Microcement in the bathroom

Modern trends in bathroom design focus on three aspects: functionality, aesthetics and durability of materials. One innovative solution gaining popularity in bathroom design and renovation is microcement. It is a versatile material that gives the interior a modern look, but also provides durability and easy care. In addition, it can be used in wet areas, such as the shower, shower tray or countertop under the sink to create a bathroom without tiles. In this article we will take a closer look at the use of microcement in the bathroom. We will discover its properties, guide you through the process of microcement application and give you tips on how to create a bathroom that is not only functional, but also an ideal space for relaxation.

Microcement in the shower – wall and floor finished with microcement in FF9002 Grey White color (©Jagody Studio)

Why microcement in the bathroom is a good choice?

Choosing materials that are moisture-resistant and easy to clean is a key element when choosing a bathroom finish. Choosing microcement is an excellent decision for those looking for a durable, aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-clean material.

What distinguishes microcement from other bathroom finishing materials:

WATER RESISTANCE
HYDROFEST microcement is waterproof and doesn’t require a system waterproofing. Only the use of sealing tapes is required at wall and wall/floor joints. HYDROFEST is an ideal finish for use in bathrooms, kitchens and laundries, as well as on bathroom and kitchen worktops.

CAN BE USED ON TILES 
Festfloor® microcement is characterized by high adhesion to the substrate and can be applied over tiles without scraping them. It requires the use of a substrate reinforcement kit before applying microcement. Read more about microcement on tiles below.

EASE OF CARE
The bathroom is a space where we are particularly concerned about cleanliness, ensuring comfort and safety for ourselves and loved ones. Therefore, the choice of appropriate materials and finishing solutions becomes important. A unique feature of microcement is the absence of joints, which eliminates the risk of moisture accumulation and makes it easier to keep the bathroom clean.

WIDE COLOR PALETTE
HYDROFEST microcement is available in a wide range of colors, allowing you to match the color to your personal preferences and interior style. In addition to the standard color palette, HydroFest! microcement is also available in RAL and NCS colors.

Microcement wall in the bathroom

Microcement is an innovative solution for creating a modern and functional bathroom. Microcement on bathroom walls can be used in a wide variety of finishing styles, so it can be customized to suit individual aesthetic preferences and the character of the interior. Its versatility and durability make it an increasingly popular choice among designers and homeowners. Its wide range of colors and ability to be used on a variety of surfaces allow you to create a unique bathroom space that will delight for years to come.

Microcement walls blend well with different styles of bathroom finishes:
– Modern style bathroom – the uniform surface makes microcement an ideal choice for a modern design.
– Industrial style bathroom – the raw aesthetics and burn-through effect on microcement harmonize with the factory-inspired style.
– Scandinavian-style bathroom – microcement, especially in light shades, works well with the aesthetics of this style. Thanks to the groutlessness of microcement, the walls create a cohesive space with the rest of the finishes in this interior.
– Boho style bathroom – beige microcement fits perfectly into this style of interior design. Microcement surfaces provide the perfect backdrop for natural decorative elements, such as wood.

 

 

Beige microcement on the bathroom wall and floor | Photo: Stone House Atelier.

BATHROOM – WHAT TO COVER THE WALL WITH

It is worth bearing in mind that not all products available on the market provide resistance to moisture, so choosing microcement is the right decision. Finishing the walls in the bathroom, exposed to contact with hot steam or directly with water (for example, in the shower, the sink or the bathtub) requires proper preparation. The Festfloor® microcement system consists of several layers that combine to form a decorative, water-resistant coating, thanks to the HydroFest microcement. Proper impregnation with sealer, included in the microcement kit for the bathroom, and the use of a primer under the sealer, will guarantee the tightness of the completed coating and resistance to abrasion.

