Practical (and easy!) tips to avoid microcement problems

The trending coating has a name. And it’s called microcement. The reason for its popularity could be described as its ability to create the perfect balance between absolute functionality and stunning aesthetics. A harmony that almost no other material can boast.

It is resistant, durable and easy to apply, enhances spaces and, on top of that, its finish can be customised. These qualities have made it a winning choice for all kinds of renovations and interior design projects. What’s more, it is compatible with the most traditional materials and can be applied over any type of surface without building work.

Despite its success, as with any other coating, problems with microcement can also arise at some point. Don’t panic! At Smartcret, we have some super easy tricks to help you avoid them. With our expert tips, you’ll prevent any possible issues before, during and after applying this on-trend material. Pay attention...

Renovation carried out by @evergreenrestorations

 

Microcement: do you know everything about it?

Even if you’ve heard its name a thousand and one times, there are still details about microcement that are well worth knowing.

It withstands constant foot traffic, abrasion wear and all kinds of harsh weather conditions. Impacts? They are not usually a problem either. Microcement surfaces are ready for anything.

Another of its strong points is how easy it is to apply. It adheres to a wide variety of substrates without the need to remove the previous material, without building work and without generating rubble. What’s more, in the case of Smartcret’s ready-to-use microcement, you can apply it yourself.

Its seamless finish makes rooms feel more spacious and brighter. In addition, with ready-to-use microcement, as it is a continuous and customisable coating, you can renovate surfaces and create spaces with a colour palette that adapts to your style and personality.

 

Microcement: why it sparks mixed opinions

Its mechanical resistance and unmistakable aesthetics leave no one indifferent. That’s why reviews of microcement are overwhelmingly positive. There wouldn’t be a better slogan to describe it than saying it gives you just what you need, no more, no less. Resistance, durability, and protection on all types of surfaces, enhanced by an appearance as sophisticated as it is avant-garde.

Although it’s impossible to please everyone, we can safely say that this decorative coating has managed to win over the vast majority of users. Negative reviews of microcement can often arise from a lack of knowledge or information about the material. Let’s not forget that, despite having been around for years, it may still be unfamiliar to many.

And that’s why we’re here: to clear up any doubts and show you what the most common (and avoidable!!) problems are, and how you can anticipate them to prevent falling into the same traps.

Get ahead of potential microcement problems!

Problems with microcement usually arise due to completely avoidable mistakes, such as poor surface preparation, incorrect application or choosing unsuitable products. Product quality and following the application process properly are key to achieving the best possible result.

Renovation carried out by @chrissys_blog

 

Even so, to help you anticipate and avoid these issues, we’re going to reveal a few very simple tricks.

1. Apply microcement at a temperature between 15ºC and 25ºC

Many microcement problems can be avoided by respecting the proper application conditions. One of the most important factors is temperature. 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 microcement outside this range may increase the risk of issues during application and drying. Cold, humidity, condensation or excessive heat can affect adhesion, speed up or slow down the drying of the material and cause visible defects in the finish.

That is why, if the room is not within the recommended range, it must be conditioned before starting. From +5°C, it is recommended to use ambient heating that provides uniform and gradual warming, avoiding directing heat sources straight onto the substrate. On the other hand, if the temperature exceeds +30°C, it is advisable to ventilate during the coolest hours of the day, prevent direct sunlight from entering and, if necessary, use air conditioning or ambient cooling indirectly.

In addition, microcement must not be applied on cold, frozen, frosty or condensation-covered substrates, nor on overheated surfaces, surfaces exposed to direct sunlight or surfaces subjected to wind or draughts. These situations may cause premature water evaporation, loss of adhesion, trowel marks, porosity, surface cracking and even colour differences. Keeping environmental conditions stable throughout the entire application and drying process of the system is key to avoiding problems with microcement.

2. Pigmentation problems

Another common issue with microcement is directly related to improper pigment mixing, either by not respecting the dosage or failing to shake it properly so that both products blend well.

Forget about this with our ready-to-use microcement. Our products come pre-mixed and pre-pigmented with the color of your choice. One less worry!

3. Always follow the application steps

We know that one of the great attractions of our ready-to-use microcement is how easy and simple it is to apply. But be careful: that does not mean it should be done carelessly. Because even though the process with Smartcret is much more convenient than with other microcements, the application steps must be followed to the letter. To help you, you can rely on our interactive application guide.

