How to apply microcement over tiles yourself: an easy guide
Have your tiles become outdated? If you’ve made it this far, it’s probably because you have plenty of ideas and questions about covering the tiles in your bathroom or kitchen with microcement, right? Maybe you’ve just become a homeowner and want to add your own touch; maybe you live in a house that’s more than half a century old and you want to modernise it once and for all; or perhaps you’re simply tired of your tiles—even if they’re still in perfect condition—and want to give them that glow-up with seamless surfaces… Whatever the reason, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, you’ll learn how to apply microcement on tiles yourself (spoiler: with ready-to-use microcement you don’t need to hire a professional), in which situations we advise against doing it, and the best expert tips to avoid problems. Don’t miss out!
Can microcement be applied over tiles?
Yes, it is possible to apply microcement over tiles without having to remove or sand them beforehand. It is the perfect coating for renovating tiled surfaces while avoiding construction work, as it allows you to forget about dust and rubble.
In fact, it is so easy to apply that you can even do it yourself in a DIY way with ready-to-use microcement. You won’t have to mix components or pigment it, because everything already comes prepared so that you only need to open, stir and apply it. There’s no need to hire a professional (or be one yourself), which speeds up the process and also reduces the overall cost.
Let those butterflies you already feel for microcement take flight and learn how to apply it yourself. Ready-to-use microcement offers excellent performance on surfaces where resistance to moisture is essential, making it perfect for bathrooms and kitchens.
Advantages of applying microcement over tiles
Before getting started, there are some key points about applying microcement over tiles that you should know beforehand. These are precisely the reasons why it has become one of the most widely used options for these surfaces. Keep reading and we’ll quickly explain the advantages of microcement compared to other materials.
Microcement is applied without construction work
The first thing you should know—and we’re sure you’ll love it—is that microcement can be applied directly over tiles without having to remove them, avoiding dust and complicated construction work. This makes it possible to modernise a room quickly and cleanly, without rubble and, something you’ll certainly appreciate, at a more affordable cost since there’s no need to request building permits.
It allows for fully customised finishes
This decorative coating is available in a wide range of colours and also offers different finish options, making it easy to personalise any space according to your preferred decorative style.
Non-slip and water-resistant: perfect for humid environments
Microcement is a non-slip and water-resistant material, qualities that make it the perfect choice for spaces such as bathrooms or kitchens. What do you think about enjoying a shower without worrying about slipping?
Easy and quick to clean
Another natural characteristic of microcement is its smooth, continuous finish without joints, making it very quick and easy to clean. We know you’ll love this (a lot), because with just a damp cloth and a little pH-neutral soap you’ll be able to keep your walls in perfect condition.
Its low thickness barely increases the surface depth
Microcement is a very thin coating, with a thickness of only about 3 mm, so once applied it hardly increases the thickness of walls or floors.
What you should know before applying microcement over tiles
Before applying microcement over tiles, you should consider a few aspects to ensure the installation is optimal and the final result is exactly what you expect. Below, we explain when it is not advisable to coat tiles with microcement.
Be careful with textured tiles
You should know that microcement, due to its low thickness, replicates the appearance of the surface it is applied to. For this reason, it is not advisable to apply it over tiles with relief or texture. The texture would remain visible and the continuous finish of the microcement would lose its aesthetic appeal.
Decorative borders on tiles
Something similar happens with decorative tile borders. These borders usually have very pronounced patterns, which would become even more noticeable when covered with microcement. If you still decide to apply it over them, you would need to add more product, and applying a thick layer of microcement greatly increases the risk of unwanted cracks.
Check the tiles: are they unstable?
If your tiles are broken, loose or chipped, they are not a good base for coating. Before applying microcement, they should be repaired to ensure an impeccable result.
Ideal room temperature for applying microcement
When applying microcement over tiles, it is important to check that the application conditions are suitable. Microcement must be applied when the ambient, substrate and material temperature is between 15°C and 25°C, and when the relative humidity is between 40% and 80%.
Applying the product within this range helps achieve good adhesion on tiles and a uniform finish. On the contrary, working in very cold or very hot conditions can affect the behaviour of the material, causing excess humidity, condensation on the substrate or the material to dry too quickly.
If the room is below or above the recommended temperature, it must be conditioned before starting the application. From +5°C, it is recommended to use a heating system that provides uniform and gradual warming, avoiding directing heat straight onto the tiles. If temperatures exceed +30°C, the room can be ventilated during the coolest hours of the day, direct sunlight should be avoided and, if necessary, air conditioning or ambient cooling can be used indirectly.
Microcement must not be applied on cold tiles, on tiles with surface moisture or condensation, or on tiles exposed to direct sunlight, nor in rooms subjected to wind or draughts. These conditions may cause loss of adhesion, trowel marks, porosity, surface cracking and even colour differences. For that reason, once the area has been conditioned, environmental conditions must remain stable throughout the entire application and drying process of the system.
How to apply microcement over tiles in 6 steps
Applying microcement over tiles is easier than it may seem at first glance. So, let’s get to what really matters: understanding each stage of the application process in detail. Are you ready to discover all the ins and outs of how to apply it?
Step 1. Check the adhesion and condition of the tiles
First of all, inspect the tiled surface. Are the tiles in good condition? Perfect. If not, you’ll need to repair them beforehand. As you know, having a solid base is essential for achieving a perfect result.
Step 2. Cleaning the tiled surface
To prepare the surface, you don’t need to sand it. It is enough to thoroughly clean the entire tiled wall to improve the adhesion of the coating and prevent bubbles from appearing. Remember that microcement can be applied directly over tiles as long as they are in good condition.
Step 3. Filling and levelling the joints
It is important to fill the joints because microcement is applied in very thin layers and, if you don’t do this, the joints will remain visible. The idea is to stop seeing them, right? Smart Jointer is perfect for filling and levelling tile joints.