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Microcement shower in the bathroom

In the bathroom, every detail plays an important role, but in the case of the shower, it is important that the choice of its finish takes into account not only the visual aspects, but above all the functional ones. To make your shower practical and solid, choose microcement. Microcement HydroFest in a bathroom shower is a solution that, thanks to its resistance to water, will provide a durable and easy-to-clean finish for the floor. Its joint-free surface eliminates the risk of dirt accumulation and mold growth, making the shower friendly and easy to care for. Microcement can be used for both shower floor and wall finishes, as well as shower trays.

 

Is it necessary to apply waterproofing tape at the connection between the wall and floor of the shower?

 

Yes. HydroFest microcement provides permanent moisture protection and eliminates the need for a waterproofing layer over the entire surface, but requires the use of ultra-thin sealing tapes at the wall junction, wall-to-floor and around the shower drain. Simply paste it onto a pre-primed surface and coat it with HydroFest compound to ensure a durable and reliable seal. It’s a simple way to provide long-lasting protection against leaks.

Microcement in the bathroom | Photo: @thehouseofus_only

Microcement shelf on the shower wall

Shelves made of microcement not only offer practical storage but also add a distinctive accent to a space, combining functionality with aesthetics.  In the living room they provide the perfect backdrop for colorful accessories, and in the bathroom, in addition to their decorative function, they provide a place to store bathing cosmetics. They are useful not only around the bathtub, but also in the shower.

 

Advantages of microcement shelves in the shower:
– water resistance –  HydroFest microcement system can be used in a place with high humidity, it is ideal for use in a moist bathroom environment, such as a shower;
– ease of cleaning – the microcement surface is jointless and easy to clean. The shelves can be easily cleaned with mild detergents, making it simple and quick to keep them in perfect condition;
– durability – microcement is an abrasion-resistant material, so shelves of microcement in the shower can withstand daily use for many years, maintaining their attractive appearance.

Microcement shelf in the bathroom shower, color on individual order | Project: The Oak Apple Decor

 

Microcement on walk-in shower tray with linear drain

Currently, walk-in showers with a linear drain are very popular in interior trends. The modern, minimalist form of the shower not only adds space to the bathroom, but also provides convenience. The no-threshold design of a shower with a flat, linear drain not only makes it easy to access the shower, but also creates a striking and neat appearance. Such showers are often finished with microcement.

Once the drain is installed and the fall is properly shaped, usually with a cement screed, a comprehensive waterproofing system is required. This usually includes the use of waterproofing tapes or bandages around the drain, as well as at the wall-floor connection, or the application of liquid waterproofing over the entire floor surface. By choosing HYDROFEST microcement, there is no need to apply waterproofing to the entire surface, only waterproofing tapes around the drain and at the wall and wall-to-floor joints.

Replacing a traditional shower tray with a walk-in finished with microcement makes the shower user-friendly and clean. By using microcement on the walls, floor and shower in the bathroom, you will add cohesion to the interior and optically enlarge the small space.

Before starting work, it is recommended to carefully read the technical data sheets attached to the used products – they contain all the relevant information needed for their application.

The shower will be ready for full use after seven days from the application of the sealer. After this time, the sealer will gain full strength, providing effective protection against moisture and dirt.

Microcement in the shower with a linear drain | Contractor: Twoja Ściana

See our video on microcement application at a linear drain.
Watch the video on YouTube and don't forget to turn on subtitles in your language.

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Microcement or tiles?

A bathroom without tiles is an increasingly popular solution among those looking for modern, unusual interior designs. Instead of traditional ceramic tiles, other finishing materials such as micro-cement, architectural concrete or natural stone are often used. This approach to bathroom design allows the creation of a unique aesthetic that reflects the owner’s individual style and preferences. A microcement bathroom without tiles is easier to clean, as there are no joints that can get dirty and require regular cleaning. It is also worth paying attention to adequately protect the walls and floors from moisture, especially in areas exposed to water, such as showers and washbasins. HydroFest microcement is water-resistant and maintains its aesthetic and mechanical properties even when in contact with water. Although ceramic tiles are a popular and proven material for finishing a bathroom, they do have some limitations:
– difficulty in installation – laying ceramic tiles can be complicated and time-consuming, especially for those without experience in renovation work. The need to cut and lay tiles with precision can be a hassle.
– grout and cleaning problems – grout-filled spaces between tiles get dirty easily. They require regular and time-consuming cleaning to avoid the build-up of mould and other contaminants in the gaps.
– limited design options – the choice of ceramic tiles can be limited by the availability of patterns, colours and sizes, which may not be sufficient for those looking for unusual, personalised solutions. HydroFest microcement is available in 2000 colors from the RAL and NCS palette.

