Microcement sink: the complete step-by-step DIY guide

If you’re tempted by the idea of having a microcement bathroom sink, but doubts keep creeping in and turning your path into a yellow-brick road full of traps and thorns… you’ve landed in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll explain in detail what a microcement sink is, its pros and cons, how to create a diy microcement sink step by step, and how much it costs. Everything, fully broken down.

What is a microcement sink and why is it trending?

A microcement sink is simply a sink coated with this decorative material. Microcement has become a major trend in interior design and construction because of its versatility: it can be used on almost every bathroom surface—tiles, floors, showers, countertops and sinks.

That’s why a microcement bathroom sink is one of the best options if you want to transform your bathroom into a modern, elegant space that suits different styles—industrial, minimalist, and more—without getting into major renovation work.

It’s also ideal for small bathrooms because it allows custom, seamless designs with continuous lines that blend beautifully with other elements, creating a bigger sense of space. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s go step by step.

What are the key features of a microcement sink?

As we’ve been hinting, a microcement sink has a very distinctive look: elegant, versatile, and seamless. It offers a smooth finish with no grout lines and no awkward corners—just clean, pure lines with an artisan feel. And when the light hits it… the surface becomes magic. It’s hard to explain—you really have to see it.

On top of that, microcement comes in a wide range of colors and finishes, so you can choose the option that best fits your style and your home. It’s incredibly easy to combine with other materials and tones.

Another big plus: it breaks the idea that beauty must be delicate. A microcement bathroom sink can look soft and refined, yet still be durable and highly resistant. Do you love that contrast between appearance and reality?

Pros and cons of a microcement sink

Now that you know why this type of sink is trending—and why it looks stunning in any bathroom—here are the main advantages and disadvantages of a microcement sink.

Benefits of a microcement sink

Beyond giving your bathroom a total refresh, coating a sink with microcement comes with plenty of benefits:

Durability and resistance

A microcement sink increases durability and resistance thanks to a material that stands up well to abrasion, impacts, stains and humidity—and it’s very easy to clean (you’ll love that). That makes it perfect for frequent use in the bathroom. It also has excellent adhesion, whether your original sink is marble, porcelain stoneware, cement or concrete.

Customisation

Do you want lush tropical greens? The warmth of desert sands? Dusty pinks and pastel tones? Or vibrant ocean blues? Whatever your taste, you’ll have no problem choosing: there’s a wide range of microcement colors and finishes that fit your style—and you can even combine them. Because… who said you have to stick to just one?

Quick and easy application

With your hands (and the right tools), you can renovate your sink in no time. Worried microcement will reduce space? Not at all: once applied, it has a thickness of only around 2–3 mm.

Easy to clean

Later we’ll go deeper into the best way to clean and maintain a microcement sink, but here’s a quick preview: its easy-clean routine is one of the reasons people love it. Is there anything simpler than a cloth with water and neutral pH soap?

Drawbacks of a microcement sink

On the other hand—like everything in life—there are downsides too. The good news? Most can be prevented.

Rising damp (negative humidity)

Rising damp is inherent to some building materials: it’s there even if you can’t see it. To prevent it from causing issues and pushing stains outward, the best option is a proper primer before applying microcement.

Drain slope

A porcelain sink is usually designed with the correct slope for drainage. In a built-in sink, that slope may or may not have been planned.

If that’s your case, confirm the drain slope is between 2% and 10% to reduce the chance of standing water.

It’s water-resistant… when properly sealed

To make your microcement bathroom sink truly water-resistant you must varnish it thoroughly. If varnishing isn’t done correctly, water can penetrate through weak spots.

Cracks can appear

Before applying microcement, check that the sink has no cracks, fissures or damage. If it does, repair it completely before coating. Microcement is a coating material, not a repair material—so defects can telegraph through later.

Also, even if the sink is in perfect condition, cracks can appear if you rush drying times or apply thick coats. Thin layers and patience are your best friends.

Ideas and inspiration for a microcement sink

Microcement sink countertop

Because it has no grout lines and delivers a clean, continuous, straight-lined finish, it can completely transform the look of your bathroom.

Microcement vanity unit

Yes—you can coat a vanity unit with microcement. Try it for a sleek, refined aesthetic that instantly elevates the space.

Built-in microcement sink

For a crisp, streamlined, elegant design… you choose the shape and the style.

Wall-mounted microcement sink

Perfect if you want a more modern, lighter-looking and functional feel.

