What is Microcement?
Is Microcement the Right Seamless Finish for Your Build?
If you’re a builder or renovator looking for that seamless “polished concrete” look without the weight or limitations, microcement is an ideal solution. What is microcement? It’s a specialist cement-based system that’s hand-trowelled to create a continuous, smooth finish on floors, walls, and even joinery.
Because it’s so thin and adheres so well, you can often apply it directly over old tiles, or existing flooring, which can save you time and labour on rip-outs. It’s durable, waterproof, and offers a sophisticated, modern aesthetic.
As specialists in flow screeds for over two decades, the team at Buxton Flow Screeds knows surfaces inside and out. That’s why we’ve partnered with Forcrete – a leading UK microcement system. We’re not just suppliers of microcement; we are approved Forcrete installers who understand the entire process, so the information we share in this guide is based on genuine expertise and experience.
How Does Microcement Actually Work? A Closer Look at the Tech
Let’s start with the technical details, because that’s what sets microcement apart. Its uniqueness lies in its advanced polymer-modified formula. Unlike traditional concrete, it isn’t about brute thickness – it’s about flexibility and bond.
The ‘Go-Over-Anything’ Adhesion
Microcement is applied in multiple, thin, hand-trowelled layers that build up to just 2-3mm. These polymers give it a tenacious grip, allowing it to adhere directly to almost any substrate you can think of—plasterboard, timber, and yes, even straight over existing tiles. For a renovator, this can save huge amounts of prep time.
An ‘Integral’ Waterproofing System
And there’s an important point for comparison – waterproofing. Many systems are only water-resistant, relying solely on a topical sealer. The Forcrete system we use is different. It’s integrally waterproof. The waterproofing is engineered into the product layers themselves, creating a strong barrier before the final sealers are even applied. This gives you, and your client, the option of using it in showers, wet rooms, and kitchens.
A Full Spectrum of Colours and Finishes
And for that final look? Forcrete offers a huge palette of through-pigmented colours, from soft, earthy neutrals to bold, statement shades. Because it’s hand-finished, every surface is unique.
Understanding the Layers – How We Apply Microcement
We’re often asked if microcement is a DIY-friendly job. To be honest, we wouldn’t recommend it unless you feel confident it’s within your skillset. The reason being that the final finish is entirely dependent on the installer’s hand-trowel technique. It’s a multi-layer process where every step, from the primer to the final sealer, builds upon the last. To give you a clear idea of the expertise and time involved, here’s an overview:
1. Substrate Preparation – This is the most important step. The existing surface (whether it’s tiles, screed, or board) must be perfectly clean, dry, stable, and rigid.
2. Priming – A specialist primer is applied to consolidate the surface and create a “key” for the microcement to grip onto.
3. Base Coat & Mesh – The first base coat is trowelled on, embedding a flexible fibreglass mesh. This is important as it adds tensile strength and helps absorb tiny movements, preventing cracks.
4. Second Base Coat – This coat is applied to build up the system’s core strength, cover the mesh, and create a flat, perfectly smooth surface.
5. Pigmented Top Coats – Two thin, pigmented coats of Forcrete are applied by hand. The installer’s trowel movements are what create the unique decorative effect and colour.
6. Sanding – Once cured is complete, the surface is lightly sanded. This step achieves the required smoothness and removes any minor trowel imperfections.
7. Sealing – Finally, multiple coats of a durable, non-toxic, polyurethane (PU) sealer are applied. This is what protects the surface from stains, moisture and wear.
The Interior Design Benefits of Microcement
When you’re comparing finishes, microcement wins on design flexibility. Its major advantage over tiles as a floor covering is the absence of grout. This means you have a clean, minimalist aesthetic. It makes small bathrooms feel bigger and unifies open-plan living areas. It’s also offers an added bonus in terms of hygiene and long-term maintenance.
The seamlessness of microcement adds to its versatility. You’re not just limited to floors. It can be applied it to walls, joinery, kitchen worktops, and shower areas, creating a cohesive, “sculpted” feel throughout the space.
It works brilliantly with underfloor heating installations. Microcement is thin and conductive, so it transfers that warmth fast. Your clients get a comfortable, responsive room and the potential for lower energy bills. Finally, the colour. The Forcrete system offers a massive range of colours, giving you the flexibility to tie the whole room together.
Microcement – Practical FAQs
We’ve covered the basics of what microcement is, but here are the answers to a few more technical and practical questions we’re regularly asked.
1. What does a microcement install do to my project timeline?
Plan for a 5 to 7-day window. This isn’t all hands-on time, but it includes the necessary drying and curing periods between the base coats, top coats, and the final polyurethane sealers.
2. Is it tough enough for a high-traffic area or a family home?
The Forcrete microcement system is designed for commercial-grade applications, so it’s more than tough enough for a home, however busy. It has high abrasion resistance. Be aware of simple maintenance required in family environments – use pH-neutral cleaners and avoid dragging sharp, heavy furniture.
3. Can I use this to create a seamless indoor-outdoor look?
Yes, you can. The Forcrete system is UV stable and frost-proof, making it perfect for external use. We can create a continuous, seamless flow from a kitchen right out onto a patio, which is a really popular as a high-end design feature.
Why Choose Us for Your Microcement Project?
So, that’s microcement – a versatile, high-performance finish. As experienced installers of the Forcrete system, we handle the entire process from substrate preparation to final seal. With over two decades of experience in specialist screeds, you can trust Buxton Flow Screeds to get the foundation and the finish absolutely right.
Ready to bring the seamless look of Forcrete microcement to your next project? Contact our specialist team today. We’re here to discuss your plans and provide a detailed quote – 020 3369 3396 or 07590 625100