Therefore, before deciding to create a bathroom without tiles, HydroFest microcement is worth considering .

White microcement in a bathroom | Contractor: Best Home Deco | Photo: Magda Ł.

Microcement on tiles – how to renovate your bathroom

Bathroom renovation without removing tiles

Is it possible to renovate the bathroom without removing the tiles? Yes, if you apply microcement HYDROFEST. Microcement can be applied over tiles without having to scrape them off. However, this requires proper preparation of the substrate, as microcement is only a decorative layer. The substrate must be prepared so that it creates a consistent and durable surface with microcement, and the joints do not break through. A requirement for laying microcement on the tiles is also that they must be in good condition and solidly adhere to the substrate.

The stages of work that must be done to properly lay microcement on tiles:
1. Start by roughening the tiles with a grinder
2. Then fill the joints with tile adhesive or other suitable mortar.
3. Place FEST KONTAKT bonding bridge with fiberglass mesh on the walls, and FESTFLOOR BASE with fiberglass mesh on the floor. You can find these products in the floor reinforcement set, here.
4. Now you can proceed with the application of microcement: surface primer, first layer of microcement, sanding, vacuuming, second layer of microcement, sanding, vacuuming, primer under sealer, sealer (2 coats). See a ready-made set of products for a 5m2 or 10m2 bathroom.

Before you start working with our products, read the technical data sheets that come with the products used – these documents contain all the relevant information about their use and application.

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Renovating an old bathroom without removing tiles:
1. Bathroom BEFORE applying microcement to tiles
2. Bathroom AFTER application of microcement on tiles | Product: Festfloor Go! FF2005CB Classic Beige, matt sealer

Microcement on bathroom countertop

A microcement countertop in the bathroom is a solution that combines aesthetics, functionality and durability. Microcement is a special mixture containing polymers, providing exceptional adhesion, flexibility and resistance to moisture, making its use on a countertop in the bathroom an accurate choice. Thanks to proper impregnation with a dedicated sealer (using a primer that strengthens the properties of the sealer) the countertop next to the sink, will be resistant to water, dirt and abrasion. The joint-free, smooth surface of microcement on the countertop will be easy to clean, and will also create a consistent aesthetic with microcement walls.

 

For a countertop made of microcement, we recommend kit HYDROFEST for worktops 5m2, which are ideal for cladding furniture, countertops and cabinet fronts.

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Microcement walls and countertop in the bathroom | Product: Festfloor Go!, color NCS S 0500-N | Photo: @caldera.studioo

Antibacterial coating

NANO SILVER PLUS with silver nanoparticles

Nano Silver Plus is a series of products enabling the creation of coatings that eliminate microorganisms. The silver nanoparticles contained in Nano Silver Plus effectively limit the growth of bacteria and fungi, as a result of which surfaces coated with these products become more hygienic. The products in this range, when added to a suitable varnish/sealer, will create a protective barrier against micro-organisms in areas where a high standard of hygiene is required, such as medical facilities, hospitals, beauty salons, as well as in bathrooms and rooms with increased humidity. A good place to use Nano Silver Plus is also a bathroom countertop.

 

The Nano Silver Plus range includes:

Additive with silver ions for water-based

♦ Nano Silver Plus WB 25g – dedicated to the sealer PU FEST 2K 1.2kg,
♦ Nano Silver Plus WB 120g – dedicated to sealer PU FEST 2K 6kg.

