Ever since we shared our earthy organic bathroom renovation reveal, we’ve been completely inundated with questions about everyone’s favourite feature – the microcement wall finish! While we have been totally blown away by the response, we’re so glad to see that so many of you love it as much as we do.
Although it was our first time using the product (in fact, our first time renovating a bathroom!) we couldn’t be happier with the end result. And, even though we researched our hearts out, there were definitely a few things we wish we had known sooner.
So, to help answer all your questions and share our tips, tricks and things we learnt along the way, we’ve put together a guide to everything you need to know about microcement.
What is microcement?
In its simplest form, microcement is a decorative coating that creates a beautiful, textured finish. Also known as microconcrete or microtopping, microcement is generally made from a combination of high-performance cement, polymer, natural colour pigments and resins.
Widely recognised for its minimalist aesthetic, microcement is growing in popularity. And, for reasons I’ll get into later, we think it’s an ideal product for renovators. Extremely hard-wearing and relatively fast to apply, this innovative product is also highly customisable and can be formulated to a variety of different colours and textures. This allows you to choose how rough or smooth you want the finish, and provides you with complete control over the final look.
Where can I apply microcement?
Microcement can be applied to a range of surfaces including walls, floors, benchtops, shelving and even ceilings. Although, we quickly learnt that ceiling application can be significantly more messy!
One of the reasons why microcement is so versatile is because with the right prep work, it can bond to basically any surface, including plaster, wood, tiles and concrete. This makes it a great choice for renovators as it can be applied right over existing materials, completely transforming a space without the need for any removals or major construction.
Is microcement waterproof?
Yes, microcement can be made waterproof, making it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. It can even be used in showers – but it’s important to communicate this to your supplier to ensure you purchase the right products.
Before application, you’ll need to waterproof the area in the same way you would waterproof before tiling. We explain in more detail further down the page.
Can you apply microcement over tiles?
You certainly can. Although we opted to completely gut our bathroom (due to water damage and so that we could change the layout) which meant removing all tiles, microcement can be applied over existing tiles as an easy and affordable way to update your space.
Having fallen completely in love with the product, we are already considering applying it over our kitchen and laundry tiled surfaces – so watch this space! We may have an update for you on how that goes in a few months time.
Does microcement cost more than tiles?
A common question we have received is whether microcement costs more than tiles, but this depends on a few factors. As it is still a relatively new and relatively niche product, microcement is not as readily available as tiles, and there are many affordable tile options in the market.
We shopped around for price and availability, and were able to find a local microcement applicator willing to sell the product to us directly. Overall, if you are going the DIY route, the cost of the microcement product is roughly on par with mid-range tile options.
However, professional microcement application is likely to cost more than professional tile installation. The microcement process can take up to a week depending on the size of your space. And, as demand has not yet taken off, it’s currently considered more of a specialty skill than tiling here in Australia.
For our small, 2400×1900 bathroom, we received a quote of $11,000 for product and application on all four walls. Doing it ourselves, we paid just over $1,000 for all products and accessories required. To tile the space, I would expect to pay at least half that amount. So, the cost difference can be significant if you plan to hire a professional.
Where can I buy microcement?
If you’re looking to have microcement professionally applied, your applicator should be able to provide the product for you. Alternatively, they may have a list of options for you to consider. If you are planning to apply it yourself, there are a few options.
We originally planned to purchase the product online, but realised there would be a significant wait time. We started researching local options and found Luxury Concrete – an installation company based in Ferntree Gully.
Buying from a local business worked out cheaper and allowed us to visit the showroom and see the product in person. While their business is primarily set up as a stockist, it never hurts to call around and ask.
While we expect more options to hit the market in the near future, here are some of the other places you can buy microcement:
- Mineral Fox: A Noosa-based supplier of Mercadier Decoration Microcement imported from France.
- Alternative Surfaces: A Melbourne-based supplier of X-Bond Microcement, available in a range of different finishes.
- Render It Oz: A Torquay-based supplier of Tedelakt, a Moroccan lime-based render which you can have tinted to almost any colour.
Is microcement easy to clean?
This is by far one of the most frequently asked questions we have received. If you ask me, it really goes to show how we as a collective are entirely fed up with cleaning grout! Well friends, I am happy to report that after two months, the microcement in our bathroom has been a dream to clean.
Although we had read that it was one of the easiest coatings to clean, I didn’t want to speak on it too early until I had experienced it myself. So, how do you clean microcement? For the shower area, I essentially just rinse it down with the shower hose. For areas it can’t reach, I simply wipe it over with a microfibre cloth. That’s it! Any soap residue, grime or dust just slides right off the surface.
At some point, I’ll likely start cleaning it with a diluted vinegar mixture. In all honesty, I think that will be for my own peace of mind regarding hygiene, as a quick extra while I’m cleaning the shower screen, bath and floor tiles.
