Microcement or microconcrete - what it is, uses, price and how to choose a system
1. What microcement (and microconcrete) is
Microcement is a decorative finishing system based on cement, resins and selected aggregates, applied by hand with a trowel in several thin layers. The whole system is usually 2-3 mm thick, so it does not significantly raise the floor level or load the structure the way a new screed or tiles would. The result is a continuous, seamless surface with the look of raw, trowelled concrete.
The greatest advantage of microcement is adhesion. After proper priming it bonds to almost any substrate - ceramics, concrete, screed, plasterboard, wood, even furniture. This means a renovation can be carried out without removing old finishes: microcement is applied straight over existing tiles. The absence of joints means there are no places where dirt and moisture collect, and the surface can run in a single plane from wall to floor or from worktop to wall.
After the decorative layers are applied, the system is sealed with a protective finish - a polyurethane lacquer or a two-component epoxy resin. It is the finish that determines resistance: to water, abrasion and chemicals. That is why the same material can work on a living-room wall as well as on a floor, stairs or inside a shower - you only need to match the right finish to the loads of a given location.
2. Microcement vs microconcrete - the difference
This is the most common question, and the answer is simple: in practice microcement and microconcrete are the same type of material, and the names are used interchangeably. The difference lies mainly in producer naming - some companies call their product microcement, others microconcrete, even though the technology is almost identical.
If someone does distinguish the terms, they usually do it by aggregate size and intended use. Microconcrete then means the variant with coarser aggregate - harder, with a rougher texture, aimed at floors and high-traffic surfaces. Microcement - the smoother, finer and more flexible variant, more often used on walls and decorative elements. In most technical parameters, however, the two overlap, and the real properties are decided by the specific system, not the name itself.
| Feature | Microcement | Microconcrete |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Smoother, more flexible | Rougher, more raw |
| Aggregate | Fine | Coarser |
| Typical use | Walls, decorative elements | Floors, high-traffic areas |
| Abrasion resistance | High | Very high |
| Layer thickness | ~2-3 mm | ~2-3.5 mm |
| The choice in practice | Decided by the specific system and finish, not the trade name | |
3. Properties and technical parameters
The values below are typical ranges for microcement systems available on the market. Specific figures - hardness, chemical resistance, drying times - depend on the producer and system and can be found in the technical data sheets of the individual products.
| Parameter | Typical value |
|---|---|
| System thickness | 2-3 mm (thin-layer) |
| Weight | ~3-5 kg/m² |
| Adhesion to substrate | Usually above 1.5 MPa |
| Substrates | Tiles, concrete, screed, plasterboard, wood |
| Surface | Seamless, continuous, jointless |
| Water resistance | After sealing with lacquer or resin |
| Protective finish | Polyurethane lacquer or epoxy resin |
| Applications | Walls, floors, worktops, stairs, bathrooms; interior and exterior |
4. Where microcement is used
Versatility is the reason for microcement's popularity. The same technology, with a suitably chosen finish, works in almost any room.
Bathroom and shower
A seamless, jointless surface means fewer places for mould and easier cleaning. For the shower area and direct contact with water, systems sealed with epoxy resin are used, forming a continuous, waterproof coating. Walls, the floor and even the bath surround can run in one consistent finish.
Floors and stairs
On floors and stairs, abrasion resistance is what counts - here the harder systems (microconcrete or microcement with a resin finish) perform best. The thin layer lets you refresh a floor without demolition and without raising the floor level, which can be crucial with existing doors and thresholds.
Kitchen, worktops and furniture
Microcement is applied on worktops, furniture fronts and kitchen walls, giving a uniform, modern look. A work surface needs a tough, chemical-resistant finish, most often resin-based. The absence of joints makes hygiene easier around the cooking area.
Walls in the living room, hallway and office
In dry rooms, lighter lacquered systems are enough. Microcement on a wall gives the effect of raw concrete or a soft, trowelled finish, without the weight and thickness of real architectural concrete. It is a popular choice for accent walls and large, open surfaces.
5. Which substrate - tiles, concrete, plasterboard
Microcement is "omnivorous", but every substrate needs proper preparation. The common rule: the substrate must be stable, load-bearing and clean, and the moisture content within the range required by the given system.
- Tiles, porcelain stoneware, terracotta: the glaze is sanded to roughen it, an adhesion promoter and primer are applied - often with reinforcing mesh - and the joints are filled with a leveling compound. This is the most common scenario for a bathroom renovation without demolition. Condition: the tiles must be firmly bonded to the substrate.
- Concrete and cement screed: requires adequate strength and curing. New screeds must dry out (usually at least 28 days), and the moisture content must be measured before starting.
- Plasterboard: only rigid, well-fixed boards; the joints and the whole surface are reinforced with mesh to prevent cracking.
- Wood and furniture: possible on stable, non-flexing elements after priming; moving substrates risk cracking.
