Short answer: DIY and interiors writer Claire Douglas skimmed her tired, dated shower tiles with Concrete Lab microcement instead of ripping them out. She cleaned the tiles, primed them, embedded mesh in the first coat, built up three thin coats with sanding and priming in between, then sealed. Her verdict: one of the best ways to transform a space without demolition.
We first met Claire when she tagged us in a reel of her microcement kitchen worktop. She calls herself a microcement super fan, and her next project was her bathroom. Below is how she did it, in her own words where possible. Her full step-by-step post has every photo.
In the interests of transparency: we sent Claire the kit and a spatula free of charge, and she paid the postage. The opinions are hers.
What was the bathroom like before?
A tiled shower and surrounding walls covered in green tiles that had seen better days. Claire had already stripped tiles from the opposite wall, and that showed her how messy full removal gets: the sink came off and the pipes were left exposed. She didn't want to go through that again.
"I still think it is one of the best ways to completely transform a space without loads of demolition, dust, and expense."
– Claire Douglas, clairedouglasstyling.co.uk
Which products did she use?
- A Concrete Lab microcement kit for going over tiles (5m²), with primer, microcement powder and resin, and sealer
- Fibreglass mesh
- A flexible microcement spatula, plus a palette knife for tight spots
- A foam roller for the primer and sealer
- A paddle mixer on a cordless drill
How did she microcement over the tiles?
- Deep clean. She scrubbed the walls and shower tray to remove all soap residue and debris. Any contamination can affect the finish.
- Prime. She rolled on diluted primer with a foam roller and let it dry.
- First coat and mesh. She mixed the powder and resin, then spread a thin first coat with the flexible spatula, working top to bottom. She pressed the fibreglass mesh in while it was wet. Once it was dry, she sanded and vacuumed.
- Prime and second coat. She repeated the process, using a palette knife around taps and fittings.
- Prime and third coat. The primer takes about 30 minutes to dry. She then applied the third coat, followed by a light sand and vacuum.
- Seal. She applied several coats of sealer with a foam roller, working bottom to top on the walls so drips couldn't mark the finished areas.
"The whole system works because of multiple very thin layers rather than one heavy coat."
– Claire Douglas, clairedouglasstyling.co.uk
What were her top tips?
- Mix the dry powder first. "Top tip: mix the dry powder first before adding liquid. It massively helps reduce lumps."
- Plan ahead. Once it's mixed, it sets quickly. Mix only what you can use in 20–30 minutes.
- Check every ratio. Primer, microcement and sealer each have different dilutions. Read the instructions for each one.
- Fix movement first. Loose tiles must be fixed before you start.
- Control the dust. Wear a mask, open the windows and vacuum as you go.
- Use small, flexible tools around taps and fittings.
"Proper preparation is the most important thing with microcement."
– Claire Douglas, clairedouglasstyling.co.uk
How has it turned out?
Claire loves the seamless look and how easy it is to keep clean. "Thanks to the lack of grout lines, there's nowhere for mould to hide." She's also clear that sealing is essential in a shower, and so are we. Microcement is inherently waterproof, but the sealer gives it the stain resistance and durability a shower needs. The Concrete Lab Sealer comes in the Wall Tile Kit, so there's nothing extra to buy.
Thinking of doing the same?
Read our guide to microcement over wall tiles and the Wall Tile Kit instructions. If your walls are being retiled or re-boarded instead, see microcement over tanking. To work out your kit size, use our area calculators.
Huge thanks to Claire for sharing her project. Follow her on Instagram at @clairedouglasstyling.
FAQs
Can you put microcement over shower tiles?
Yes, if the tiles are sound and well stuck. Clean off all soap scum and residue, prime, embed fibreglass mesh in the first coat and build up three thin coats. That is how Claire did hers, using our over-tiles kit.
How many coats of microcement go over tiles?
Three. The first coat, reinforced with mesh, fills and bridges the grout lines, and the next two give the finish. The Wall Tile Kit includes all three coats.
Do you have to remove loose tiles first?
Fix or replace any loose or moving tiles before you start. Microcement is a thin finish and will follow any movement underneath.
Does microcement need sealing in a shower?
Yes. Microcement is inherently waterproof, but the sealer adds the stain resistance and durability a shower needs. The Concrete Lab Sealer is included in the Wall Tile Kit. Apply three coats and leave it 7 days to fully cure.
Is it a messy job?
Much less mess than ripping tiles out, but sanding makes fine dust. Claire's advice: wear a mask, keep the windows open and vacuum constantly.
Still not sure? We're happy to talk you through it – info@concretelab.co.uk
