A Guide to Microcement and Seamless Surfaces

If Tadelakt is the organic, soulful choice for wall finishes, Microcement is its sleek, resilient, and modern counterpart. In the drive for minimalism and continuous, unbroken lines, Microcement has emerged as the ultimate problem-solver for contemporary renovations.
It bridges the gap between the raw, industrial look of concrete and the refined comfort of a home, offering a durability that few other decorative finishes can match.

What is Microcement?

Microcement is a composite coating based on cement, water-based resins, additives, and mineral pigments. Unlike standard concrete, which is a structural material poured in thick slabs, Microcement is a decorative layer applied very thinly - usually only 2 to 3 millimeters thick.
The magic lies in the polymers (resins) mixed into the cement.

The Science of Flexibility

Standard cement is rigid and prone to cracking. However, the resin in Microcement gives it high flexibility and tensile strength. This allows it to withstand movements and vibrations without cracking, making it suitable for surfaces where traditional concrete would fail.

The Adhesion Factor

Microcement creates an incredibly strong chemical and mechanical bond with almost any substrate. It can be applied to drywall, wood, and marble. This "stick-to-anything" quality makes it a renovation hero.

Versatility: Where Can You Use It?

While Tadelakt is the master of wet rooms and walls, Microcement is the master of high-traffic areas and "impossible" renovations.

1. Floors (Seamless Living)

This is the most common use for Microcement. It allows you to cover an entire ground floor—from the living room into the kitchen and hallway—without a single break or threshold. It is highly resistant to abrasion and impact, making it perfect for households with pets or kids.

2. Kitchen Countertops

Microcement is hard enough to be used as a work surface. When properly sealed with a polyurethane topcoat, it becomes resistant to heat, water, and stains (though like stone, you should avoid leaving acidic spills like lemon juice for long periods).

3. Outdoors

Unlike gypsum or lime plasters, specific types of Microcement are formulated for exterior use. It can be used to pave patios, coat outdoor walls, creating a continuous flow from the inside of the house to the garden.

Microcement vs. The Competition: A Comparison

Microcement is often confused with other industrial-style floorings. Here is how it differentiates itself from Polished Concrete, Tadelakt, and Epoxy Resin.

1. Microcement vs. Polished Concrete

Polished Concrete is the structural slab itself, ground down to a shine.

The Weight: Polished concrete requires pouring a heavy slab (minimum 5-10cm thick). It is often impossible to install on upper floors of existing homes due to weight. Microcement adds almost no weight.

The Cracks: Polished concrete almost always develops hairline cracks over time; it's part of the aesthetic. Microcement’s flexibility means it is far less likely to crack.

The Control: With concrete, the aggregate (stones) exposure is unpredictable. With Microcement, the color and texture are totally controlled.

2. Microcement vs. Tadelakt

The Durability: Tadelakt is a limestone plaster; it can scratch if you drag a heavy chair across it. Microcement is cementitious and much harder, making it suitable for floors, whereas Tadelakt is best kept to walls and barefoot areas.

The Water Resistance: Tadelakt is naturally waterproof due to the soap reaction. Microcement relies on a top-coat sealer (varnish) to be waterproof. If the varnish is scratched, water can get in, so maintenance of the sealer is key.

3. Microcement vs. Epoxy Resin

Epoxy is a liquid plastic poured over floors.

The Look: Epoxy usually looks very synthetic and "plasticky," often with a high-gloss finish. Microcement has a mineral look with texture and movement, appearing more natural and matte/satin.

The UV Stability: Many epoxies yellow when exposed to sunlight. High-quality Microcement is UV stable and will not change color near windows.

Microcement offers the perfect balance of industrial aesthetic and domestic practicality. It provides the coveted "concrete look" without the logistical nightmare of pouring heavy slabs or the coldness of raw industrial materials.
Its ability to cover existing surfaces makes it a sustainable choice for renovations, reducing waste and labor. For homeowners seeking a continuous, joint-free architecture that feels modern yet warm, Microcement is the defining material of the decade.