Plastering bathroom walls: tips and mistakes to avoid

Why choose microcement to plaster bathroom walls?

Plastering your bathroom walls isn’t only about protecting them from moisture—it’s also a way to add an aesthetic dimension to the room. Microcement stands out as one of the best options for this kind of project, thanks to its ability to create a waterproof barrier that protects walls from splashes and steam. In addition to being highly moisture-resistant, it’s easy to customize thanks to a wide palette of colors and finishes, and it’s easy to maintain day to day.

In this article, we’ll look at why microcement is an excellent choice for plastering bathroom walls. This guide will walk you step by step through the application stages, giving you practical tips to achieve an optimal result. We’ll also cover the most common mistakes to avoid, to help you create a finish that is not only durable, but also aesthetically harmonious. This way, you’ll have all the information you need to carry out your project.

Advantages of microcement for bathroom walls

Moisture resistance

Microcement coating stands out for its excellent resistance to moisture—an essential advantage for protecting bathroom walls. Unlike a walk-in shower, where direct exposure to water is frequent, walls are subjected to splashes and more moderate ambient humidity. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to apply microcement correctly, adding an extra protective layer (varnish or wax) to ensure a long-lasting waterproof barrier. This resistance makes decorative microcement an ideal option for preventing mold and water infiltration.

Customization

Waxed mineral coating stands out for its many customization options. It is available in a wide palette of colors, from neutral tones such as gray or beige to more vibrant shades for bold designs. It also offers different finishes, from matte to glossy, or with textured effects to suit different decorative styles. Whether you’re looking for a modern, minimalist result or a warmer atmosphere, microcement lets you create a unique, tailor-made space in harmony with your preferences.

Aesthetics

Microcement offers great freedom of customization, especially when applied over large surfaces such as bathroom walls. Thanks to a wide palette of colors and finishes, it makes it possible to create a space that is both unique and elegant. One of the most important aspects during application is achieving a smooth, even result. This type of finish adds a contemporary, minimalist touch and enhances the space—particularly in modern, clean-lined bathrooms.

Versatile and easy to apply

Microcement stands out for its versatility. It adheres easily to a variety of surfaces such as plasterboard, tile, or concrete, making it ideal for walls. Applying it in thin layers with a trowel makes installation easier, especially compared with more complex plasters like tadelakt. The latter requires hand polishing, whereas decorative microcement offers a faster application process. Thanks to this flexibility and adaptability, it’s a practical option for renovations without major work.

Easy maintenance

Microcement offers a real advantage for bathroom walls thanks to how easy it is to maintain. Light splashes, common in this room, are easily cleaned with a simple damp cloth. Unlike other materials, waxed mineral coating doesn’t trap dirt and stands up well to gentle cleaning products. In addition, applying a protective layer (varnish or wax) ensures the walls stay in good condition without complex or regular treatments, while preserving their aesthetic appearance.

Microcement:

• Advantages: moisture-resistant, modern, seamless, customizable (colors, finishes)
• Drawbacks: requires good wall preparation and methodical application
• Ease of application: relatively easy, but requires precision
• Cost: medium to high

Tadelakt:

• Advantages: waterproof, natural, glossy aesthetic, ideal for an exotic finish
• Drawbacks: complex application, requires hand polishing
• Ease of application: difficult, requires artisanal know-how
• Cost: high

Lime plaster:

• Advantages: breathable, anti-mold, textured and rustic look
• Drawbacks: less water-resistant, more frequent maintenance
• Ease of application: relatively simple to apply
• Cost: medium

How to plaster a bathroom wall with microcement: wall-specific steps

Preparing the walls to be plastered

Preparation for plastering bathroom walls before applying microcement or any other decorative coating starts with thorough cleaning. Remove any traces of dust, resins, glues or other soft substances, moisture, or peeling paint to ensure a sound, clean surface. This cleaning maximizes the adhesion of the primer and decorative microcement, while preventing visible defects once the coating is applied.

Next, make sure the walls you’re plastering are level. Cracks, holes, or grooves left by old joints must be filled with a repair filler. This step ensures the surface is perfectly smooth before applying microcement. A specific primer is recommended for a uniform, durable finish—especially on large wall areas.

In fact, you’ll need to choose between a primer for absorbent surfaces such as plasterboard or non-absorbent surfaces such as tile.

Applying the microcement coating on the walls

Applying microcement on bathroom walls requires following a precise order, but one that is easy to follow, to ensure an even finish. The large surface area of walls calls for precision, applying the product in thin, regular layers. Working in sections makes it easier to manage microcement drying and avoid unevenness.

Using the right tools, such as a trowel or a roller depending on the effect you want, helps you achieve a controlled, well-defined result. Are you more into a textured effect or smooth surfaces? Special attention must be paid to transition zones between sections to ensure visual continuity across the entire wall surface, avoiding poorly executed joins that could spoil the final look.

Sanding and finishing

Sanding microcement walls requires special attention. The larger the surface to sand, the more important it is to achieve a uniform result.

