Our Microcement Guide
Microcement is rapidly becoming a popular choice for creating beautiful, modern and functional interiors and exteriors. This innovative material, a blend of cement and polymers, offers a versatile and durable coating suitable for various surfaces. However, many homeowners and professionals still have questions about its application, cost, durability, and maintenance.
This comprehensive guide is designed to answer all your questions about microcement. We’ll explore everything you need to know, from how it differs from traditional cement and other flooring materials to its most common uses, the installation process, cost-effectiveness, and tips for cleaning and maintaining your microcement surfaces.
Whether you're a homeowner considering microcement for a renovation or a professional looking for in-depth information, this guide serves as your essential resource for understanding all the key aspects of microcement.
General Questions About Microcement
What Is Microcement?
Microcement is a modern surfacing material made from a blend of cement and polymers, resulting in a durable and flexible coating. Typically applied at a thickness of just 1/4”, the SEMCO X-Bond Microcement can be installed by hand onto various surfaces such as floors, walls, and furniture, providing a seamless concrete-inspired look.
How Does Microcement Differ From Traditional Cement and Other Flooring Materials?
Microcement stands out from traditional cement and other flooring options due to its unique application method and versatility. Unlike traditional cement, which is applied in thick layers and requires extensive preparation and curing time, microcement is hand-troweled directly over existing surfaces. This makes installation more efficient and eliminates the need for demolishing the current flooring. It also results in a seamless, joint-free surface.
What Are the Common Uses of Microcement?
Microcement is commonly used on floors and walls for its durability and aesthetic appeal. Innovative products like SEMCO X-Bond have broadened its application range, making it suitable for use on joinery and furniture too. X-Bond is also ideal for wet areas like swimming pools, showers, saunas, and steam rooms due to its durability, ease of maintenance, and ability to be waterproofed.
Beyond indoor uses, microcement is also popular for outdoor spaces like patios, building facades, and outdoor kitchens.
How Durable Is Microcement, and What Maintenance Does It Require?
Microcement is as durable as any traditional flooring, if not more. It’s designed to last through years of use with nothing but some regular vacuuming, mopping, or wiping with water. In particular, X-Bond is frequently specified in high-traffic indoor areas throughout commercial buildings — think shopping centres, high schools, hotels, hospitality venues, and more.
A key advantage of microcement is its seamless finish, especially in areas like bathrooms and showers. Unlike traditional tiles, which have grout lines that can trap mold and mildew, microcement provides a smooth, continuous surface that's easier and quicker to clean.
Can Microcement Be Used for Both Interior and Exterior Surfaces?
Yes, microcement is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. The key to long-lasting exterior use is selecting the appropriate sealer, ensuring it’s designed for outdoor conditions. SEMCO Sealers are engineered for advanced performance, keeping your X-Bond Microcement in perfect condition in any weather climates and exposed outdoor environments.
What Is the Installation Process for Microcement?
The installation process for microcement varies based on the surface it's applied to. For instance, more preparation is needed when applying microcement over tiles compared to concrete. Each microcement supplier may have specific installation requirements, with SEMCO X-Bond gaining popularity for its super fast and easy installation process.
How Much Does Microcement Cost?
The price can fluctuate based on several factors, including:
Project Size: Larger projects may be more cost-effective on a per square foot basis.
Substrate Type: Costs will differ for each surface based on the level of extra preparation required.
Application Area: The cost will vary depending on the area where microcement is applied; whether it’s floors, walls, joinery, pools or other.
Complexity: More intricate jobs will likely increase the overall cost. For example, if the substrate needs to be reconstructed due to damage, or if the microcement is being installed to a particularly intricate joinery piece.
For a precise estimate, it's best to consult our team so someone can assess your specific project needs and provide a tailored quote.
Installation And Application
Can Microcement Be Used As Grout? No, microcement cannot be used as grout. Grout is which is designed to fill gaps and seal joints between tiles.
Can Microcement Go Over Tiles?
While not all types of microcement can be applied directly onto tiles, SEMCO X-Bond Microcement can! It’s a very popular choice for tile resurfacing because it provides a durable and seamless finish without the need for grout, and it saves both time and money by eliminating the need for tile removal and disposal.
Do You Need To Plaster Before Microcement?
An installer will apply plaster onto a wall before microcement application to ensure a smooth, uniform, and stable base. This not only enhances the appearance of the finished result, but also extends its lifespan by preventing potential issues such as cracking or peeling due to an unstable substrate.
Can Microcement Be Applied Using A Roller?
The preferred method of mircoement application is by using a trowel, which allows for a more precise and controlled application. This is to avoid inconsistencies in the final appearance of the surface.
Durability and Lifespan
Does Microcement Crack Easily?
Microcement often reflects the condition of the underlying surface, so any cracks in the floor or wall underneath can reappear as fine cracks on the microcement’s surface later. It’s therefore important to properly fix any damage in the substrate before application. Applying SEMCO Liquid Membrane before installing X-Bond microcement provides extra protection against cracks, especially when the substrate was prone to damage in the past.
