Compatible substrates for microcement for a successful bathroom.
Microcement compatibility with plasterboard, tiles, and ceramic
Microcement is perfect for DIY renovations, especially in bathrooms, thanks to its versatility and its ability to adhere to most substrates. This modern, aesthetic material is also highly resistant to moisture, making it ideal for wet environments.
However, if you’re reading this article, you’re probably looking for more details about the substrates compatible with microcement. All the ones on this list are the ones our microcement kit for bathrooms supports: you choose the substrate you have (tiles, or plasterboard, plaster and cement) and the kit adjusts to it.
Plasterboard
Plasterboard, commonly used for interior walls, is perfectly compatible with microcement. In addition, to ensure a fast and effective application, we recommend applying a primer specifically for absorbent surfaces: our Smart Primer ABS, which is applied with a roller and is ready in 30 minutes.
Tiles and ceramic
Tiles and ceramic are also excellent substrates for microcement. Preparing these surfaces requires thorough cleaning to remove grease and soap residue. We recommend first reducing any unevenness. To do this, you can apply Smart Jointer, a fast-drying bonding filler that is applied to joints and grooves.
In a second step, using a primer is also a key factor to ensure good adhesion. Then microcement can be applied easily over the tiles, providing a modern finish without having to remove the old covering.
Other substrates compatible with microcement
Concrete slabs
Concrete slabs are an excellent substrate for microcement. To ensure good quality results, make sure they are perfectly sound, dry, and clean. We always recommend applying an adhesion primer to improve the bonding of the microcement. Proper preparation will ensure a smooth, durable finish for your microcement slab.
Rough screeds or levelling compounds
Microcement can also be successfully applied over rough concrete screeds or levelling compounds. You just need to make sure you follow three key rules:
- The screed/levelling layer is smooth
- The surface is solid
- It has no cracks.
As with a concrete slab, we strongly recommend applying primer to improve microcement adhesion.
Painted substrates
Coating painted surfaces with microcement is a practical solution to avoid major preparation work. However, you must make sure the paint is firmly bonded to the original substrate. Clean the painted surface to remove any traces of grease or other dirt. Then apply an adhesion primer to ensure proper bonding of the microcement coating to the existing substrate.
Wood furniture
Microcement can also be applied to wood furniture. As with other surfaces, make sure the substrate is sound, clean, and completely dry. Apply the primer included in your kit to ensure maximum adhesion and follow the instructions for use.
Warning: avoid coating any soft wood that does not have enough rigidity. It would be a wasted effort.
Stone and marble
Stone and marble can be coated with microcement. Their hardness makes them perfect substrates for microcement.
As you can see, applying our microcements is almost unlimited. Remember that your substrate must meet five essential characteristics to be suitable for microcement application:
- sound
- rigid
- stable
- clean
- flat
In the next section, we will address these limitations in detail to guarantee the best results in your bathroom, although these principles apply to your entire home.
Substrates that need more care or are best avoided
Sinks and bathtubs
- Precautions: surfaces that can hold water, such as sinks and microcement bathtubs, are exposed to constant moisture and demand more care than a wall: a good slope towards the drain so no water stands, well-finished corners and junctions, and every coat of varnish the instructions call for, without skipping any.
- How to do it: the sink and the countertop are covered by the bathroom kit and you can do them yourself, following the microcement sink step-by-step guide. The bathtub is outside the scope of the DIY kits: microcement is not designed to hold water permanently (we explain it in is microcement waterproof?); if you’re still considering it, read the bathtub guide and its precautions first, and ask us via the chat.
Wood parquet flooring
Wood parquet flooring is not a good substrate for microcement. In fact, it is a material that “moves” considerably depending on temperature and ambient humidity. Over time, wooden parquet coated with microcement will crack. Therefore, it is not a durable substrate for microcement.
Installation and preparation of surfaces for microcement
For detailed advice on preparing surfaces before applying microcement, check out our complete step-by-step microcement application guide.
This article will guide you through the main steps to properly prepare your surfaces, ensure optimal adhesion, and guarantee a successful microcement application. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced DIY enthusiast, you will find clear instructions and practical tips to successfully complete your bathroom renovation project.
Ready? Let’s install your microcement for bathrooms and showers.
Transform your bathroom with Smartcret microcement kits
Benefits of Smartcret kits
Smartcret microcement kits are designed to simplify your renovation project by offering an all-in-one solution. These kits combine efficiency and peace of mind, providing all the products needed for a successful application, without the hassle of searching for the right materials or risking mistakes when ordering.
Smartcret kit for the bathroom: walls, shower, countertop and sink
Transform the walls, shower, countertop and sink of your bathroom with a uniform and elegant finish. This kit is ideal for those who want a professional result without complications, especially for DIY renovation projects. The floor needs a different preparation and thickness, which is why it has its own microcement kit for floors and stairs.
- Kit contents:
- Primer: Smart Primer PLUS if the substrate is tiles (with Smart Jointer to fill the grout lines first) or Smart Primer ABS if it is plasterboard, plaster or cement.
- Smart Base: this first layer ensures optimal adhesion and prepares the surface for subsequent layers. It creates a solid base for a uniform microcement application.
- Smart Liso: apply this layer to achieve a smooth and aesthetic finish, perfect for creating a modern and refined look in your bathroom thanks to its fine grain.
- Smart Varnish with Smart Booster: the water-based polyurethane varnish and its component B, which protect and enhance your microcement surfaces with greater resistance to moisture and daily use.
- Also included: sanding discs with different grits and the step-by-step instructions. The tools (trowel, roller and tray) are sold separately, in the Smart Tools tool kit.
To choose your Smartcret microcement kit:
- estimate the number of square metres to cover
- determine the type of surface: tiles, or plasterboard, plaster and cement
- visit the store and, if needed, contact us through the chat!
With Smartcret kits, you can tackle your bathroom project with confidence, knowing you have everything necessary to achieve an impeccable and durable result, whatever the existing substrate may be. Whether it is plasterboard, tiles, a concrete slab, or even wooden furniture, our all-in-one kits make transforming your space easier. Choose Smartcret and enjoy an elegant and long-lasting renovation.
