Microcement FAQs Ireland – All Your Questions Answered

Microcement is composed of Portland cement, polymer resins (acrylic or vinyl), mineral aggregates (fine silica sand) and mineral pigments. The polymer resins are the key ingredient — they give microcement its flexibility, adhesion strength and water resistance, allowing it to bond to existing surfaces without cracking and to flex with minor substrate movement.

No — these are different materials. Microcement is a thin decorative coating (2-3 mm) applied over an existing surface. Microconcrete is a poured material similar to concrete that is used structurally or as a thicker overlay. Microcement achieves the concrete aesthetic in a fraction of the thickness, making it suitable for renovation projects, walls, bathrooms and any surface where you cannot pour a new slab.

Microcement costs in Ireland range from approximately 60 to 150 euros per m2 for supply and installation. Bathroom installations typically cost 80-150 euros/m2 installed; floors cost 80-140 euros/m2. Supply-only costs start from approximately 35 euros/m2. The total cost of a project depends on the surface area, surface type, substrate condition, sealant specification and whether you are in a major city or more rural location.

Microcement can be applied to almost any existing surface including concrete floors and walls, ceramic and porcelain tiles, screed, plasterboard (drywall), plywood subfloor, existing paintwork and natural stone. The substrate must be structurally sound, firmly fixed and free from active damp. It is suitable for floors, walls, ceilings, bathrooms, kitchens, staircases and exterior surfaces.

Yes — this is one of microcement's most significant practical advantages, particularly for Irish renovation projects. Because it is only 2-3 mm thick, microcement can be applied directly over sound, firmly fixed ceramic or porcelain floor and wall tiles. The tiles must have no hollow spots or loose areas, must be clean and correctly primed. Tile removal is therefore not required in the vast majority of cases.

Yes — wet rooms are one of the most popular microcement applications in Ireland. When correctly sealed with a polyurethane sealant (and with a tanking membrane applied beneath the microcement in shower areas), microcement is fully waterproof and performs excellently in wet rooms and shower enclosures for 15-20 years. An anti-slip additive is always incorporated into the floor sealant in wet areas.

Yes — sealing is essential, not optional. Microcement itself is water-resistant but not waterproof. A polyurethane or epoxy sealant applied over the microcement is what provides waterproofing, stain resistance, surface hardness and protection against daily wear. Without the sealant, microcement in wet areas will absorb water and deteriorate. Two coats of sealant are standard; shower areas benefit from a tanking membrane beneath the microcement as additional protection.

Daily cleaning: damp mop or cloth with a pH-neutral cleaner. Rinse well and dry. Weekly: mop with a dedicated microcement or stone floor cleaner. Avoid bleach, acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon juice), alkaline degreasers and abrasive sponges or pads — these can break down the sealant over time. For heavily soiled commercial microcement, contact us for compatible commercial cleaning product recommendations.

Yes — microcement is one of the best floor finishes for use with underfloor heating (UFH) systems. At only 2-3 mm thick it has very low thermal resistance, allowing heat to transfer efficiently from the UFH system into the room. The polymer resins also give microcement the flexibility to accommodate the thermal expansion and contraction that occurs as the floor heats and cools daily, preventing cracking.

Installation time depends on the surface type and area. A typical bathroom takes 3-5 days including substrate preparation, priming, 2-3 microcement coats (each requiring 12-24 hours drying) and sealing. A floor of 20-30 m2 typically takes 2-4 days. After the final sealant is applied, the surface should be left to cure for 5-7 days before exposure to water or heavy use.

Standard microcement has a smooth finish that can be slippery when wet if unsealed or if no anti-slip treatment is applied. For all floor applications — and especially bathrooms, showers, wet rooms, kitchens and entrances — we always incorporate an anti-slip additive into the floor sealant. This provides a safe, textured surface that complies with safety requirements while maintaining the contemporary aesthetic.

Yes — microcement can be applied to exterior terraces, paths, steps, courtyards and garden areas. Exterior microcement uses a product formulated for outdoor use combined with an exterior-grade sealant that provides frost resistance, UV stability and resistance to the Irish weather. For coastal properties, a marine-grade sealant is recommended. Exterior microcement requires the same careful preparation as interior applications.

A finished microcement coating is 2-3 mm in total thickness. It is applied in multiple thin coats: a scratch (base) coat of approximately 1 mm, followed by one or two finish coats of 0.5-1 mm each. This is significantly thinner than ceramic tiles (8-12 mm including adhesive) and polished concrete overlays (typically 10-50 mm), making microcement ideal for renovation projects where floor height is a consideration.

