats instead of splitting into two products as in I-Beton. Separating the aggregates in I-Beton gives greater control over each fraction and virtually eliminates mechanical sanding; Meteore 12 does not require disc sanding either, and with a good applicator the result of both systems is identical. In resin techniques Meteore 12 acts as the substrate under Gel EP40 (veining, 3D effects), and in the smooth variant it is finished with Otturapori.
How does e-volution Easy differ from e-volution PLUS?
Both have the same Meteore 12 base, but Easy is lighter and cheaper. Easy uses the light Ancorante PG primer instead of the full Promotore + Primer AZ with mesh and does not use Gel EP40 resin (Otturapori + Top Coat finish). That is why Easy produces smooth concrete and marbling (Sabulador), but does not offer decorative effects under resin (Klondike, Jute, Arteco). For a shower with a decorative effect or for heavily loaded stairs, choose PLUS.
How much does Valpaint microcement cost per m²?
Material cost: I-Beton Plus €45-65/m², e-volution PLUS €45-75/m² (higher with effects under resin). e-volution Easy is the cheapest of the three. Labor: €45-90/m². Ask for a quote for your project at [email protected] - we will price the materials and the applicator's labor in your region.
Which system is harder to apply?
All have high demands. e-volution PLUS is the hardest because of the short pot life of the Gel EP40 + CT50 resin (20-25 minutes) - a mistake means a wasted batch. I-Beton Plus has more layers, but splitting the aggregates into Meteore 14 Grosso and Medio gives greater control and virtually eliminates mechanical sanding - which is why, despite the extra layer, it is often easier to execute precisely and is regarded as one of the most accurate microcement systems. e-volution (Meteore 12) has fewer layers, but identical smoothness takes more skill. e-volution Easy has the fewest stages. Marbling (veining with a PV105 brush) additionally requires artistic ability.
What does HACCP certification mean for microcement?
HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) is a food-safety system that is mandatory in the EU for the catering sector. For microcement, HACCP compliance means the surface is suitable for food-contact areas - it is non-absorbent, easy to clean and disinfect, and resistant to cleaning agents. Formally, HACCP concerns processes and facilities rather than a single product, so the declaration is worth confirming in the technical data sheet. I-Beton Plus has it in the manufacturer's sheet; for e-volution it is worth confirming the status with Valpaint. In a home bathroom, HACCP is irrelevant.
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