Microcement specification for architects and interior designers in Ireland
A seamless, 2–3 mm mineral coating applied over existing substrates — specified correctly, it removes joints, movement details and grout lines from a scheme. Here is what you need to write it into a drawing set with confidence.
How to specify microcement
Microcement is not a single product; it is a layered build-up. A specification that names only "microcement" leaves the most important decisions — bond, abrasion resistance and sealer chemistry — to whoever is holding the trowel. Specify it the way you would specify a floor finish: substrate, primer, base coats, finish coats, sealer, and the colour and sheen you expect at handover.
The typical build-up runs primer, three coats of Microbase on walls and floors (maximum 1 mm per coat, with 50 g fibreglass mesh embedded in the fresh base coat and mandatory on floors), two passes of the decorative or traffic finish, then a sealer or varnish appropriate to the use. Total applied thickness sits in the region of 2–3 mm, which is why the system goes over existing tile, screed, concrete or plaster without demolition and without losing meaningful floor height or door clearance.
The six systems and where each is specified
| System | Specified for | Coverage | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microbase | Base for Microfinishing and Microtraffic: always 3 coats on walls and floors, with 50 g fibreglass mesh embedded in the fresh base coat and mandatory on floors. Provides mechanical anchor and crack-bridging strength. | ≈2.0 kg/m² in total for the 3 coats — one 20 kg bucket per 10 m² | 1–3 mm system, max 1 mm per coat |
| Microfinishing | Finishing layers on walls, vanities, splashbacks and ceilings. On floors, use Microtraffic. | 0.5 kg/m² over 2 coats | Ultra-fine finish, max aggregate <0.135 mm |
| Microtraffic | Top coats on floors subject to footfall, including hallways, offices and retail. | 0.95 kg/m² over 2 coats | 2 coats over Microbase |
| Micronoslip | Shower trays, outdoor terraces, steps, pool decks. Applied directly in 3 coats. | 3.0 kg/m² over 3 coats | 3–4 mm system, max 2 mm per coat |
| Poolciment | Pool interiors and water tanks, sealed with the mandatory Poolsealer waterproof sealer. | Poolciment XL ≈1.5 kg/m² (3 coats) + Poolciment M ≈0.8 kg/m² (2 coats) | Applied over Adhesion Promoter, finished with Poolsealer |
| Pure Lime | PURE Base for floors and walls; PURE Finishing for walls only; PURE Traffic for floors. Seal with Lime Sealer. | Base 1.4 kg/m²; Finishing 0.5 kg/m²; Traffic 1.0 kg/m² — each over 2 coats | 2 coats of PURE Base, then 2 finish coats; mandatory Lime Sealer |
Coverage figures are per coat. Number of coats depends on the system and the substrate.
Build-ups by application
The combinations we specify most often across Irish projects:
- BathroomsMicrobase + Microfinishing + Micronoslip in shower
- KitchensMicrobase + Microfinishing on walls; Microtraffic on floor
- FloorsMicrobase + Microtraffic + 2K polyurethane sealer
- WallsMicrobase + Microfinishing
- Outdoor TerracesMicronoslip applied directly in 3 coats + mesh on floors + UV-resistant, non-yellowing PU Varnish
- Swimming PoolsAdhesion Promoter → Poolciment XL → Poolciment M → Poolsealer
- Commercial SpacesMicrobase + Microtraffic on floors; Microfinishing on walls
- HospitalityBespoke specification — contact us
Substrate requirements
The substrate governs the result. It must be sound, dry, clean and structurally stable — microcement bridges hairline cracking through the fibre-reinforced base coat, but it does not resolve structural movement, rising damp or a failing screed underneath. Loose tiles are removed and made good; hollow tiles are the single most common cause of a failed floor.
Over existing tile, the joint pattern is dealt with at base-coat stage and the correct primer is selected for the glaze. Microcement is not applied over timber or any deflecting deck; for those, ask our team about the correct overlay before specifying. In showers, wet rooms and any tanked area, the waterproofing layer goes in beneath the microcement — the coating is the finish, not the tanking. Where a substrate is unusual, send us the detail and we will confirm the build-up in writing rather than guess.
Colour, finish and samples
There are 73 colours in the range, and the sealer or varnish sets the sheen — matt, satin or gloss — independently of the pigment. Because microcement is hand-applied, the trowel pattern is part of the finish; two applicators will produce two subtly different surfaces from the same tin. That is a feature of the material, and it is worth writing into the specification so the client's expectation is set at design stage.
We recommend physical samples on every project. Colours read differently under Irish north light than they do on a screen, and sheen level changes how much of the trowel movement is visible. Sign the sample off with the client before the order is placed — it is the cheapest step in the process and it removes the most expensive argument.
Warranty position
Our materials carry a five-year warranty when applied to the documented system build-up. The warranty covers the materials we supply; workmanship sits with the applicator. Full terms are on the warranty page, and we are happy to state the position in writing for a project file.
From specification to site
At concept stage we help you choose the system and set realistic expectations on appearance. At detailed design we confirm the build-up, substrate preparation and sealer for each area, and supply samples for client sign-off. At tender we set out the material schedule so quantities are comparable between applicators rather than invented on each return. On site we stay reachable for substrate questions and detailing, and we deliver nationwide so the programme is not held up by collections.
If you do not have an applicator, tell us the county and the scope and we will point you toward the right conversation. Quantities can be sized in advance on the microcement calculator.
Request the specification pack
The pack contains the system specifications, the full colour range, the application guide and our warranty terms. Project-specific technical data sheets are sent on request. Your details go only to info@kcberry.ie.