Cementec Ireland offers 22 standard colours: Off White, Arctic Grey, Pearl Grey, Marengo Grey, Stromboli Grey, Black, Toffee, Camel, Sand, Grove Butterfly, Linen, Baltic Blue, Turquoise, Maroon, Wenge, Olive, Sandstone, Arabian, Farafra, Namib, and Atacama. Custom colours can be arranged for large orders of 200 m2 or more. Sample packs of all 22 colours are available on request.

Applied correctly on a sound substrate, properly primed and sealed with a quality polyurethane sealant, microcement typically lasts 15-25 years in residential settings. Commercial microcement with heavy-duty sealants achieves similar lifespans even under heavy foot traffic. The sealant is the element that most affects longevity — it can be refreshed every few years in high-use areas without requiring full re-application of the microcement.

Yes — small chips, scratches or damaged areas of microcement can be spot-repaired by a skilled applicator. The repair involves cleaning the area, applying fresh microcement to match the existing texture and colour, and re-sealing. Perfect colour matching is easier with our factory-prepared product than with site-mixed alternatives. Large-scale damage may require a larger area to be re-coated for consistency.

Yes — microcement is widely used in commercial properties across Ireland including hotels, restaurants, retail spaces, offices, gyms, spas and healthcare facilities. Commercial microcement uses heavy-duty sealant systems formulated for high foot traffic, frequent commercial cleaning and the specific demands of each sector. We provide full technical specifications for commercial projects. Contact us to discuss your commercial requirements.

Microcement is a thin 2-3 mm decorative coating applied over an existing surface. Polished concrete is a poured structural slab (75-100 mm thick) that is mechanically ground and polished after curing. Both achieve a similar industrial-luxe aesthetic, but microcement is suitable for renovations, can go over existing floors and tiles, can be applied to walls and bathrooms, and is available in 22 standard colours. Polished concrete requires a new slab, is suitable only for floors and costs significantly more in a renovation context.

Microcement application is not recommended as a DIY task. Achieving the correct preparation, primer adhesion, microcement texture and sealant waterproofing all require professional training and the right tools. Incorrectly applied microcement can delaminate from the substrate, develop an uneven texture, fail to waterproof correctly or crack prematurely. We strongly recommend using a Cementec certified applicator. We can recommend a certified installer near you.

Yes — microcement is an excellent choice for new builds. In a new build, it is applied over freshly laid screed or concrete once the substrate has sufficiently cured and reached an appropriate moisture content (typically 28+ days for new concrete). The seamless aesthetic is particularly effective in open-plan new builds where a continuous floor surface across multiple rooms is desirable.

Routine maintenance is simple: damp mop with a pH-neutral cleaner, rinse well and dry. Avoid bleach, acids and abrasive cleaners. For residential bathroom and shower areas in daily use, the sealant benefits from a top-up coat every 3-5 years — this is a straightforward, low-cost process. For high-traffic commercial microcement, a professional maintenance programme and annual sealant assessment is recommended.

Yes — bathrooms are the most popular microcement application in Ireland. Microcement creates a fully waterproof (when sealed), grout-free bathroom surface that is easy to clean, available in any colour and can be applied over existing tiles. The seamless floor-to-wall continuity creates a premium wet room aesthetic that tiling cannot achieve.

Yes — walls are an excellent surface for microcement. Wall applications are among the most popular uses alongside floors and bathrooms. Microcement on walls creates a smooth, mineral-textured surface that complements contemporary interiors. It can be applied to plasterboard, render, painted walls, tiled walls and concrete. Sealed wall microcement is easy to wipe clean and is suitable for kitchens, bathrooms and living areas.

Each coat of microcement requires approximately 12-24 hours of drying time before the next coat can be applied. After the final microcement coat, the surface must be fully dry before sealant is applied — typically another 12-24 hours. After the sealant is applied, a full cure of 5-7 days is required before the surface is exposed to water. Drying times can be longer in cold or humid conditions; good ventilation speeds the process.

Microcement does not crack over time if it is applied correctly on a structurally sound, stable substrate. The polymer resins give microcement significant flexibility compared to plain cement, allowing it to accommodate minor movement. Cracking can occur if the substrate is unstable or moving excessively, if active damp is present, if substrate preparation was inadequate, or if the application was not carried out by a trained professional. This is why substrate assessment and preparation are the most critical phases of any microcement project.