What Is Microcement? A Plain UK Guide

Microcement is a thin, cement based coating that is trowelled by hand over floors, walls, showers and worktops to give one continuous surface with no grout lines. It goes on in several coats, usually only a few millimetres thick in total, and is then sealed. It can go over many existing surfaces, including sound tiles, so it is often used to change a room without ripping it out. This guide explains what it is made of, where it works, where it does not, and what to ask before you commit.

What microcement is made of

Most microcement systems are a mix of cement, fine mineral aggregates, polymers or resins for flexibility and grip, and pigment for colour. The polymers are what let it go on so thin without cracking the way ordinary concrete would. Every brand has its own recipe, so always work to one manufacturer's full system rather than mixing products.

How it is laid

1. Preparation. The surface is cleaned, repaired and made sound. Loose tiles, damp and movement are dealt with first.
2. Primer. A primer suited to the surface helps the first coat bond.
3. Base coats. One or two coarser coats, often with a reinforcing mesh bedded in, build strength.
4. Finishing coats. Finer coats give the final look and texture.
5. Sealer. Several coats of sealer protect it from water and stains.

Each stage needs drying time, so a microcement bathroom takes days, not hours.

Where microcement works well

• Bathrooms and showers, over a proper waterproofing layer. See our microcement bathroom guide.
• Floors, including over underfloor heating when the system allows it. See microcement flooring.
• Walls where you want a calm concrete look. See microcement walls.
• Over tiles that are firmly stuck. See microcement over tiles.
• Worktops and furniture, with care. See microcement worktops.

Where it struggles

• On surfaces that move or flex, such as springy timber floors.
• Over damp that has not been fixed.
• Across structural joints that are buried instead of carried through.
• Where the sealer is not kept up in heavy use areas.

Most failures come from the surface underneath, not the microcement itself. We cover this in microcement problems and how to avoid them.

Is microcement the same as polished concrete?

No. Polished concrete is a thick slab that is ground and polished. Microcement is a thin coating laid on top of an existing surface. The look can be similar, but the weight, thickness and installation are very different. We compare them in microcement vs polished concrete.

Microcement and lime: the other seamless option

Lime plasters can give a similar seamless finish with a softer, more mineral feel. Zavoré stocks Pastellone for continuous lime floors and walls and Beton Stucco for a flat concrete look. If you are choosing between the two families, read Venetian plaster vs microcement.

Questions

How thick is microcement?

Usually a few millimetres in total across all coats. The exact build depends on the system and the surface it goes over.

Is microcement waterproof?

The sealer makes it water resistant, but in showers it should go over a separate waterproofing layer. See is microcement waterproof.

Can I lay microcement myself?

Kits are sold for DIY, but it is a skilled finish and mistakes are hard to undo. Read microcement kits and supplies before you buy.

Does Zavoré install microcement?

Yes. Our own team lays microcement across the UK from Birmingham. See microcement installation.