Designer finish · Microcement

Seamless by design.
Built for real life.

A thin, continuous surface system for showers, bathrooms, floors, walls and architectural forms.

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01 / A modern surface system

Concrete character
without a concrete pour.

Microcement is a thin decorative coating system that creates the appearance of cast concrete across walls, floors, counters, fireplaces and wet areas. Applied in successive layers, it produces a continuous surface without conventional tile grout lines.

Most systems combine cementitious material, fine aggregate and polymer modifiers, then rely on primers, reinforcement where specified, and protective sealers. The finished build is only a few millimeters thick, making microcement particularly useful in renovations where added weight and floor height matter.

It can sometimes be installed over sound existing tile, concrete or plaster, but “over tile” never means “without preparation.” The assembly must be stable; joints must be treated; surfaces must be cleaned, abraded and primed; and wet areas still require a complete waterproof substrate beneath the decorative finish.

Warm seamless microcement plaster shower with bench and niche

A continuous microcement finish removes visual grout lines while the waterproofing assembly does the work behind it.

02 / Microcement and tadelakt

Related purpose.
Different chemistry.

Both finishes create continuous, tactile surfaces—but traditional tadelakt and modern microcement should not be presented as the same material.

Traditional tadelakt is an old-world Moroccan lime plaster associated with hammams, riads and water vessels. It is repeatedly compressed and treated with olive-oil soap. The soap reacts with the lime to form water-resistant calcium soaps within the surface. It is mineral, highly artisanal and dependent on skilled execution and a compatible substrate.

Microcement is the modern, more predictable and often more affordable route to a similar seamless idea. Its water and stain resistance generally comes from a contemporary multi-layer system and epoxy, polyurethane or other manufacturer-specified sealers—not from the natural soap reaction used in tadelakt.

Both have a place. Tadelakt offers extraordinary organic character and historic craft; microcement offers broader substrate compatibility, controlled performance and practical remodeling advantages.

03 / Why microcement

01

Seamless appearance

Continuous planes reduce visual interruption and conventional grout lines.

02

Renovation efficiency

Approved systems can go over stable tile, limiting demolition and debris.

03

Low build thickness

A few millimeters of finish preserve transitions and existing geometry.

04

Wet-area capability

Complete systems can perform in showers and bathrooms when correctly detailed.

05

Custom finish

Color, movement, texture and sheen can shift from warm stone to modern concrete.

06

Multiple substrates

Compatible assemblies can cover tile, plaster, masonry, concrete and prepared board.

04 / Our process

The visible finish is
the final layer of a system.

Microcement succeeds or fails beneath the surface. We review movement, waterproofing, joints, drainage and product compatibility before decorative work begins.

01

Assembly and substrate review

We inspect tile, board, concrete, joints, moisture conditions, slope, drains and penetrations.

02

Sample and system selection

Color, texture, slip requirements and sealer sheen are approved for the intended use.

03

Preparation and reinforcement

Surfaces are cleaned, repaired, abraded and primed; mesh or joint treatment is installed where the manufacturer requires it.

04

Base and finish coats

Successive cementitious layers build a flat, continuous surface with controlled movement.

05

Sealing and cure

The approved protective system is applied in full and allowed to cure before water exposure or heavy use.

05 / Applications

One material language
across the room.

Microcement can connect multiple surfaces while preserving the architecture underneath.

Showers and bathrooms

Walls, benches, niches and selected floors can read as one quiet, grout-free composition.

Floors and stairs

Thin build and concrete character suit renovations, with slip and wear requirements specified in advance.

Kitchens and counters

Backsplashes, islands and architectural counters gain continuity, subject to use-specific sealing.

Fireplaces and walls

Microcement can give feature forms a monolithic mineral presence without a structural pour.

06 / Remodel value

Less demolition.
More transformation.

When existing tile or concrete is sound and the selected manufacturer approves the assembly, microcement can be installed over it. That may avoid demolition, hauling, dust, noise and reconstruction of otherwise serviceable surfaces.

This does not eliminate preparation or waterproofing. It shifts the investment from removal and replacement toward reinforcement, leveling, finish work and protection.

Because every remodel differs, we confirm adhesion, movement, elevations, drains, door clearances and transitions before recommending an overlay.

07 / Durability and care

What determines cost?

Substrate condition, tile joints, waterproofing, reinforcement, geometry, drains, access, area and sealer system all shape the proposal.

How is it cleaned?

Use mild, pH-appropriate cleaners and non-abrasive tools. Harsh chemicals can damage the protective sealer.

Does it need resealing?

High-use and wet surfaces require periodic inspection and eventual resealing. Timing depends on system, use and cleaning practices.

Can it scratch?

Like wood, stone and other premium surfaces, it can show wear. Use protective pads and avoid dragging sharp or heavy objects.

08 / Common questions

Understanding microcement.

Can microcement go directly over tile?

Often, yes—if the tile is sound and the manufacturer approves the assembly. Cleaning, abrasion, joint treatment, leveling and primer remain essential.

Is microcement waterproof?

The finished system can be water-resistant, but showers rely on a separate waterproof assembly beneath it plus properly maintained sealers.

Is it the same as polished concrete?

No. Polished concrete is a structural slab; microcement is a thin applied coating that creates a similar visual language.

Is microcement cheaper than tadelakt?

It is often the more accessible and predictable option because products and sealers are standardized, but project geometry and preparation still control cost.

Can it be used outdoors?

Only with a product system specifically approved for the climate, substrate and exposure. Freeze-thaw, UV and drainage conditions must be considered.

How long before a shower can be used?

Cure time is product-specific. We follow the full manufacturer schedule before water exposure.

09 / Further reading

A complete understanding
of seamless surfaces.

Supporting Journal guides will connect here as they are published.

Microcement vs. TadelaktJournal guide in developmentMicrocement Over Existing TileJournal guide in developmentWaterproofing Behind Decorative FinishesJournal guide in developmentMicrocement Care and ResealingJournal guide in development

Start with the assembly

Create continuity
without the grout grid.

Tell us what exists now, where water will be present and how the surface must perform. We’ll recommend the right system.

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