Installation Guide: Applying Ando Cement (Light Grey) for Smooth Wall Finishes

There's something deeply satisfying about transforming a plain wall into a canvas of texture and tone—especially when the material itself tells a story. Ando Cement (light grey) isn't just a building material; it's a nod to understated elegance, inspired by the raw, unpolished beauty of minimalist architecture. I've spent years working with everything from rough granite stone to fair-faced concrete , but there's a quiet magic in Ando Cement's ability to turn a blank wall into a statement piece. Its soft, muted grey hue feels both modern and timeless, like a whisper of concrete that doesn't shout but lingers in the mind. Today, I'm breaking down how to install it for a smooth, flawless finish—no fancy tools required, just patience and a little know-how.

Pre-Installation Prep: The Foundation of Success

Before you even crack open the bag of Ando Cement, let's talk about the unsung hero of any great installation: prep work. I once skipped this step early in my career, eager to dive into applying cement board to a wall that hadn't been properly cleaned. The result? Bubbles, uneven adhesion, and a very frustrated afternoon of scraping it all off. Trust me—skipping prep is like baking a cake without preheating the oven: it might look okay at first, but it'll never rise right.

1. Surface Check: Start with a Clean Slate

Ando Cement (light grey) thrives on smooth, stable surfaces. Walk up to your wall and run your hand over it. Feel for bumps, cracks, or loose paint? Those need to go. Use a putty knife to scrape off peeling paint or wallpaper, then sand down rough spots with 120-grit sandpaper. If there are small cracks, fill them with a lightweight spackle and let it dry completely (usually 24 hours). For larger gaps, use a concrete patching compound—Ando Cement isn't a filler, it's a finisher, so the wall needs to be as flat as possible.

Next, clean the wall thoroughly. Dust, grease, or dirt will prevent the cement from bonding. Mix a solution of warm water and mild dish soap, wipe the wall with a sponge, then rinse with clean water. Let it dry for at least 48 hours—even if it feels dry to the touch, moisture trapped beneath the cement will cause blisters. Pro tip: Use a moisture meter if you're unsure; aim for a reading below 10%.

2. Gather Your Materials: What You'll Need

Having everything on hand before you start saves you from mid-project runs to the hardware store (we've all been there, standing in the aisle at 7 PM wondering if "fine sand" is the same as "silica sand"). Here's your checklist:

Pro Tip: If you're working in a humid area, set up a dehumidifier near the wall. Ando Cement cures best in temperatures between 50°F and 80°F (10°C–27°C)—too cold, and it'll take forever to dry; too hot, and it might crack as it shrinks.

Mixing the Cement: The Art of Consistency

Mixing Ando Cement (light grey) is where science meets feel. It's not just about following the water-to-powder ratio—it's about getting that perfect "pancake batter" consistency. Too runny, and it'll drip off the wall; too thick, and it'll be impossible to spread smoothly. I once mixed a batch that was so thick, it looked like wet sand—and let me tell you, trying to trowel that onto a wall was like trying to spread peanut butter with a spoon. Not fun.

Pro Tip: Mix only as much as you can use in 30 minutes. Ando Cement starts to set quickly, and once it does, it's useless. If you're doing a large wall, mix in small batches—better to mix twice than to waste a whole bag.

Applying the Cement: From Bucket to Wall

Now comes the satisfying part: turning that bucket of grey paste into a beautiful wall. Think of it like painting, but with more texture and a slower pace. I love this part because you can already start to see the wall transform—from plain to something with depth, like a storm cloud that's soft around the edges.

1. Tape Off Edges and Protect Floors

Use painter's tape to mask off baseboards, window frames, and outlets. Press the tape firmly to prevent cement from seeping underneath. Lay down plastic sheeting on the floor, taping it to the baseboards to keep it in place. Trust me, you don't want to spend hours scrubbing cement off your hardwood later.

2. Apply the First Coat: Thin and Even

Ando Cement (light grey) is applied in two coats: a base coat to seal the wall, and a top coat for smoothness. Start with the base coat—it should be thin, about 1/16 inch thick. Dip your notched trowel into the mix, then spread it onto the wall in a thin, even layer, holding the trowel at a 45-degree angle. Use long, sweeping strokes, working from the top of the wall down to the bottom. The notches will leave ridges—this is good! They'll help the top coat adhere better.

Work in small sections—about 3x3 feet at a time. If you try to do the whole wall at once, the first section will start drying before you finish the last, leading to unevenness. Let the base coat dry for 2-3 hours (it should be tacky but not wet to the touch).

3. Apply the Top Coat: Smooth as Silk

Now for the fun part: the top coat. Mix a fresh batch of Ando Cement (same consistency as before), and this time, use a finishing trowel. Spread the cement onto the wall in a thin layer (about 1/8 inch thick), using gentle, circular motions to fill in the ridges from the base coat. Keep the trowel almost flat against the wall—about a 10-degree angle—to avoid leaving trowel marks.