6. Microcement systems - how to choose
Microcement systems differ in three things, and it is these - not the name "microcement" or "microconcrete" - that decide the choice:
- Finish: polyurethane lacquer (lighter loads, walls, dry rooms) or two-component epoxy resin (wet zones, floors, stairs, worktops - the highest resistance).
- Effect: smooth decorative concrete, veined marble, or a decorative effect (e.g. rust, jute, Venetian stucco) sealed under resin.
- Substrate and room: a different system is chosen for tiles in a bathroom than for a wall in a living room.
The simplest path to a choice: define the room (dry or wet zone, wall or floor), pick the desired effect, and then choose a system with the right finish. If you care about maximum finishing precision or a decorative effect inside a shower, you lean towards resin systems; for walls in dry rooms, lacquered systems are enough.
7. How much microcement costs per m²
The price of microcement depends on the system, the chosen effect, the condition of the substrate and whether we count the material alone or a turnkey finish. Approximate market ranges:
- Material: approx. 100-300 PLN/m² (depending on the system and number of layers).
- Labor of a qualified installer: approx. 150-350 PLN/m².
- Turnkey, all in: most often 250-600 PLN/m².
Over existing tiles, microcement tends to be cheaper than a classic renovation, because it eliminates the cost of demolition, debris removal and weeks of downtime. Resin systems (wet zones, floors) cost more than lacquered ones, and decorative effects under resin more than smooth concrete. The fastest way to price your own case is the calculator below.
8. Calculator - estimate material and approximate cost
Instead of guessing, enter the area and choose the effect, and the calculator will select a matching microcement system, convert the consumption of all products into packages and give an approximate material cost. It is the fastest way to go from "what is microcement" to a concrete shopping list for your room. You can also leave your contact details and receive a ready quote for material and labor.
Calculate microcement for your area in 3 steps
Choose an effect, add your surfaces (you can mix substrates — e.g. tiles on the floor and plaster on the wall), and we'll select matching systems and prepare a ready shopping list.
Surfaces to cover
For each surface choose a substrate and enter the area. You can change the name — click the name field (e.g. „Bathroom"); it will appear in the shopping list. Area = length × width (wall: width × height minus openings).
Finish and reserve
Gloss emphasizes depth and color; matte gives a rawer, concrete look. Both lacquers are equally resistant to water and abrasion.
Area measurement is rarely perfect, and during application some material stays on tools, edges and offcuts. If you'd rather be sure you won't run out mid-job — add a reserve. For most projects we recommend 10%.
Frequently asked questions about microcement
What is microcement?
Microcement is a thin-layer, seamless decorative coating based on cement and resins, applied by hand in a layer usually 2-3 mm thick. It gives the look of raw concrete, weighs only a few kg/m² and bonds to almost any substrate - tiles, concrete, plasterboard, wood - without removing the existing finish. Once sealed with lacquer or resin it is waterproof and abrasion-resistant.
What is the difference between microcement and microconcrete?
In practice they are the same type of material, and the names are used interchangeably. If a distinction is drawn, microconcrete usually means the variant with coarser aggregate, harder and more abrasion-resistant (floors), and microcement the smoother, more flexible variant for walls. Most parameters overlap; the specific system decides, not the name.
How much does microcement cost per m²?
As a rough guide, material runs about 100-300 PLN/m² and the labor of a qualified installer 150-350 PLN/m². Turnkey, all in, most often 250-600 PLN/m². Over existing tiles microcement tends to be cheaper than replacing them, because it eliminates demolition and debris removal. You can price your exact case in the calculator above.
Can microcement be applied over existing tiles without removing them?
Yes - this is one of the main uses. The glaze is sanded to roughen it, an adhesion promoter and primer are applied (often with mesh), the joints are filled with a leveling compound, and then the microcement layers go on. The tiles must be stable and firmly bonded to the substrate. The renovation is done without debris and without demolition.
Is microcement suitable for bathrooms and showers?
Yes, with the right system. The shower area needs a system sealed with a waterproof resin (e.g. epoxy) forming a continuous, jointless surface. Microcement sealed with lacquer only is fine for a bathroom, but in direct contact with water it needs a stronger finish. Remember: microcement is a finish, not a substitute for waterproofing.
What is the thickness and weight of microcement?
A full system is usually 2-3 mm thick and weighs roughly 3-5 kg/m². This means it can be applied over existing surfaces without significantly loading the structure and without raising the floor level the way a screed or new tiles would.
Is microcement durable and abrasion-resistant?
Yes. It has high adhesion to the substrate (usually above 1.5 MPa) and, once sealed with lacquer or epoxy resin, it is resistant to abrasion, water and many chemicals. The hardest resin systems reach parameters close to industrial floors - they perform well on floors and stairs.
How do I choose a microcement system?
Three things decide: the room (dry or wet zone, wall or floor), the desired effect (smooth concrete, marble, decorative effect) and the substrate (tiles, concrete, plasterboard). For wet zones and floors you choose resin systems; for walls in dry rooms, lacquered ones. The simplest way is to enter the area and effect into the calculator, which selects a system and calculates the material.