What Is Microcement? A Complete Guide
Everything Irish homeowners and contractors need to know about microcement — what it is, how it works, and whether it's right for your project.
What Is Microcement?
Microcement — sometimes written as micro cement or called micromortar — is a factory-prepared, polymer-modified cement coating that is applied directly to floors, walls, ceilings, bathrooms, kitchens and virtually any other surface in layers totalling just 2–3 mm. Unlike traditional concrete or screed, microcement is not structural; it is a decorative and protective finish coating that transforms the look and feel of any space.
The result is a completely seamless, contemporary surface with no grout lines, no joints and no visible breaks. This makes it one of the most sought-after finishes in modern interior design across Ireland, the UK and Europe.
At Cementec Ireland, we supply factory-prepared microcement from Spain — a country with decades of experience producing and applying microcement at the highest level. Our product arrives ready to use; there is no on-site mixing of raw materials, which eliminates the variability and quality issues that can arise with site-mixed alternatives.
How Microcement Is Made
Professional microcement is a carefully engineered compound, not something that can be replicated on a building site. The four primary components are:
- Portland Cement— provides the hard, durable base matrix. Grey or white cement is used depending on the target colour range.
- Polymer Resins— acrylic or vinyl polymers are blended into the mix to provide flexibility, adhesion and water resistance. This is what allows microcement to bond to tiles, concrete, plasterboard and plywood without cracking.
- Mineral Aggregates— fine silica sand and other mineral fillers give microcement its characteristic texture and hardness.
- Mineral Pigments— inorganic pigments are blended into the factory mix to produce consistent, fade-resistant colour throughout the product. Cementec offers 22 standard colours, with custom colours available for large orders.
How Microcement Is Applied
Substrate Preparation
The existing surface is cleaned, any defects repaired and the substrate assessed for soundness and moisture. This is the most critical phase — the finish is only as good as the preparation.
Priming
A specialist primer is applied to improve adhesion and prevent moisture from the substrate affecting the microcement. In wet areas, a waterproof membrane may also be applied at this stage.
Microcement Coats
Typically two to three coats of microcement are applied using a trowel, each 0.5–1 mm thick. The first (scratch) coat provides structure; subsequent coats refine the texture and colour.
Sealing
One or two coats of polyurethane or epoxy sealant are applied to protect the surface, provide waterproofing and enhance durability. An anti-slip additive is used in wet areas and on floors.
A typical bathroom installation takes 3–5 days from start to finish, including drying time between coats. A floor covering 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.
Benefits of Microcement
Completely Seamless
No grout lines, no joints, no breaks. Microcement creates one continuous surface that makes any space feel larger, cleaner and more contemporary.
Fully Waterproof
When sealed correctly, microcement is fully waterproof and suitable for shower enclosures, wet rooms, bathrooms, saunas and exterior surfaces.
Thin Overlay — No Height Loss
At just 2–3 mm, microcement adds almost no height to a floor or wall. It can go over existing tiles without raising floor levels significantly or disturbing door frames.
UFH Compatible
Microcement works perfectly with underfloor heating systems. It is thin enough to allow efficient heat transfer and flexible enough to handle thermal movement without cracking.
Exceptionally Durable
A correctly applied and maintained microcement finish will last 15–25 years in residential settings. The polymer-cement matrix is highly resistant to impact, abrasion and everyday wear.
Easy to Maintain
Daily cleaning requires nothing more than a damp mop or cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner. There are no grout lines to harbour bacteria, mould or limescale.
Where Can Microcement Be Used?
One of microcement's greatest strengths is its versatility. It can be applied to almost any surface in almost any location — residential or commercial, interior or exterior.
Microcement vs Tiles
How does microcement compare to traditional ceramic or porcelain tiles? Here is an honest, side-by-side comparison across the criteria that matter most to Irish homeowners.
| Criteria | Microcement | Ceramic / Porcelain Tiles |
|---|---|---|
| Grout Lines | None — fully seamless | Present — harbour mould & bacteria |
| Application Over Existing Tiles | Yes — 2–3 mm overlay | No — full removal required |
| Thickness Added | 2–3 mm | 8–12 mm including adhesive |
| UFH Compatibility | Excellent | Good, but thicker build-up |
| Design Continuity | Floor-to-wall seamless | Visible transitions between surfaces |
| Maintenance Effort | Low — single surface | Higher — grout lines require scrubbing |
| Lifespan | 15–25 years | 20–30 years (tiles, not grout) |
See a more detailed comparison on our microcement vs tiles page.
Is Microcement Right for Your Project?
Microcement is an outstanding finish but it is not always the best choice for every situation. Use this checklist to assess whether it suits your project:
Not sure if microcement is right for your specific project? Check our FAQs page or get in touch with Cementec Ireland directly — we are happy to advise before you commit to anything. You can also review our microcement cost guide to understand pricing for your project type.
Frequently Asked Questions
More questions? Visit our full microcement FAQs page.
Ready to See Microcement in Your Space?
Cementec Ireland supplies premium factory-prepared microcement nationwide. Get technical advice and a quote for your project today.
Based in Kinsale, Co. Cork · Serving all of Ireland