If you love the look of polished concrete but not the mess, weight, or cost that comes with it, microcement is your shortcut. It gives you that seamless, stone-like finish, and you can apply it directly over tiles, plaster, wood, or concrete.

Whether you’re renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or hallway, planning is what separates a smooth, professional result from an expensive do-over. Here’s exactly how to do it right.

1) Start with your vision

Decide what the space should feel like. Microcement isn’t just grey. Choose warm or cool tones, and pick a matte, satin, or gloss sealer. Think about lighting too — it changes how the colour reads.

• Where will it go — floors, walls, worktops, or all three?
• Do you want consistent tone or natural movement?
• Will downlights or daylight hit the surface?

Not sure on colour? Order Concrete Lab Colour Samples first — they’re real microcement, so your sample matches your finished surface.

2) Assess your surface

Microcement bonds to tiles, plasterboard, moisture-resistant MDF, screed, and concrete — as long as they’re solid and dry. Fix movement, loose tiles, cracks, and damp before you begin. Use the included primer, and embed mesh where the system calls for it to bridge joints and reduce risk of hairlines.

3) Measure your area properly

Measure length × width and add 10% for offcuts and sanding loss. It’s easier to keep colour consistent when you mix from the same batch, so round up when in doubt.

• 5 m² kits: splashbacks, small bathrooms, vanities.
• 10 m² kits: larger bathrooms, floors, small open-plan zones.

4) Choose the right system

5) Plan your timeline

You don’t need weeks — but you do need to schedule coats and dry times. A typical small project runs like this:

• Day 1: Prep & prime
• Day 2: First coat (embed mesh where specified)
• Day 3: Sand + second coat
• Day 4: Final coat (for walls/tiles)
• Day 5: Seal (2–3 coats)
• Day 6–7: Light use
• Day 14+: Full cure

6) Budget realistically

Plan for the kit, plus basics like a quality trowel, mixer paddle, sanding pads, dust sheets, and pH-neutral cleaner. You’ll get a premium, seamless finish without demolition or heavy machinery.

7) Avoid rookie mistakes

If you can paint, you can microcement — the difference is in the prep and the products you use.

• Don’t rush prep. Substrate repairs and correct priming are non-negotiable.
• Mix small. Microcement has a working time. Small batches prevent waste and colour shifts.
• Seal properly. Two coats minimum. Use three in kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.

8) The payoff

Run your hand across the surface and you’ll feel it — cool, smooth, seamless. No grout lines. No patchwork. Just a modern, durable finish that looks custom and feels built-in.