Microcement · Guide
What is microcement?
A thin mineral skin, applied by hand.
Microcement is a fine cement- and polymer-based coating, applied by hand in thin layers just a few millimetres thick. It bonds to almost any sound surface — tile, concrete, plasterboard, even existing floors — to create one continuous, seamless finish with no grout lines and no joints. It's the seamless, contemporary look of poured concrete, without the weight or the demolition. You'll also see it called microtopping or micro concrete — the same idea.
How microcement is applied
Preparation & priming
The existing surface is cleaned, repaired and primed so the microcement bonds properly. Sound preparation is what makes it last.
Base coats
Two base layers are troweled on, often over a reinforcing mesh on floors, building strength and levelling the surface.
Finish coats
Two fine finish layers are hand-applied and worked to the texture and colour you've chosen — this is where the character appears.
Sanding & sealing
The surface is sanded smooth, then sealed with a protective topcoat matched to the room — a tougher seal for floors, kitchens and bathrooms.
Where microcement works
Because it's thin and seamless, microcement goes almost anywhere a continuous surface is wanted.
- Floors — living areas, hallways and open plans
- Walls and feature walls
- Bathrooms, showers and wet rooms
- Kitchens, splashbacks and worktops
- Stairs and landings
- Furniture and built-in joinery
- Covered outdoor areas and terraces
- Over existing tile — often without demolition
Why people choose it
- Seamless — no grout lines, no joints to clean
- Thin — goes over existing surfaces, often without demolition
- Contemporary — the poured-concrete look, hand-worked and warm
- Versatile — one material across floors, walls and wet areas
- Custom colour and texture, integral to the surface
What to know before you commit
- It's a hand-applied, skilled finish — installation quality matters
- The right sealer for the room is essential, especially in wet areas
- It shows a hand-made character, not a factory-uniform surface
- Hairline movement can occur if the substrate moves — preparation matters
- Not a DIY product — it rewards an experienced applicator
How it holds up
Well installed and properly sealed, microcement is a hard-wearing, long-lived surface — the sealer is what carries daily wear, water and cleaning, so it's chosen for how each room is used. Like any hand-applied mineral finish it develops a lived-in character over time, and the sealer can be refreshed down the line. Because it's a thin coating bonded to what's beneath it, the preparation and the substrate matter as much as the material itself — which is why we assess both before we quote.