Can You Use Microcement in a Shower?
Microcement in Showers – Waterproofing, Risks, and How to Do It Right
Can you use microcement in a shower? Yes, and it is arguably one of the most stylish finishes available for modern wet rooms and bathrooms. It provides a sleek, grout free look that tiles cannot match. However, “can you” and “should you” depends entirely on the technology inside the microcement mix.
Most microcements are porous by nature and rely on a fragile lacquer to keep water out. For a shower, though, you need a system that offers intrinsic waterproofing.
At Buxton Flow Screeds, our priority to creating long lasting solutions for our clients. As a long-standing specialist in the industry, we supply and install only the most robust systems. We know the chemistry behind the finish, so we can be sure that our clients work with solutions that are guaranteed to perform in wet environments.
Why Most Microcements Fail in Showers (And How Forcrete is Different)
To understand why we recommend Forcrete microcement for shower areas, you need to understand the weakness of many other microcement systems. Standard microcement is essentially a porous concrete layer. It relies 100% on the final top coat of varnish to keep water out.
Which is like wrapping a sponge in cling film. Once moisture breaches that surface (and it will), the cement underneath absorbs it, creating to dark patches, staining, and eventually, delamination.
Forcrete completely removes this risk. It is currently the only microcement system on the market developed by installers, for installers, with a single goal – to be totally waterproof before a drop of sealer is even applied.
- Standard Systems – Waterproof on top.
- Forcrete – Waterproof all the way through.
With Forcrete, the waterproofing resin is integrated into every single layer – from the coarse base coats to the smooth decorative finish. Even if you were to scratch the surface deep enough to penetrate the sealer, the microcement itself repels the water.
More Than Just a Product – Installation and Prep
While Forcrete is the most robust material on the market, it needs careful handling to achieve the results you want. Installing microcement in a shower isn’t like painting a wall – it’s a multi-layered system requiring hand installation. 90% of the success lies in the preparation before the decorative layers even touch the surface.
A perfect shower finish is made up of:
- Substrate Prep – Ensuring the walls are rigid, flat, clean, and tanked properly.
- Epoxy & Mesh – Applying a rock-hard base layer to bridge movement and prevent cracks.
- Base Coats – Building strength and defining the shape.
- Decorative Coats – The final, hand-trowelled layers provide the texture.
- Sealing – Even with Forcrete’s integrated waterproofing, the final seal adds stain resistance and makes cleaning easier.
Why the Installer Matters
This is a hand-crafted finish. The movement, the texture, and the final look are dictated by the hand of the installer. This is why Buxton Flow Screeds and other Forcrete Approved Installers go through detailed training.
We understand the cure times, the humidity controls, and the critical “spot-checks” needed between layers. Using an approved installer ensures that the product is applied exactly as the manufacturer intended, guaranteeing the warranty and the waterproof performance.
No Grout, No Limits – Wet Room Design
The most immediate visual benefit of using micro cement in a shower is what is missing – grout lines.
You get a seamless, continuous surface that makes even small shower enclosures feel larger and more luxurious.
Beyond the “Industrial” Look
While the cool, industrial look is popular, Forcrete microcement is incredibly versatile. Because the waterproofing is integrated, we don’t have to worry about dark colours showing temporary water-spotting, a common issue with more porous brands.
This frees you up to explore a vast spectrum of pigments. Warm, earthy beige, soft creams, dramatic charcoal, or you can have custom-matched colours.
The finish can also be customised. We can trowel it smooth for a minimalist vibe or leave more movement and texture for a more tactile feel.
The Final Verdict on Microcement Showers
Microcement is the future of seamless bathroom design, but its long-term success lies in the detail. Only Forcrete offers a robust, 100% waterproof solution from the base up.
When paired with the expertise of a Buxton Flow Screeds approved installer, you get the best of both worlds – the hand-crafted finish you want, with the industrial-grade durability you need.
Get Your Free Estimate
Ready to ditch the tiles? Get in touch with Buxton Flow Screeds today to discuss your wet room requirements and discover why Forcrete is the UK’s leading microcement solution – 020 3369 3396/ 07590 625100