Renovation carried out by @grange_moi

 

4. Properly prepare the substrate to avoid future microcement problems

Ensuring a complete bond between the substrate and the coating is one of the key factors in preventing many potential issues with microcement. For this reason, it is always necessary to prepare the surfaces in advance, including repairing any defects or irregularities that the substrate might have.

At Smartcret, we offer a primer for absorbent surfaces, Smart Primer ABS, and another for non-absorbent surfaces, Smart Primer Plus. Both help even out the surface to guarantee perfect adhesion of the coating to the substrate.

If the surface to be coated is tiled, we have a real must-have you shouldn’t miss: Smart Jointer. This filling putty is used to cover the joints, smoothing the tiled surface before applying the microcement.

Proper surface preparation is essential to prevent microcement problems.

5. Choose quality microcement and forget about cracks and fissures

Cracks and fissures usually appear mainly for the following reasons: poor product quality, poor surface preparation and incorrect application.

Our Made in Spain products are produced by qualified technicians who check each and every stage of the manufacturing process. A ready-to-use microcement whose nature and ease of application do not prevent it from offering excellent performance and results worthy of a professional applicator.

To avoid the appearance of cracks or fissures, always remember to seal the coated surface properly. Smart Varnish is a sealing varnish designed to protect the new coating and ensure that future microcement problems do not appear.

6. Not renewing the sealer on time

Failing to renew the microcement sealer at the appropriate intervals is one of the most common causes of microcement problems. Many serious defects appear when the renewal of the sealer is delayed beyond its real functional service life. Most people only act when the wear is already obvious and, at that point, the margin for action is much smaller.

Although microcement is a highly resistant material with simple maintenance requirements, it is not invincible. Regular cleaning with a vacuum cleaner, dry mop or a cloth slightly dampened with neutral detergent is enough to keep the surface in good condition. However, over time, its protection against abrasion wear, foot traffic, humidity and contact with water gradually decreases.

That is why, when the time comes, it is essential to renew the layer of microcement sealer. This renewal helps maintain the protective capacity of the coating and prevents stains, water absorption, darkening, premature wear and other damage caused by a poorly protected surface.

The recommended frequency for renewing the sealer layer is every 2 years in wet areas such as bathrooms, showers and kitchens. These are more demanding spaces where irreversible stains, unwanted water absorption, darkening, contamination and other issues often appear more frequently.

For other rooms with less demanding surfaces, such as living rooms or bedrooms, we recommend renewing the sealer layer every 3 or 4 years.

Renovation carried out by @shufalek

If you want to make sure you have quality products to prepare, apply and protect your microcement, in our microcement shop you will find everything you need to transform your home without complications. From primers, varnishes, cleaners and maintenance waxes to ready-to-use microcement kits so you can renovate your surfaces yourself and move much faster with your renovation.

Benefits that will make you forget about microcement problems

Want proof? Here are the advantages that will make these minor inconveniences practically invisible.

Easy, quick and even fun application

Our ready-to-use microcement is something you can apply yourself, with your own hands, at your own pace, in your own style, and whenever you want or feel like it. Apply it directly onto the surface to be coated without needing to remove the previous one. External contractors and tedious, lengthy, and boring construction work? No more. Now you hold the power to create!

A free pass to renovate all types of surfaces

Our ready-to-use microcement is as flexible as it is adhesive to all types of substrates: tiles, ceramics, drywall, cement, marble, plaster, concrete... Who said limits? However, wood or parquet can be tricky, so avoid applying it to these materials.

Preserve the dimensions of your rooms

You might feel a bit nervous about applying it directly onto the substrate, worrying that your spaces might feel smaller. Don’t worry—you can put that idea aside. Our ready-to-use microcement is applied in a thin layer that maintains structural integrity and prevents any reduction in surface dimensions after application.

Durable and resistant microcement

A material whose properties don’t fade over time.

The magic of choosing your favorite color

If microcement stands out for anything, it is for being practical and functional. But what about being able to personalise its look too? Microcement comes in a wide range of colours so you can adapt the finish in a completely customised way.

Beautify any room with microcement

If there’s one thing that’s particularly visually appealing, it’s perceiving open spaces without seams or interruption lines. Microcement, being a continuous coating, creates fine, smooth, and silky surfaces that add an unparalleled beauty to spaces, making them feel more spacious and luminous. It’s a material that combines modernity with delicacy, creating environments that are as contemporary as they are sophisticated.