Step 4. Primer for non-absorbent surfaces
Once the filler has dried, it’s time to apply the primer. This step ensures that the microcement will adhere correctly to the surface. Tiles are a non-absorbent material, so we need a primer specifically designed for them. Our recommendation is Smart Primer PLUS.
Some microcement manufacturers recommend applying a mesh to add strength; however, with Smartcret microcement, mesh is not necessary, which saves you this step and makes the installation process much faster.
Step 5. Microcement layers (base and finish)
Now we reach the key moment: applying the microcement. In this step, 2 coats of Smart Base are applied with the trowel at a 45° angle, using arched movements and working in different directions. Once they are dry (6h) and sanded between coats, 2 coats of Smart Liso, our finishing microcement, are applied following the same method and drying times.
Step 6. Sealing and protection
After the final layer of finishing microcement, it is necessary to wait 24 hours before proceeding with the final step.
If your tiled wall is in a bathroom or kitchen, you will need to mix Smart Booster with Smart Varnish to provide extra resistance in humid environments. If it is in another room, don’t worry, as the varnish alone already provides optimal resistance.
n any case, it will be necessary to apply a protective sealer for microcement to seal the surface and ensure resistance against moisture, stains, and daily wear. You will need to apply 3 coats, allowing 4 hours of drying time between each one.
Now that you’ve learned how to apply this coating over tiles, if you’re curious to find out how to do it on other surfaces, you can check out our complete guide on how to apply microcement.
Where can microcement be applied over tiles?
Covering your tiles with this material is a great way to give any room a fresh new look. If you can’t immediately think of spaces where it could be applied, here are some ideas and tips for using it.
Kitchen backsplashes
Since it is common for this area to receive splashes while cooking, a kitchen backsplash is one part of the kitchen that benefits greatly from being coated with microcement thanks to how easy it is to clean. A splash of sauce? No problem: wipe it with a cloth and that’s it.
Application tips for kitchen backsplashes: remember to fill and cover the joints. In addition, you should mix the booster with the varnish, as the kitchen is a room with relatively high ambient humidity.
Renovation carried out by @home_buldog in the color Wasabi.
Bathroom vanity countertops
A space in your home that you see every day should have something special so it never stops captivating you, don’t you think? Integrating a microcement vanity countertop in your bathroom will create a visual harmony of continuous lines that you’ll love seeing at all times.
Application tips for vanity countertops: use Smart Jointer to level the joints and add the booster to the varnish to provide extra resistance in humid environments."
Shower walls
Looking for that spa-like effect in your bathroom? A microcement shower is the key. Its seamless finish and silky appearance will give your bathroom that magazine-style look you’re after. Of course, it’s not just stylish, but also highly resistant and easy to clean.
Application tips for shower walls: remember to cover the joints to achieve that seamless finish and apply the mixture of Smart Booster with the protective varnish.
If you want to learn how to apply microcement on walls in other rooms, you can read about it in our step-by-step guide.
Renovation carried out by @withbrushandpaper in White.
Floors
A tiled floor can be beautiful, but sometimes after seeing it every day in the same space, you may feel the need for a change. And what could be easier for that than microcement?
Application tips for tiled floors: it is essential to respect the drying times. A microcement floor usually takes about 4 days to be dry to the touch, but requires 7 days for full curing before it can be walked on. Once it’s dry, go ahead and step on it without fear — even like you were dancing on a flamenco stage.
Renovation carried out by @the.kaisers in the color Bone.
Tips and considerations for applying microcement over tiles
Now that you’ve discovered that Smartcret ready-to-use microcement is exactly what you need to start renovating your home, let us give you some tips so that when you apply microcement over tiles, you can do it like a true professional and avoid potential problems. Don’t miss them!
Check for negative moisture
One of the aspects you should consider before applying microcement over tiles is negative moisture (especially in bathrooms and kitchens). Negative moisture can be present in some building materials, and in tiles it may appear due to poor waterproofing or insufficient ventilation. To prevent it, it is essential to properly fill the joints and use the correct primer, which we will explain below.
Clean the joints: avoid mould and dirt
Before filling the joints and applying microcement over them, it is essential that they are clean and free from mould. If you skip this step and cover them without proper treatment, mould may eventually reappear and dirt will make it harder for the products to adhere properly.
Use the correct primer
Remember that tiles are a non-absorbent material, so the primer used must be specifically designed for this type of surface. Not using the right primer or applying an insufficient coat will affect the final adhesion and durability of the microcement.
Apply thin layers of microcement
Microcement is a coating that must be applied in thin layers. If thick layers are applied, the finish will not be uniform and it will not dry evenly, increasing the risk of cracks or fissures.
Respect the drying times
Allowing each layer to dry properly is necessary to ensure that the next one can be applied evenly and without lumps or imperfections. Keep in mind that drying times vary depending on the type of microcement, so it is essential to follow the instructions provided by each manufacturer.
Use the right tools
With Smartcret ready-to-use microcement, we recommend using the Smart Tools kit, as these tools have been tested to avoid burning the microcement during application and to achieve the result you’re looking for.
If the surface is not suitable
Make sure that the tiles on which you are going to apply microcement are in good condition and free of damage. Otherwise, marks may appear or parts of the coating could detach.
Well then, what’s next? If you’ve made it this far, the next step is to decide which tiled wall or walls you want to cover, choose the microcement kit for tiles that best fits your project and, now that you already know how to apply microcement over tiles… get started!
Renovation carried out by @thelittlehouseinlondon in the color Spike.
As you’ve just read, microcement can be perfectly applied over tiles. In fact, it is one of the most common renovation solutions, provided that the substrate is in optimal condition as we recommend.