Pedestal microcement sink

Ideal for a more classic look—or for adding a touch of understated elegance.

Since all of this can feel like a lot, here are a few inspiring ideas and examples of built-in microcement sinks to spark your creativity. Keep your eyes open—you’re going to love these:

The balance of off-white

If your bathroom is small, an off-white sink will visually open up the space and amplify natural light. Simple, yet effortlessly elegant.

The elegance of cool tones

Cool shades bring a sense of calm and sophistication. Paired with neutral tones, the result feels spacious, fresh and contemporary.

The warmth of pinks and beige

Microcement in soft, romantic, warm, powdery tones brings a timeless elegance with a gentle, welcoming feel—perfect if you want a bathroom that feels calm but full of character.

The calm of greens

Green tones are associated with nature, life and renewal—so why not refresh your sink with green microcement? The result is a harmonious, fresh and balanced atmosphere that feels instantly more restorative.

What types of sinks can microcement be applied to?

Microcement is compatible with many materials—so the combinations are endless. To choose the correct primer, you need to identify the type of sink:

Built-in sink

Have you ever dreamed of building a sink from scratch, exactly the way you want it? That’s precisely what a built-in sink means. Whether the base is cement, concrete or mortar, any of these can be coated with microcement. All you need is a primer suitable for absorbent surfaces—like the one included in this application system for built-in sinks.

Existing sink

If you bought a ready-made sink, it’s most likely made of marble, porcelain (or porcelain stoneware), granite or terrazzo. In that case, the step before coating it with microcement is applying a primer for non-absorbent surfaces—like the one used in this system for existing sinks. We can assure you the microcement will bond beautifully and securely.

Whether it’s a built-in sink or an existing one, microcement is applied using a very similar system. As you’ve seen, the key is simply choosing the right primer for your type of sink.

Cleaning and maintenance of a microcement sink

Microcement is very easy to clean, but it does need light maintenance to keep it looking like day one. After each use, rinse away soap residue with water. If you dry it with a cloth afterwards, you’ll prevent water droplets from forming limescale stains.

After the first week (once the varnish is fully cured), you can clean it with water and neutral pH soap. For a deeper clean, use a dedicated product.

Once a year, you can apply a maintenance wax to protect the finish and keep it looking its best. Not mandatory—just a bonus.

Avoid abrasive products like bleach and metal brushes, as they can scratch the surface.

How to make a microcement sink in 4 simple steps (DIY)

Yes, you can do it yourself. Here’s the step-by-step to build a diy microcement sink with a professional-looking result:

1. Prepare the surface properly

Clean, repair any cracks or defects, and apply the correct primer.

2. Apply preparation microcement layers

Stir your preparatory ready-to-use microcement well. Apply thin coats to create a strong, even base. Let it dry and sand to remove imperfections.

3. Apply finishing microcement layers

Repeat with finishing ready-to-use microcement, again in thin coats. Once dry, sand for a refined texture.

4. Seal and protect with varnish

Apply the varnish mix as the final step to increase durability, protect against moisture and prevent stains.

Then… enjoy the satisfaction of seeing what you’ve made with your own hands.

The most common mistakes when applying microcement to a sink (and how to avoid them)

At this point in our guide, it should be crystal clear how to apply microcement correctly. Still, small slip-ups are very common. That’s why we want to walk you through the most frequent mistakes people make when applying microcement to a sink—and how to avoid them.

Not preparing the surface properly

As we’ve mentioned, a solid, well-prepared substrate is what ensures the best adhesion and the best final result. Repair any imperfections and clean the sink thoroughly before applying any product.

Ignoring the drain slope

Make sure the drain has a slope of between 2% and 10% to prevent water from pooling and creating standing water buildup.

Poor priming

Another common mistake is leaving areas unprimed, applying primer unevenly, or using the wrong primer altogether. It’s essential to coat the entire surface with the correct primer depending on whether the substrate is absorbent or non-absorbent.

Applying thick layers

This is not a “the more, the better” situation. What works here is applying an even, thin layer of around 2–3 mm—no more, no less. Otherwise, instead of a beautiful microcement sink, you’ll end up with cracks and fissures.

Not paying attention to edges

Edges are highly visible on many surfaces, yet they’re often not refined properly. If they aren’t smoothed out and finished well, they won’t look as clean and polished as they should.

Poor sealing

Just as poor surface prep affects the final result, poor sealing does too. As we’ve explained, inadequate sealing can allow external moisture to penetrate the sink, leading to visible stains over time.