Can microcement be used on floors?
Although we chose to use tiles, you can use microcement on floors. Your supplier may be able to suggest non-slip options better suited to floors than walls, but the overall process remains relatively the same.
For us, we needed to ensure our tiles were properly angled for good drainage, since we opted for a wet area bathroom. Although we could have applied microcement over the floor tiles once this was completed, it would have meant doubling up on time and cost.
Can I apply microcement myself?
Yes! While it may seem a little daunting – microcementing is a great DIY project. One of the things I love most about it is the ‘perfectly imperfect’ finish. This means you don’t need to get every inch completely smooth, and the imperfections are actually what makes it beautiful. Scroll down for our step-by-step guide to DIY microcement application.
How to apply microcement
Planning to DIY? The process may differ depending on the microcement product you select, but here is a simple guide on how to apply microcement to a wet area bathroom.
Step 1: Waterproof your space
If you are applying microcement to a wet area, it’s essential that you properly waterproof the space first to avoid any issues down the line. Pay particular attention to any corners and joins, as these are the most common places for leaks.
We chose to use a grey waterproofing agent to reduce the chance of it altering the colour of our microcement. We recommend you avoid using any silicone-based gap fillers, as the primer (used in the next step) may not stick.
Step 2: Apply a coat of paint primer
Once you have completed your waterproofing, you will need to apply a coat of high-quality white paint primer to all surfaces you plan to coat with microcement. We used Dulux 1Step Prep Water Based Primer, Sealer & Undercoat.
The primer helps to even out the substrate and improves adhesion of the product. And, if you are using a lighter colour microcement over a darker waterproofing agent, it reduces the chance of any colour showing through.
Step 3: Mix your microcement
Next, it’s time to mix your microcement. For the Luxury Cement product we used, we mixed 1 part wall powder with 0.45 parts resin as per the product recommendations, to create a thicker mixture needed for the first coat. For the second, it’s okay for this to be slightly runnier.
The product will start to harden within 15 minutes. So, it’s best to mix smaller batches so that you can take your time. If you are using a pre-mixed product, jump straight to step 4.
Step 4: Apply your first coat of microcement
It’s showtime! Once your product is ready, use a plastic trowel to apply the microcement directly to the surface, one wall at a time. Try to angle the trowel so that the product spreads as evenly as possible. This can take some getting used to.
Avoid the temptation to go back and touch-up any imperfections. This can cause the product lift and become tacky, so it’s best to fix it later. This part can get messy, so be sure to wear old clothes.
TIP: Always use plastic trowels when applying microcement to avoid rust stains that steel trowels can cause.
Step 5: Sand back any imperfections
Allow the microcement to dry overnight, then sand back any drips or imperfections. We recommend using a electric sander to get through the job quickly, using 40 grit paper. If you are sanding manually, use 80 grit paper instead.
Again, this is a messy process. As well as old clothes, you’ll want to wear a quality dust mask, protective eyewear and even a hair covering. Chris even borrowed an old silk hair wrap of mine to help reduce how much dust got through his hair. What a vibe.
If your electric sander comes with a vacuum attachment, it’s definitely worth hooking this up as it can significantly help to reduce the dust.
Step 6: Repeat steps 3, 4 and 5
Time to rinse and repeat! As per steps 3 and 4, mix 1 part wall powder with 0.45 parts resin and follow the same application process. Ensure you cover any sections you may have missed in the first coat. While applying this coat, pay extra attention to how smooth or textured you want the final finish to be.
Wait overnight for the second coat to dry, then repeat the sanding process. This time, use 100-120 grit sandpaper with an electric sander, or 200-240 grit paper if you are sanding manually.
TIP: Make sure the corners are well-covered with microcement. You may want to use a smaller plastic trowel for these areas. You can sand back any excess later, but it’s important not to leave any gaps in corners.
Step 7: Apply resin and hardener finishings
Lastly, it’s time to apply your finishing products to ensure your microcement is completely waterproof and protected. Using a paint brush or roller, apply two coats of primacrete, which helps to penetrate and seal the microcement. Allow for a 30 minute dry time in between coats and be careful to avoid any drips or tear marks.
Once dry, mix together your two-part resin and hardener coating and apply with a roller. You may want to use a brush for corners and any hard-to-reach places. The resin we used dried to a beautiful low-sheen finish, and was ready for us to complete the rest of the bathroom fit-out within 24 hours.
And that’s is! While the DIY is definitely a big time commitment, we saved a lot of many by doing it ourselves and it was probably one of the most satisfying DIYs we’ve completed. We’re completely in love with the finished look – and the fact that it’s so easy to clean is just the icing on the cake!
As always, feel free to leave us a comment or reach out to us directly if you have any questions. And, if this inspires you to try microcement in your own renovation – we’d love to hear all about it!