Additive with silver ions for solvent sealer

♦ Nano Silver Plus SB 25g – dedicated to PU sealer FEST TURBO 1.2kg,
♦ Nano Silver Plus SB 150g – dedicated to PU sealer FEST TURBO 7.5kg.

Microcement floor in bathroom

Microcement floor in a bathroom | Contractor: Projekt Mikrocement

The bathroom floor plays a key role in terms of both functionality and visual appeal. It should be easy to clean and extremely resistant to moisture, due to frequent exposure to water and steam. Choosing the right flooring material can significantly affect the final appearance and comfort of the bathroom. In addition, bathroom floor is also an important design element that can add character to the room and match the chosen interior style. Therefore, it is worth thinking carefully about the choice of bathroom flooring, so that it meets all requirements.

 

BATHROOM – WHAT TO LAY ON THE FLOOR

 

Microcement is a material that allows you to create a uniform surface on the floor. It can be used on floors, walls and stairs, as a finish for furniture and countertops, as well as in wet areas, allowing you to create a consistent look throughout the room. The primary usable surface is the floor. The right choice of its finish is very important, especially when it refers to the bathroom floor.

Choosing microcement for bathroom flooring brings many practical benefits. HydroFest microcement, thanks to its resistance to water and moisture, is ideal for the wet area, providing a durable and easy to maintain surface. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent is all that is needed to maintain its excellent appearance. Microcement is also abrasion resistant, making it ideal for frequently used areas such as the bathroom.

How to finish the connection between the walls and the floor in the bathroom?

Since waterproofing tapes are usually used to secure the wall-floor joint, there is no need to transfer expansion joints to microcement. Waterproofing tapes will absorb stresses from building movements, preventing cracks from forming in this area.

MICROCEMENT IN THE BATHROOM STEP BY STEP

How to make microcement in a bathroom in 5 steps

In the bathroom, as in any other room, proper preparation of the substrate prior to microcement application is crucial for a lasting and aesthetically pleasing result. Below we will discuss the steps needed for proper surface preparation and the process of applying microcement in the bathroom. We will also tell you about the necessary microcement kits for the bathroom and the tools needed when working with this material.

A. ASSESSMENT OF THE SUBSTRATE QUALITY

How to prepare the substrate for microcement in wet areas?

 

Proper assessment of the quality of the substrate is crucial and decisive for the entire renovation process. The substrate for microcement should be bearing, without loose parts, the screed must be not too fresh ( a minimum of 28 days must be waited). Make sure that the substrate is clean, dry and stable to guarantee the durability and strength of the applied microcement layer. If the substrate is of questionable quality or you are not confident in your skills in preparing it, it is better not to risk it, as this may result in cracks or other problems. For cracked plaster, we recommend using a substrate strengthening kit before applying microcement: Fest Kontakt with mesh (dedicated for walls) or Festfloor Base with fiberglass mesh (dedicated for floors). Detailed instructions for their application can be found in the technical sheets of the products. You can also buy a ready-made HydroFest microcement kit for the bathroom, which includes products for reinforcing the substrate: a kit for the floor or a kit for the walls.

B. SECURING THE SURFACE AROUND THE WORKS

Any finishing work requires adequate protection of the surfaces around from accidental contamination or damage. Protect door frames, windows and other areas with a good masking tape that adheres precisely to the protected surface and will not leave marks on it. If you are working on a wall, protect the floor with a thick film or painter’s felt, which will minimize the risk of damage and make the renovation process easier.

PRIMING AND BONDING WATERPROOFING TAPES

Before reinforcing the substrate and applying the microcement, it is necessary to properly prime the substrate with our primer, FESTGRUNT. Coating with primer will ensure better adhesion of subsequent layers and reduce the absorbency of the substrate. The primed surface should be smooth, free of dust and other dirt. FESTGRUNT should be applied evenly with a roller or brush and left to dry for approximately 2 to 4 hours.

