What to expect
On walls the argument for microcement is geometry. Because it is applied wet and thin it follows whatever it is put on - a flat plasterboard plane, a curved reveal, a column, a soffit - and arrives as one surface with no panel joints to set out and no trims to detail.
It is also a resurfacing material. Existing tiled walls can be prepared and covered rather than stripped, which is often the difference between a refurbishment that closes a building and one that does not.
Microcement is a cement-based, durable, low-VOC finish. It is not clay or lime plaster, and we do not call it natural or breathable. If vapour-open behaviour is what the specification is after, clay or lime is the honest answer and we will say so.
In practice
- Applied over plasterboard, cement render, blockwork or prepared existing tile
- Continuous around curves, columns, reveals and soffits with no panel joints
- Colour carried through the body of the material rather than applied over it
- Sealed to suit the room, including splash zones and heavy-contact areas
- A resurfacing route that avoids stripping existing finishes
Specify it
| Applied thickness | Approximately 1 to 2 mm over the prepared substrate |
|---|---|
| Substrate | Plasterboard, render, blockwork or sound existing tile, primed as specified |
| Finish | From close and even to openly trowelled - agreed on the sample panel |
| Colour | Selected from the range against an approved sample panel |
| Sealer | Selected for the room and cleaning regime; a maintenance item |
Microcement is a durable, low-VOC cement-based finish. It is not a natural or vapour-open material — for that, see clay plaster or lime plaster. Emission and content testing is published by the manufacturer.
View evidence — Cemher VOC emissions certificate (PDF, 0.8 MB)Walls in place
Delivered work, photographed on site. Photography: Conmarble.
Featured projects
Built with this material, by our own artisans. Open the project for the full set of photographs and the story of the installation.
Technical support for the design team
We supply the material and we apply it, so the specification and the workmanship sit with one party. Send a finishes schedule, an elevation or a mood board and we will come back with the system, the build-up, the sample programme and a completed clause.