The different types and ways of using microcement

Microcement is rapidly gaining in popularity in interior design and architectural projects due to a great many reasons. The elegance with which it can finish off a surface is one. The fact that it can do what it does on just about any surface is another. That it can be variably adapted to make entirely unique colours is yet one more.

It’s flexible and durable and manages to be both whilst also maintaining a beautiful finish. These are great reasons for why this way of finishing is so popular right now. But we, at Microcement Kenya, would like to add two more (potentially less flashy, more understated) reasons why microcement is so popular.

Firstly, after it’s applied, it only adds on 2 millimetres of thickness and, secondly, it can be applied on top of existing surfaces. These two reasons might not ring as well as phrases that include the words ‘elegance’ and ‘variably adapted’ but they’re just as, if not more important for home owners and designers. It is these two reasons that make microcement the incredible finishing option it is.

“Microcement is not a paint, it is a process”

It’s elegant, it’s unique, you can put it on top of what’s already there, it’s not going to require you to refit door and window frames because its so thinly applied, and its durable. It’s all of these things because of how it is made.

Microcement, as Microcement Kenya’s owner and founder likes to say, is not a paint, it’s a process. There are a variety of steps that take your surface from what it once was to the microcement finish you’ve decided on. We prepare the surface, add a substrate, a base coat, two topping coats and then a sealant. We do all of this after we’ve created the colour and texture you want to use.

It is because it’s a process that microcement achieves its remarkable adaptability. And it is remarkable. It’s almost unfair to describe the different ‘types’ of microcement because, really, it can be made to do most of what you want it to. That said, it is sometimes helpful to those who aren’t familiar with microcement to learn the different types and the different ways in which microcement can be made to work.

Standard microcement. Standard microcement serves as the foundation of this versatile material. Comprising a blend of cement, polymers, and fine aggregates, it offers exceptional adhesion to various surfaces. Standard microcement is renowned for its durability and resistance to abrasion, making it suitable for high-traffic areas like floors and countertops. Its seamless finish adds a touch of sophistication to spaces, making it a preferred choice in modern interior design.

Textured microcement. Textured microcement introduces a tactile dimension to surfaces, providing a sense of depth and character. Unlike standard microcement, which boasts a smooth finish, textured microcement incorporates additives to create unique patterns and textures. This type of microcement is particularly popular for feature walls, accentuating architectural elements with its intriguing tactile qualities. It offers designers a canvas to experiment with texture, adding visual interest to interior spaces.

Metallic microcement. For those seeking a touch of luxury, metallic microcement is an excellent choice. Infused with metallic pigments, metallic microcement finishes can be given an almost reflective sheen. Metallic microcement adds glamour to surfaces, making it ideal for upscale residential and commercial projects. Whether used on floors, walls, or furniture, its reflective surface imparts a sense of grandeur and sophistication to any space.

At Microcement Kenya, we’ve created many different metallic microcement finishes but the ones we apply most often are gold, copper, steel, brass.

Waterproof microcement. Waterproof microcement addresses the need of moisture-resistant surfaces in areas prone to water exposure, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor spaces. We’ve even used it to finish the interior of pools which is no small feat considering as those are surfaces constantly underwater

Formulated with specialized additives, this type of microcement forms a protective barrier against water infiltration, preventing damage and deterioration. We think it’s a beautiful way of finishing the inside of your pool and we’ve got two colours that we presently use to do this: white and off-white.

Anti-slip microcement. Safety is paramount, especially in environments where slip hazards pose a risk. Anti-slip microcement incorporates additives that enhance traction, reducing the likelihood of slips and falls. Whether applied to floors in residential homes, commercial establishments, or outdoor spaces, anti-slip microcement offers peace of mind without compromising on style. Its textured surface provides grip without sacrificing the seamless finish synonymous with microcement.

Microcement for furniture. This is where it gets surprising. Some of you will have been aware, before reading this article, of microcement’s application on floors and walls but it is increasingly being used to cover furniture. It needs a rough surface to start and we stick an epoxy primer and a quartz-based, gritty layer on before we begin with the microcement but it’s a very similar process to finishing other surfaces.