 

Once the primer has dried, you can proceed to paste the waterproofing tapes around the drain, as well as in the corners: at the wall and wall-to-floor joints. HydroFest microcement does not require waterproofing over the entire surface. The tapes are pasted with HydroFest compound (see instruction in the video). It is then sanded and vacuumed after drying.

SUBSTRATE REINFORCEMENT

After the tapes have been pasted in, we proceed to reinforce the substrate:
1. FLOOR
To reinforce the substrate for the application of microcement on the floor, use FESTFLOOR BASE with fibreglass mesh. FESTFLOOR BASE with mesh is dedicated to weak and cracked floors, to floors with underfloor heating, to cement, anhydrite and self-levelling screeds, as well as to tiles. You can find out how to do this in our video “How to check and prepare the substrate for microcement?” or the product data sheet.
2. WALLS [optional].
If the walls are cracked (which often also comes out after priming), reinforce them with Fest Kontakt tack bridge also with fibreglass mesh. The mesh bridge will work well for reinforcing walls with ceramic tiles (in the case of microcement application on tiles) and wood-based panels (OSB, MDF, etc.). You can see how to apply FestKontakt with mesh on bathroom walls in our video ‘HydroFest: water-resistant microcement for bathrooms – how to lay?’ here.

Both options effectively prevent cracks from penetrating from the primer to the surface of the microcement.

HYDROFEST MICROCEMENT APPLICATION

The next step is the application of HydroFest microcement . This is a single-component, tinted, water-resistant and ready-to-use microcement, ideal for wet areas: as a water-resistant finish for walls and floors, especially in the shower, and also as a finish for bathroom worktops.

HydroFest mix should be spread over the entire surface using a trowel to a thickness of no more than 1 mm. Application should be carried out in rapid, vigorous movements in different directions, adapting to the desired effect.

After about 4 hours, when the material has completely set and dried, it is recommended to sand the surface with an eccentric sander with sandpaper of 60-120 gradation. After sanding, the surface should be thoroughly vacuumed and another layer of microcement should be applied, following the same procedure as for the first layer.

Once the second coat has dried, depending on the desired effect, sand the entire surface with an eccentric sander with 80 grit or higher and vacuum thoroughly. Once this has been done, the micro-cement can be impregnated.

SEALING

The next step is to impregnate the microcement. In an area particularly exposed to water, such as the bathroom, we recommend using a primer under the sealer – FESTPRIMER, which strengthens the sealer’s resistance to water and dirt. Once the primer has dried, we can proceed to sealing. For the shower floor, as well as the entire bathroom, we recommend using a two-component, solvent-based PU FEST TURBO polyurethane sealer. 

On the other hand, for the walls, it is sufficient to apply two layers of PU FEST 2K sealer. Such protection not only guarantees effective protection against moisture, but also contributes to prolonging the life of microcement. To apply the sealer, we use a good quality roller, preferably made of microfiber, with a bristle length of 8 mm. To avoid leaving bristles from the roller on the painted surface, wrap the roller with painter’s tape and gently remove loose fibers from the roller.

 

Before using a sealer, read the technical data sheets of these products.

Before you get started, check out the product data sheets and instructional videos on our YouTube channel. We also invite you to contact us if you have any questions.

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See our video about the application of HYDROFEST microcement on walls in the shower. 
Watch the video on YouTube and don't forget to turn on subtitles in your language.

Tools and accessories for working with microcement

Choosing the right tools is an important part of the entire process of working with microcement, affecting the final effect of the finish. So it is worth relying on tools and accessories of the highest quality. You will need:

  • Trowel – the basic tool for microcement application. The microcement trowel is the tool that allows us to shape this material and determines what visual effect we will get on the surface. It depends on our technique of its use whether the surface will be smooth and uniform, or characterized by unique burns.

  • Construction paddle mixers – allow quick and precise spreading of glue, resins and microcement. They effectively spread and mix the mass, eliminating lumps and ensuring a uniform consistency. Our mixers have a HEX mount and can be mounted on a drill chuck.