To reduce the risk of cracking, you should also select a high-quality microcement that won’t fracture with natural building settlement. We formulated SEMCO X-Bond Microcement with added latex polymer, which adds more flexibility to the formula. This means that it will accommodate the movement of the substrate, minimizing the chances of hairline cracks as the building settles over time.
What Is the Lifespan of Microcement?
The longevity of your microcement surfaces depends on the area of application, its traffic levels, and maintenance. However, X-Bond Microcement is a durable material known for its resistance to impacts, scratches, and stains across all applications. SEMCO has three decades worth of projects and case studies to back it up. And, with proper sealing and application, X-Bond has a guaranteed resistance to de-lamination.
Comparisons and Differences
What Is the Difference Between Microcement and Epoxy?
Microcement and epoxy each have distinct characteristics. Epoxy is a resin primarily used for flooring in commercial and industrial environments. It provides a uniform, single-color finish with a high-gloss texture. In contrast, microcement is a cement-based overlay that mimics concrete with a matte, highly textural finish. It can be used on floors, walls, and furniture, offering a wider range of applications than epoxy.
What Is the Difference Between Microcement and Normal Cement?
The key difference between microcement and its traditional counterpart is that normal cement is applied in thick layers, but X-Bond Microcement is only around 1/4” at its final height. This is made possible by the addition of special ingredients in the microcement mix, which reduce its density and increase its flexibility. This is what makes microcement more versatile and durable over time compared to traditional cement.
What Are the Advantages of Microcement?
Modern concrete aesthetic: The X-Bond Microcement range is inspired by the smooth, jointless surface of a concrete slab. Now, the range boasts various textural options to expand your design possibilities.
Versatile applications: It can be applied to floors, walls, and furniture, making it suitable for both residential and commercial spaces.
Thin and lightweight: With an application thickness of just 1/4”, X-Bond Microcement is exceptionally lightweight, offering a flexible solution for a variety of design needs. It won’t affect the load-bearing capacity of your surfaces, and won’t impact door height if being applied over existing flooring.
Indoor and outdoor use: Microcement is suitable for both interior and exterior flooring applications.
Variety of colors and finishes: Available in multiple colors and finishes, microcement can accommodate a wide range of design preferences.
An X-Bond Microcement shower.
Maintenance and Cleanliness
Does Microcement Develop Mould?
Lke any surface, microcement can be prone to mould growth if not properly maintained, especially in areas with poor ventilation. Mould thrives in damp, stuffy spaces — so regular cleaning and ensuring good airflow are key to preventing mould on microcement surfaces in bathrooms and other wet areas. It’s also crucial to use a high quality sealer for mould prevention.
Is Microcement Waterproof?
While microcement is not naturally waterproof, it can be waterproofed. SEMCO X-Bond will be applied over a liquid waterproofing membrane, making it perfectly suitable for applications exposed to water and even fully submerged.
A waterproofing membrane will act as a barrier against potential water damage, and also prevent any future leaks, which is vital for maintaining the durability and longevity of the microcement finish.
X-Bond Microcement a great option for bathrooms and showers, sink basins, kitchens, pools, gardens, and other outdoor spaces.
Is Microcement Easy to Clean?
Cleaning microcement is straightforward due to its seamless finish. Unlike tiles, which have grout lines that can trap dirt, microcement is a smooth and continuous surface that is easy to sweep, wipe, or mop. A mixture of water and mild detergent works well; others a non-abrasive cleaner is recommended.
Specific Applications
Can Microcement Be Used in Showers? Yes, microcement is a great choice for showers. It’s a versatile material that adapts well to wet environments as mentioned above. However, not all microcement products are designed for such applications, so it’s important to consult with your supplier or contractor to ensure you’re using the appropriate type — like X-Bond.
Is Microcement Okay for Kitchen Worktops and Splashbacks?
Microcement can definitely be used on kitchen worktops and splashbacks. It’s popular for island benches, countertops, kitchen joinery, and sinks. It’s important to note that boiling oils could erode the sealer if not cleaned immediately, so be careful with microcement surfaces near the stovetop.
Can Microcement Be Applied to Plasterboard?
Microcement can indeed be applied directly to plasterboard, making it a versatile and easy-to-install option for home renovations. Proper preparation of the plasterboard is essential to ensure strong adhesion and a smooth finish.
Is Microcement Suitable for Homes with Dogs?
Microcement is an excellent choice for homes with dogs as it’s highly resilient and durable, easy to clean, and resistant to scratches.
Is Microcement Slippery?
The slip resistance of microcement depends on the specific product and installation process. X-Bond microcement, for instance, meets slip resistance guidelines for industrial, commercial, and residential floors. However, the level of slip resistance can vary based on the type of sealer used and how it is installed. We recommend also looking into ADA Safety Floor for slip compliant flooring.
Does Microcement Require Sealing?
Yes, microcement must be sealed after application. The choice of sealer depends on where the microcement is used. SEMCO offers a few sealing options based on whether the microcement is used indoors, outdoors, or in high-moisture areas like showers.
All images in this article feature X-Bond Microcement. View more projects.