Microcement or Microcemento as it commonly known in europe, is a very fine coating of cement combined with fine aggregates mixed with water based liquid polymers or powdered resin polymers. The coating is made up of between three to four very thin coats of product. In a similar way to Venetian plasters polished plasters such as Marmarino and Gracello. Most microcements are essentially comprised of a rapid hardening cement, fine fillers such as calcium carbonate or a fine quartz powder, fine aggregates and an adhesive polymer so the product can stick to most surfaces, including cement screeds, concrete, tiles, cement boards, plaster board etc. By mixing these ingredients together a strong and flexible medium is created which can be applied to floors, walls and furniture installations. Over strength is developed very quickly with the rapid hardening cements and additives.

Usually two base coat laters which include cement and lager particles of sand to create strenght and durability, along with two finish coats of cement and fine filler to create the texture and tone of the microcement application. Imagine a cross section of plywood borad, you’ll see that it is comprised of multiple thin layers which are glued together. It is these multiple laters that give the board extra strenght and durability. These plywood layers are somewhat of a similar idea behind microcement and microconcrete overlays, in that they are also comprised of multiple thin laters bonded together. Each layer has a slighty different texture which is sanded to ensure a key for the next layer to adhere to.

I wouldn’t necessarily call them downsides, but there are certain brands of overlay out there that are not that good. By simply breaking down their formulations you can see that they are very basic, the ingredients are pretty old hat and far from keeping up the curve of innovation.
A lot of microcement products contain calcium carbonate as a fine filler, which is basically a cheap chalk-like material that smoothes out the mixture somewhat. But calcium carbonate is weak, soft and easily abraded away. So if you’ve heard stories about overlays being dented by foot traffic, a large portion of this can be attributed to this. Also it worth bearing in mind that many of the microcement brands on the market are actually made by the same companies, same products just different brand names and white labels. 

Almost any surface finish be it microcement, polished concrete, tiles, timber floors, resin can be cracked and/or damaged if it is subjected to force or movement greater than the tensile strength of the finishing product. For example, if a floor screed beneath tiles should move during commissioning of an underfloor heating system, chances are that the tiles will crack down the grout lines. Excessive movement where flexible adhesive has not been used may force the tiles themselves to crack. So it is entirely possible to crack a microcement floor in the same scenario or movement caused by another issue translates through to the microcement finish. A 3mm thick layer of product cannot hold back the stress of a screed or concrete substrate at either 50mm or 100mm thickness. Substrate design and correct commissioning of underfloor heating systems are very important things to consider.

Microcement when correctly installed and sealed can be easily maintained with regular dry mopping with a microfibre flat mop to collect any fine dust and debris on the sealed surface. If this fine layer of dirt is not removed on a regular schedule it could potentially damage the sealer with micro scuffs and scratches when foot trafficked, which over time may permeate the protective layer. Thus allowing chemical or contaminat damage to the microcement below. You should also periodically clean the floor with a pH neutral cleaning and maintaining product such as our MicroCare cleaner. Cleaning products such as these actively maintain the sealed surface by removing soiling for easier removal and find tiny little pockets of damage and fill them with a sealer like additive which promotes a longer lasting seal and shine. If you need help and advice with cleaning and maintaining your microcement floor, we are more than happy to offer your free and complimentary guidance on how to do the maintenance and which products you should use.