  • Microfiber rollers – needed primarily for the application of base coats and sealer.A good quality roller ensures optimal consumption of the sealer, accurately covers the entire surface with the prepaint, and does not dust or leave loose bristles on the sealer-impregnated surface.

  • Tray – designed for the distribution of sealer. The contoured and grooved bottom collects excess prepaint, helping to distribute it evenly on the roller. This optimizes sealer consumption and avoids splashing. Made of high-quality plastic, it is durable and easy to clean.

  • Masking tape – heavy-duty masking tape for protection against dirt and window profiles and frames and other surfaces. A good tape should be durable, adhere well to the surface to be protected and not leave marks on the surface.

  • Diamond polishing discs – used for polishing and grinding surfaces such as concrete, microcement, stone, stoneware and granite. Polishing discs are valued for their durability and ability to effectively machine hard materials. In the case of microcement, it is necessary to grind each layer of it to achieve an even surface.

  • Abrasive discs – designed for sanding the surface of microcement, stone, wood or plastic. When choosing an abrasive disc, it is necessary to take into account various factors, such as the material you want to sand, the degree of grit of the paper and the type of tool on which you will work.

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Microcement maintenance in the bathroom

To maintain the aesthetics and functionality of the microcement surface for many years, it is worth remembering to care for it regularly.

 

How to clean microcement?

Like other surfaces, it is sufficient to systematically dry vacuum microcement. However, considering microcement in the bathroom, we recommend regular cleaning with our care products:
– FEST CALC – an ideal agent for removing soap, water and scale deposits. It can be used on surfaces covered with microcement, but also on tiles and fixtures. Restores shine and luster to soiled surfaces
– FESTCLEANER – effectively removes dirt and all kinds of stains. Thanks to its composition, it perfectly cleans the surface from everyday dirt, leaving polyurethane microparticles on it, which further strengthen the microcement surface. FESTCLEANER has a natural fragrance and is safe for health.
– POWER-FEST – an effective agent in the fight against stronger dirt. Its intensive formula effectively removes dirt and greasy stains (for example, from bathing, skin care products or creams), while refreshing the microcement coating.

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You also often ask us about:

What is the microcement bathroom price?

It all depends on whether you want to make the bathroom yourself or hire a contractor.
1) The price of making a bathroom of microcement by a contractor depends on several factors, including the area, the level of difficulty of workmanship, the region of the country and the experience of the contractor.
2) You can also make the microcement in your bathroom yourself. With our kits, you only buy as much material as you need for the surface. You don’t need to do any additional calculations. For example, a ready-to-use kit for making 5m2 of HydroFest microcement flooring in a bathroom, together with products for reinforcing the substrate, a special primer for varnish and a varnish providing the highest level of surface protection, costs 178,00€. 

Can microcement be used in the shower?

Yes, HydroFest microcement is suitable for use in wet areas such as showers or the space around baths and sinks. However, it is crucial that the substrate is properly prepared and the microcement is applied in accordance with the product data sheet.

Is microcement in the shower safe and won’t I slip on it?

Microcement offers the possibility of different textures, so you can also lay it in such a way that its surface will not be slippery.

Can I install underfloor heating under a microcement floor in a bathroom?

Yes, however, you need to remember that the floor heating system should be turned on, tested and turned off at least 7 days before applying microcement.

Summary

Microcement is not only a modern solution in bathroom design, but also a practical and functional finish for this room. Its resistance to water, ease of care and wide range of colors make it an ideal finish for the bathroom. Microcement is an excellent choice for creating a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing bathroom space.

MICROCEMENT TEST KIT

If you decide to make the microcement yourself, we recommend trying our test kit beforehand to dispel any doubts and gain experience in using a trowel when applying the microcement. The test kit allows you to create a microcement sample yourself and work with the material before starting the actual project.

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LARGE MICROCEMENT SAMPLE

If you are wondering about the color of microcement for the bathroom, matching your project, order a 28×28 cm sample. Microcement samples allow you to realistically represent the color and texture of this material in a specific room and compare different shades of microcement in a home environment.

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