As you work, use a level to check for evenness. Hold the level horizontally and vertically across the wet cement—if there are dips, add a little more cement; if there are bumps, scrape them off with the edge of the trowel. Take your time here—this is where the smooth finish happens. I once rushed through a top coat and ended up with visible trowel lines that I couldn't fix without redoing the whole section. Slow and steady wins the race.

Let the top coat dry for 24 hours. It will lighten in color as it dries—this is normal. If you notice any small cracks forming as it dries, don't panic! These are usually due to the cement shrinking slightly. Wait until it's fully dry, then sand them lightly with 220-grit sandpaper and touch up with a thin layer of cement.

Sanding and Sealing: The Final Flourish

Once the Ando Cement (light grey) is fully dry (give it at least 48 hours, especially in humid weather), it's time to sand and seal. Sanding smooths out any minor imperfections, and sealing protects the finish from stains, moisture, and everyday wear. I've seen beautiful Ando Cement walls ruined by coffee spills or rainwater because they weren't sealed—don't let that happen to yours.

1. Sanding: Gently Does It

Use 220-grit sandpaper (fine grit) and sand the wall in small, circular motions. Don't press too hard—you're just removing the "peaks" of any unevenness, not sanding down to the base coat. Wipe the wall with a dry cloth to remove dust, then check your work. Run your hand over the surface—if it feels smooth, you're done. If there are still rough spots, sand again with 320-grit sandpaper (ultra-fine) for a glass-like finish.

2. Sealing: Lock in the Beauty

Choose a water-based acrylic sealer—oil-based sealers can yellow over time, which will clash with the light grey of the Ando Cement. Stir the sealer well (don't shake it, as that creates bubbles), then apply it with a foam roller in thin, even coats. Start at the top of the wall and work your way down, overlapping each stroke by 2 inches to avoid lap marks.

Let the first coat dry for 2 hours, then apply a second coat. For high-traffic areas (like a hallway) or walls exposed to moisture (like a bathroom), apply a third coat. The sealer will dry clear, enhancing the depth of the grey and giving the wall a subtle sheen. Let it cure for 72 hours before touching or hanging anything on the wall.

Troubleshooting: When Things Go Wrong (and How to Fix Them)

Even with perfect prep and mixing, things can go sideways. I once installed Ando Cement in a room with poor ventilation, and the finish came out blotchy—some areas light, some dark. It took a lot of sanding and a second coat to fix, but lesson learned: always open windows or use fans. Here are the most common issues and how to solve them:

1. Bubbles in the Finish

Cause: Trapped air in the cement, usually from over-mixing or applying too thick a coat. Solution: Pop the bubbles with a pin while the cement is still wet, then smooth the area with a trowel. If they dry, sand them down and touch up with a thin layer of cement.

2. Uneven Color

Cause: Inconsistent mixing, or the wall dried too quickly in some areas. Solution: Sand the entire wall lightly, then apply a thin "wash" of Ando Cement mixed with a little extra water (like a glaze). This evens out the color.

3. Peeling or Cracking

Cause: The wall wasn't clean, or the cement was applied too thick. Solution: Scrape off the peeling areas, clean the wall again, and reapply both coats. For cracks, fill them with a small amount of cement mixed to a paste consistency, let dry, sand, and seal.

Pairing Ando Cement with Other Materials: Design Ideas

Ando Cement (light grey) is a chameleon—it pairs beautifully with almost any material, making it perfect for both modern and rustic spaces. Here are a few of my favorite combinations:

• With fair-faced concrete : Create a monochromatic look by installing fair-faced concrete floors with an Ando Cement wall. The subtle texture differences add depth without overwhelming the space.
• With rough granite stone : For a rustic-industrial vibe, use rough granite stone on one wall and Ando Cement on the adjacent wall. The contrast between the rough, speckled granite and the smooth, muted grey of the cement is striking.
• With wood: A wooden accent wall or floating shelves against Ando Cement adds warmth. Think light oak or walnut—their natural tones complement the grey without clashing.
• With metal: Brushed brass or black steel fixtures pop against Ando Cement. Try a metal frame mirror or pendant lights for a modern, sophisticated look.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Process (and the Result)

Installing Ando Cement (light grey) isn't just about creating a wall—it's about creating a feeling. There's a pride that comes with stepping back and seeing a surface you transformed with your own hands, one that will stand the test of time. I still smile when I walk into my living room and see the Ando Cement wall I installed three years ago—its soft grey has mellowed with time, and it still looks as beautiful as the day I finished it.

Remember, patience is key. Rushing leads to mistakes, but taking your time leads to a finish you'll love for years. Whether you're renovating a bathroom, updating a bedroom, or adding character to a commercial space, Ando Cement (light grey) is more than a material—it's a way to bring warmth, texture, and quiet elegance to any room. Now go grab your trowel, mix that cement, and let your wall tell its story.