Modern materials like microcement and microconcrete are becoming more and more well-liked due to their adaptability and visual appeal. Both are thin layers that are applied to surfaces to provide a smooth, seamless appearance that resembles traditional concrete but is far lighter and thinner.
These materials are preferred for their adaptability and durability in contemporary interior design. They are perfect for a variety of renovation projects because they can be applied to furniture, walls, and floors. Their use is simple, but for optimal effects, meticulous planning and attention to detail are necessary.
Anyone wishing to add these distinctive finishes to their space must be aware of the distinctions between microcement and microconcrete as well as the proper methods for handling them.
| Aspect | Details |
| Microcement | A versatile material used for seamless coatings, giving a smooth, modern finish. It’s applied in thin layers on surfaces like floors, walls, and furniture. |
| Microconcrete | Similar to microcement but has a coarser texture, providing a more robust and industrial look. Ideal for areas requiring greater durability. |
| Application | Both are applied using trowels, typically in multiple layers. They require careful surface preparation and sealing for best results. |
| Uses | Popular in both residential and commercial spaces for creating minimalist, contemporary designs. |
Modern, adaptable materials like microcement and microconcrete are used to create smooth, seamless finishes on furniture, walls, and floors. They are perfect for chic, minimalist interiors because they provide the toughness of concrete with a finer texture. To apply these materials and achieve the desired look and long-lasting results, the surface must be carefully prepared using a multi-step process that includes priming, layering, and sealing.
- What is it
- What it looks like: interior photo
- Pros and cons
- What to choose
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What is it
There is no distinction between microcement and microconcrete; microcement is a dry mixture made of quartz sand that has been finely ground and cement. A polymer solution used as the mixing liquid gives the coating excellent adhesion, compressive, and bending strengths. In "microcement," a protective varnish is an essential component. In addition to taking on all operational loads—that is, guarding against abrasion—it also seals the pores in decorative plaster and prevents water intrusion. Polyurethane, epoxy, or acrylic varnishes are available.
Essentially, multi-layered, long-lasting varnish covers a polymer cement plaster, which is what microcement (also known as microconcrete) is.
The finish with microcement need not be gray; it can be any color; if the mixture is based on white cement, it can be easily painted with dry pigments in the desired color.
What it looks like: interior photo
Microcement is a surface adhesive that works well on a variety of materials, including wood and metal. You can complete everything in the house because of this feature and the coating’s thinness:
- walls, floors and ceilings;
- furniture: countertops, counters, bedside tables, shelving;
- bathtubs, showers and sinks;
- kitchen aprons, etc.d.
Check out the image below to see what an interior with microcement decor looks like:
Floor with self-leveling microcement
Completing the bathroom
Kitchen countertops made of polymer concrete
Pros and cons
The following are some benefits of decorative microconcrete:
- Adhesion. The material fits well on most surfaces. An exception would be glossy tiles, which must be rubbed to a matte state before applying microcement to it.
- Thin layerth. The total coating thickness does not exceed 3 mm.
- Strength. Cement-sand plaster itself already has the hardness of stone. In addition, it is coated with a protective varnish. This allows you to create self-leveling floors that are resistant to abrasion.
- Appearance. Decorative plaster for concrete fits perfectly into the loft and high-tech style. Thanks to the color pigments in the composition, the coating can be not only gray and white.
- Moisture resistance. This is also one of the important advantages of microcement. The material is used for lining bathtubs and sinks, as well as kitchen aprons and countertops. Like other moisture-resistant plasters, it can be used on building facades.
The following technologies are linked to the drawbacks of microconcrete:
Complexity of the task. Since the plaster mixture is combined with a polymer solution, precise measurement is crucial. Additionally, compared to other decorative materials, working with finished plaster requires less time. For instance, the solution will be viable for 30 to 40 minutes if the composition includes epoxy components. It is necessary to join the completed sections "wet on wet," that is, until the material sets. A group of two or three artisans is needed for this application.
If there is no varnish, microcement gets destroyed. Although the polymers in this cement-sand plaster give it strength and flexibility, they do not offer resistance to abrasion or prevent water from penetrating the pores. The ornamental coating needs to be protected with multiple coats of varnish to keep it from being destroyed. The polyurethane varnish is the best choice. However, if we are discussing polymer concrete floor coverings, they also deteriorate with time. Plaster needs to be restored because it will crumble in the absence of a protective layer.
What to choose
Let’s take a quick look at the well-known microcement brands that are available in Russia.
"Edfan" is the name of the Argentine business that produced finishing materials initially under the names MicroCemento and MicroBeton. These are now common names for polymer concretes that are used in decorative plastering. Russia is one of the many nations where Edfan has sales representatives. This brand’s materials are regarded as a microcement (microconcrete) model.
"Reapol-S," also known as "Reamix," is produced in Russia. The product’s maker refers to it as decorative two-component putty. Reapol-S comes in two packaging options. The first is a loose white base made of polymers, sand, and cement. Dry color pigment is included in the second package and added to the white mixture in a concentration of 0.5–7%. Using a mixer, the putty is combined with clean water.
In Belgian, "Stoopen& meeus." The official distributor of this company’s decorative coatings in our nation is TD "Marsel." The constituents of microcement consist of Portland cement, polymer (polyurethane) binder, sand, clay, and lime. The dry mixture is delivered in buckets weighing 16 kg. Water and color pigment must be added to the solution to make it ready. The base does not need to be primed beforehand for plastering. Use Stopopen& microconcrete meeus for three to six hours at a time.
"SENIDECO SENIBETON" is a ready-to-use decorative plaster that uses a polymer emulsion to create the look of concrete. Although the material is white, it can be colored with liquid or powder paints. packaged in 25 kg pails.
Modern exterior and interior design has been transformed by microcement and microconcrete. They are perfect for creating seamless, long-lasting surfaces that can resist wear and add a touch of sophistication to any space because of their versatility and sleek appearance.
These supplies aren’t just for experts; novice do-it-yourselfers can also produce amazing results with the correct equipment and advice. Whether you want to update your countertops, walls, or floors, microcement and microconcrete provide an elegant and affordable option.
To achieve a perfect finish, as with any construction material, meticulous preparation and adherence to application guidelines are essential. Using these cutting-edge materials, you can completely change your living area with a little perseverance and attention to detail.
