Walk-in shower: why choose microcement?
Walk-in showers are a big hit in modern bathrooms—and for good reason! Their clean design, step-free accessibility, and elegance create a sense of space and flow that traditional showers simply can’t match. But choosing the right finish also plays an essential role in achieving that perfect aesthetic.
Microcement is the ideal companion for walk-in showers. Imagine a smooth, continuous surface with no joints, blending seamlessly into a contemporary design. Beyond its subtle look, decorative microcement offers undeniable practical advantages: it resists moisture, is extremely durable, and its maintenance is minimalism itself. It’s not only an elegant choice, but a long-lasting one too.
Let’s look together at the reasons why you should choose microcement for your walk-in shower. We’ll talk about costs and potential long-term savings thanks to its low maintenance and durability. We’ll also compare this high-end finish with other options such as tile. This overview shows why millimetric microcement is the perfect choice for a walk-in shower, combining beauty, functionality, and value for money.
Advantages of microcement for your walk-in shower
Aesthetics and fit with modern design
Integration into current trends
Looking for a material that blends perfectly with a wide range of architectural styles? Microcement is the answer! Its clean, modern aesthetic allows it to fit into any setting—rustic, contemporary, or even industrial. This versatile finish adapts to all current trends, adding an elegant, sophisticated touch to your space.
Project examples
Imagine a shower area transformed by microcement. Real-life examples show how this finish creates a minimalist, sophisticated ambiance—perfect for anyone who seeks elegance in simplicity.
Pro tip: "To maximize the visual continuity effect in your walk-in shower area, choose a matte microcement finish. Matte finishes hide small imperfections and deliver a more uniform look."
Durability and resistance
Composition comparison
Microcement stands out for its robustness, flexibility of use, and longevity. Compared with other materials such as tile and natural stone, its chemical and mechanical properties make it a superior option. Want a finish that stands up to time and conditions? Millimetric microcement is made for you.
Resistance to impacts and wear
Worried about everyday wear and tear? Microcement is designed to resist impacts, scratches, and abrasion, making it an ideal option for high-traffic areas. Its impressive durability ensures your finish stays beautiful and intact for a long time.
Easy maintenance and hygiene
Simplified maintenance
Microcement also stands out for its ease of maintenance. Simple regular cleaning with water and a mild detergent is enough to keep it looking like new. Spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your space—that’s the promise of this decorative finish.
Pro tip: "To maintain the shine of your microcement, avoid abrasive cleaning products. Instead, use gentle cleaners and a microfiber cloth for daily upkeep."
Hygienic advantages
Microcement prevents the buildup of dirt, bacteria, and mold thanks to its non-porous surface. This makes it especially beneficial in humid environments like bathrooms, contributing to a healthier, cleaner space: enjoy a walk-in shower that is beautiful, practical, and truly clean.
Customization and variety of finishes
Microcement offers an incredible variety of finishes and colors, allowing complete customization to match your tastes and the style of your walk-in bathroom area. Whether you prefer a matte or satin look, you’ll find an option that suits you.
Eco-friendly and sustainable
Microcement is also an eco-friendly option. Made from natural materials, it has a low environmental impact. In addition, its durability and application without major construction reduce waste and the carbon footprint associated with shower area renovations.
Comfort and safety
Finally, choosing microcement means choosing safety and comfort. Its slip-resistant surface minimizes the risk of falling in your walk-in shower. Dreaming of underfloor heating? Millimetric microcement is compatible with this option. Why not enjoy that comfort underfoot?
You’ve got it: microcement combines aesthetics, durability, easy maintenance, customization, and environmental respect—it’s the perfect choice for your walk-in shower.
Detailed installation method
Let’s get down to business: installing microcement in your walk-in shower. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure successful application of decorative microcement.
Substrate preparation
Cleaning and preparation
First of all, make sure the surface is ready: check the solidity of your installation, repair cracks, and remove any residue and impurities from your shower area. Before unpacking your microcement kit, make sure the shower is free of any debris and that the surfaces are smooth and clean.
Imagine you’re baking a cake: you don’t want lumps in the batter, right?
Take the time to clean and repair the substrate properly.
If the substrate is unstable, fix it. If you’ve just poured a screed or built a partition, let it dry for the required time. Any excess moisture must be dealt with beforehand.
This is the moment to mark out and protect. Apply protective masking tape to define the area where you will apply the microcement. This helps prevent stains and ensures sharp, clean edges. This small effort makes all the difference in the final result and saves you valuable time.
Remember: "Before applying the primer, make sure the surface is perfectly dry. Any trace of moisture can compromise microcement adhesion."
Applying the primer
Although a primer is not always strictly indispensable, it always improves adhesion between the microcement coating and the substrate, and enhances the final quality of the job. We recommend it systematically. Apply it evenly—the details are the key.
You’ll soon be ready to get started, but before choosing your “weapons,” you’ll need to choose between Smart Jointer or Smart Primer Grip.
Are your surfaces tiled? In that case, a preliminary step is essential. Fill grout lines, grooves, and gaps with Smart Jointer. You can spread it with a spatula or a trowel. Choose the tool you feel most comfortable with to achieve perfectly smooth surfaces, but we recommend combining a trowel and a spatula. Let it dry for 24 hours before moving on to the next step.
Are your surfaces perfectly smooth, with no grout lines or other irregularities? Use a roller to apply one coat of Smart Primer Grip and let it dry for 2 to 4 hours.
At the end of this step, you’ll have smooth, even shower surfaces.
Pro tip: "Lose a little time to gain satisfaction. Follow the steps scrupulously and you’ll gain in efficiency and quality: apply the right primers and respect drying times."