Not respecting application and drying times

Good things take time—and microcement timings are non-negotiable. Each layer needs time to settle and cure, so you can’t rush the process. If you ignore the recommended times, the result won’t be what you expect.

Not removing soap residue

One of the most common mistakes with a microcement sink is not rinsing away soap residue after every use. It’s easy to assume that because microcement is so durable, it doesn’t need this kind of upkeep.

The good news is that simply rinsing soap residue with water and drying the sink afterwards keeps it looking flawless for much longer—and most importantly, stain-free.

The easiest way to renovate a sink with microcement

Now that you’re familiar with the advantages of microcement (and its drawbacks too), have explored styles that pair beautifully with it, and learned how to apply it correctly, it’s time to introduce the easiest solution of all for fast, DIY application—with a professional finish: ready-to-use microcement.

Ready-to-use microcement is a decorative coating made from water-based resins, additives and mineral pigments. It can be applied directly to a wide range of indoor and outdoor surfaces—tiles, walls, floors, tables, fireplaces, marble, drywall, terrazzo, swimming pools, bathrooms, and more—without demolition work, without permits, and without having to leave your home during the process.

What sets it apart is that it comes ready to use, with no prior mixing or preparation required, which significantly speeds up application. It’s designed as a simple, user-friendly system so homeowners can apply it professionally on almost any surface—no DIY experience required.

This material is designed to completely change the way we see and approach home renovations. It’s practical, versatile, aesthetic, affordable… and above all, incredibly easy to apply. Want to see how it works? We recommend checking out our interactive guide. Plus, our catalog includes different kits tailored to specific substrates and individual project needs.

In summary:

• Ready to use
• Easy and fast to apply, with quick drying times
• Excellent adhesion on virtually any surface
• Flexible, non-shrinking and highly resistant to abrasion
• Available in a wide range of colors and finishes

Microcement sink: price for 2026

Renovating a sink with microcement doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all price, because it’s a highly handcrafted job and the final cost depends on several factors—such as the number of m² you’ll be coating, the price of the material, whether you hire a professional applicator (labour often increases the budget significantly), potential delays with materials or other installation elements, and any unexpected extra hours.

To give you a rough idea of what it might cost to upgrade your bathroom with a microcement sink, microcement prices in 2026 typically range between €60–€100 per m². On top of that, professional labour rates usually fall between €10–€50 per hour, depending on the level and expertise of the specialist you hire—so this is where the budget can rise quite a bit.

If you want to renovate your sink in an easier, simpler and much more affordable way, Smartcret’s ready-to-use microcement is one of the best options you can choose. We offer two microcement sink kits: one for built-in sinks and one for existing sinks.

Each kit includes everything you need based on the number of m², with a fixed, all-in price—so you avoid unpleasant surprises and always know exactly what your project is going to cost.

Recap: is a microcement sink worth it?

In short: choosing to coat a sink with microcement is one of the simplest and most versatile ways to give your bathroom a fresh new look. Not only because you’ll end up with a space full of personality, but because of everything it brings to the table:

• Benefits: durability and resistance, customisation, fast and easy application. Drawbacks (preventable): rising damp, drain slope issues, cracking, or water permeability if not sealed properly.
• Custom design: a wide range of colours and finishes.
• Easy cleaning and maintenance: just water and neutral pH soap.
• Important reminders
  • Check the drain slope
  • Prep the surface properly
  • Apply thin coats
  • Seal well for a flawless finish
  • Respect application and drying times
  • Don’t leave soap residue after each use
• Microcement price in 2026: €60–€100 per m²
• Price of our microcement kits: each kit has a fixed, all-in price.

Discover more ideas and applications for this material in the bathroom by reading our microcement bathrooms article.

FAQs

Does it stain easily?

No, it’s highly stain-resistant. Still, rinse and dry after each use to keep it flawless.

How do you clean a microcement sink?

With a cloth, water and neutral pH soap. For deeper cleaning, use a dedicated product.

How often does it need maintenance?

Is a microcement sink water-resistant?

Yes—once varnished properly.

Can it be applied over ceramic?

Yes, microcement can be applied over ceramic and many other substrates.

What is the price of a microcement bathroom sink?

Microcement is typically €60–€100 per m², plus labor if you hire a professional. Kits offer fixed pricing with all materials included.

Can rising damp affect it?

It can—on certain substrates. Proper priming is the best prevention.