Notes:
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Step 1: Prepare the Surface
Mas Maya Coating is thin and expressive, so anything beneath it can show through. Your surface must be flat, level, smooth, clean, dry and stable.
Remove loose paint, loose tiles, flaking plaster, crumbling materials, dust, grease and old adhesives. Take off fittings such as sockets, switches and light fixtures before you begin.
Fill any cracks, gaps, tile joints or imperfections deeper than 3 mm with Mas Maya Prep. If you are working over tiles, textured walls or uneven surfaces, level them first so the coating has a smooth base.
In wet areas, confirm that the waterproof membrane is intact before applying any Mas Maya products.
Step 2: Protect Edges and Surrounding Areas
Use low-adhesive masking tape around floors, ceilings, corners, frames and adjoining surfaces.
Leave a 4 mm gap between the tape and the working surface. This allows the coating to settle neatly into the edge without building up over the tape.
Protect nearby floors, furniture and fittings with plastic sheeting or suitable coverings.
Step 3: Apply Primer
Mas Maya Primer helps the coating bond securely to the surface.
Stir the Primer thoroughly before use. Apply one thin, even coat using a 4 mm short-pile roller, brush or spray gun. Avoid puddles or heavy build-up.
For very absorbent surfaces, lightly mist with water before priming to slow absorption.
Allow the Primer to set for at least 30 minutes, but do not leave it for more than 24 hours before applying Mas Maya Coating. The surface should feel slightly tacky when ready.
For pools, showers, wet rooms and permanently wet areas, use Mas Maya Pool Primer instead. Allow it to set for at least 1 hour before continuing.
Step 4: Mix Mas Maya Coating
Use clean water and consistent batch sizes to keep the colour and finish even across the surface.
Use the following water ratios:
- Walls and ceilings: 330 ml water per 1 kg of Mas Maya Coating
- Floors and steps: 400 ml water per 1 kg of Mas Maya Coating
If using pigment, dissolve it fully into the water first. The water should be completely uniform, with no specks or streaks, before adding the coating powder.
Slowly add Mas Maya Coating powder into the water, not the other way around. Mix gently with a handheld plaster mixer until smooth and creamy, with a yoghurt-like texture. Avoid high-speed mixing, as this can introduce too much air.
Let the mixture rest for 15 minutes, then mix once more before applying.
Step 5: Apply the Base Layer with Mesh
This is the structural layer and the standard method for most installations.
Apply a 2 mm layer of Mas Maya Coating using the toothed side of a 5 mm toothed trowel.
While the coating is still fresh, place Mas Maya Mesh onto the surface. Leave a 1 cm gap from edges and overlap mesh sheets by at least 10 cm. Press the mesh into the coating with a flexible or steel trowel, starting with the edges and then working across the centre.
Smooth the coating over the mesh with a flat trowel until the mesh is just covered and barely visible.
Allow the base layer to dry until it is firm and no longer indents under light pressure. You can also allow it to dry completely before continuing with the finishing layer.
Step 6: Apply the Finishing Layer
The finishing layer is the final visible surface.
Apply a fresh 2 mm layer of Mas Maya Coating with a clean steel trowel. Use smooth, overlapping strokes and keep the trowel edge clean to avoid drag marks.
Work wet-into-wet wherever possible. If an edge dries before you continue, a visible join line may appear. Plan your work in advance and aim to stop only at natural breaks such as corners, edges, door frames or architectural divisions.
Step 7: Smooth and Polish the Surface
Once the finishing layer is firm but not fully dry, you can begin smoothing and polishing. The material should no longer move under light finger pressure. If using a moisture meter, aim for around 15–20% moisture.
Lightly mist the area with clean water. You can add a small amount of coconut soap to the spray water to help create more surface cream.
Use the Mas Maya Foam Float in circular movements until a creamy layer appears on the surface. If the float sticks, add a little more misted water so it glides smoothly.
Then use a clean steel or plastic trowel to compress and refine the surface. This helps close pores, fill small holes, remove excess material and create a soft, polished finish.