Applying the microcement
Application techniques
Now it’s time for your creativity! You can use a trowel or a roller depending on the effect you want. Each method has its own specifics. It’s a bit like choosing between wok cooking or steaming to prepare your favorite vegetables.
Mix the coating with a spatula, then apply in four steps:
- With the Smart Roller, apply a very thin 1st coat vertically
- Still with the Smart Roller, apply a 2nd coat horizontally
- Smooth with the polycarbonate trowel at a 45° angle using arcing motions.
- Let it dry for 6 hours between each coat.
Apply Smart Base twice following this 4-step method.
Recommended tools depending on the finish you want for your walk-in shower
For a smooth, even finish, choose the roller.
For more pronounced textured effects, try the stainless-steel trowel.
Looking for subtle texture effects? The polycarbonate trowel is for you.
These tools help you control microcement thickness and texture. Sand each coat with 40-grit sandpaper and apply two coats.
Finishes and protection
Choosing finishes for your walk-in shower
This is where your personal taste comes into play. If you haven’t already, you should decide before buying your microcement kit. Do you like the understated look of a matte finish, or do you prefer the gentle relief of a satin finish? Whatever you choose, you’ll get a walk-in shower that’s aesthetic, unique, and full of subtlety.
Pro tip: "Respect the drying time before applying the next coat. This ensures better adhesion and greater durability. Dedicate a full day to this step and start early to apply the 3 coats in one day."
Applying protective coats
To ensure durability, apply protectors such as sealers and, if necessary, waxes. These products protect against water, stains, and wear. Think of them as icing on a cake—adding an essential protective layer to preserve the beauty of your microcement walk-in shower.
For optimal protection of your walk-in shower area, we recommend applying 4 coats of Smart Varnish.
Hand-sand gently, without forcing, using 400-grit sandpaper for the 1st and 2nd coats.
Installing microcement may seem complex, but it’s really just simple gestures. The secret to success? Good preparation, the right tools, and Smartcret products. You’re going to transform your walk-in shower into a durable, elegant work of art. So—ready to get started? Follow these steps and your shower area will be the star of the show.
Costs and budget for a microcement shower
Let’s now explore the cost aspect of using microcement. Discover why this investment is worth it, both in the short and the long term.
Your budget
Microcement can seem expensive compared with other materials like traditional tile. This cost includes purchasing materials and installation expenses. For example, the price of installing a high-quality microcement walk-in shower can range from €50 to €150 per square meter, depending on the specifics of the finish and the brand chosen. By contrast, average traditional tile usually costs between €20 and €50 per square meter (some quote a €2,000 budget before any assessment).
The initial investment for a high-end shower area can be offset by long-term savings, and also if you do the installation yourself.
When assessing your budget, consider the complexity of installation. Labor influences costs, but it guarantees a high-quality, durable result. Think of it like buying a tailored suit versus an off-the-rack one: the perfect fit justifies a higher price.
Pro tip: "Follow our instructions and choose an all-in-one microcement kit for your walk-in shower. These kits contain everything you need at an advantageous price compared with buying the components separately."
Long-term savings
One of microcement’s major strengths is its low maintenance. Unlike other finishes that require regular care, part replacement, or frequent repairs, microcement needs very little maintenance. It resists scratches, cracks, and everyday wear: with a microcement walk-in shower, you’re choosing a durable option.
Think of all the savings you can achieve by avoiding specialized cleaning products, frequent repairs, and costly replacements. Simple regular cleaning with water and a mild detergent is enough to keep your microcement spotless. Say goodbye to recurring maintenance costs and enjoy a decorative coating that retains its elegant look over the years.
Pro tip: "Consider applying an additional protective treatment every 3 years. This extends the life of your walk-in shower and keeps it looking fresh like day one."
Durability and longevity
Microcement is known for its exceptional durability. It withstands time, stains, and even moisture, making it an ideal choice for shower areas. You won’t need to replace it like you might with other coverings.
You’ll get a finish that stays beautiful and functional for decades. Unlike a bath mat, which can wear out and stain easily, or tile, which can crack or come loose, microcement is built to last. That means less hassle and fewer expenses on future renovations. Investing in a microcement walk-in shower is like buying a high-end appliance: it may seem more expensive at first, but the sublime daily experience it offers fully justifies the initial investment.
Choosing decorative microcement for a modern wet area brings long-term economic advantages and makes it a smart investment. Its low maintenance and exceptional longevity are the best guarantees. So, ready to take the leap and choose microcement for your walk-in shower? You won’t regret it!
To remember
Microcement in the shower is establishing itself as the ideal coating for modern bathrooms with walk-in showers, combining aesthetics and practicality. Thanks to its smooth, seamless look, it offers visual continuity that enhances any shower space. Its moisture resistance, exceptional durability, and low maintenance make it an elegant and cost-effective option.
Although microcement’s initial cost may be higher than traditional coverings such as tile or bath mats, this investment is more than offset by long-term savings—and also by the daily experience you’ll enjoy. The durability of the waxed coating means fewer repairs or replacements and simple maintenance.
Installing microcement coating may seem complex, but in reality it’s just a series of simple steps accessible to everyone. The secret? Good preparation, good tools, and a good product. The good news? Smartcret microcement kits are designed for exactly that. You can transform your walk-in shower into a durable, unique work of art at a lower cost. Follow the detailed steps for preparation, application, and finishing and you’ll ensure a professional, long-lasting result.
So, ready to transform your shower area? You won’t regret it—and your modern bathroom will be the star for anyone lucky enough to visit!