After the coating has fully dried, light sanding with fine-grit abrasive paper helps remove small irregularities and achieve an even surface. On walls, this step helps prevent unwanted visible marks—especially if you’ve chosen a smooth roller effect. Careful finishing ensures an impeccable aesthetic across the entire wall surface.

Protecting the walls

Once the microcement has been applied and sanded, the final step is to protect the walls to ensure durability. Although water exposure is less intense than in a shower, splashes and ambient humidity require applying a waterproofing layer of varnish or wax.

This final treatment seals the microcement surface, strengthening its resistance to moisture and making it easier to maintain. Applying a waterproof varnish or wax plays a key role in protecting the walls, preventing water or stains from penetrating the coating.

In addition to preserving the aesthetic appearance of the walls, properly applied protection reinforces the microcement surface. The varnish acts as a hardening layer, offering greater resistance to scratches and impacts. This protective barrier therefore extends the durability of the coating, while keeping its well-kept appearance in the face of everyday wear and tear.

Common mistakes to avoid when applying microcement on walls

Poor surface preparation

Properly preparing the walls before applying microcement ensures good adhesion and a flawless final result. If dust or paint residue remains, it can hinder the coating’s application and reduce its effectiveness.

In addition, cracks or holes that aren’t filled create visible irregularities. Careful cleaning combined with fixing imperfections ensures a smooth, solid base, maximizing microcement’s durability and performance.

Not respecting drying times

One of the most common mistakes when applying microcement is not respecting drying times between coats. DIY impatience sometimes gets the better of people. Each application stage requires sufficient drying time to allow the coating to stabilize and to avoid cracks or other visible defects on the walls.

Failing to respect these timeframes can cause poor adhesion, cracking, or uneven areas. That’s why it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure a uniform, long-lasting finish. It’s better to wait too long than not long enough.

Finishing defects (unevenness, marks)

Applying microcement on large wall surfaces comes with specific challenges. One of the most frequent mistakes is leaving unevenness or visible marks due to overly superficial preparation, poor application, or insufficient sanding. These imperfections can ruin the final aesthetic, especially on wide surfaces.

To avoid this, it’s best to work methodically, applying microcement evenly and sanding carefully after each coat. Paying attention to detail helps you achieve a smooth, professional result—as close as possible to what you had in mind when you started your renovation project.

If you happen to decide to extend microcement coating to your entire bathroom, our article microcement in the shower: a beginner’s guide might interest you.

Maintaining microcement-coated bathroom walls

Daily maintenance

Microcement maintenance is simple, so it’s easy to preserve its appearance and durability. Using a soft cloth with soapy water removes dirt and splashes without damaging the surface. It’s recommended to prioritize gentle, non-abrasive cleaning products so as not to alter the microcement’s protective layer. Avoid cleaners containing harsh components such as ammonia or acid, as well as the abrasive side of sponges, as they can damage the finish and create visible micro-scratches.

Long-term maintenance

To ensure the durability of microcement walls, longer-term maintenance is necessary. Every two or three years, it’s advisable to reapply a coat of waterproof varnish or wax. This additional treatment reinforces moisture resistance and protects the surface against wear. Besides improving durability, this layer maintains the decorative microcement’s aesthetics by preserving its smooth, glossy look. This reapplication process is simple and helps extend the life of the walls while making upkeep easier.

Conclusion

Plastering bathroom walls with microcement is both an aesthetic and functional choice. This material offers effective protection against moisture, while also being easy to maintain and customize. By following the application steps, avoiding common mistakes, and ensuring regular maintenance, you guarantee the durability and impeccable look of your walls.

Thanks to its versatility and its many advantages, microcement remains the ideal solution to transform and protect your bathroom walls in a long-lasting, elegant way.

FAQ: Specifics of bathroom wall coatings

What coating for bathroom walls?

Suitable coatings for bathroom walls include microcement, tadelakt, and lime plasters. These materials offer excellent protection against moisture, while also being aesthetic. Decorative microcement is especially appreciated for its resistance and modern finish, while tadelakt—more traditional—adds an exotic touch.

What coating should you use on a damp wall?

For damp walls, it’s recommended to use moisture-resistant coatings such as microcement or tadelakt. These materials are waterproof and prevent water infiltration, while providing long-lasting protection against mold.

However, while it’s important to consider the type of coating, it’s equally important for the success of your project to think about the compatibility of substrates for microcement. Indeed, depending on the substrate, you’ll need to adapt the application and also choose a compatible wall coating.

This is decided especially when applying the primer you’ll need to choose: does the moisture come from the wall or from the room? Is the surface absorbent or non-absorbent? Flat and smooth surface, or the presence of grout lines or other roughness?

How do you cover bathroom walls?

To cover bathroom walls, there are different options: apply a decorative coating like microcement, install tiles, or use moisture-resistant wall panels. Coating is ideal for a smooth, seamless effect, while tiles and panels offer more traditional solutions.

How do you waterproof a bathroom wall?

To waterproof a bathroom wall, you first need to apply a waterproofing base coat, followed by a finish such as microcement or a waterproof plaster. Then a final coat of waterproof varnish or wax is necessary to reinforce moisture protection and ensure the wall’s durability.