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Microcement problems usually show up in the first year: a hairline crack, a stain that will not shift, a patch that looks worn, or tiny bubbles in the surface. Almost all of them trace back to the surface underneath, the preparation, or the sealer, rather than the material itself. This guide goes through the common problems, what causes each one, and how to avoid them.
What it looks like: fine lines, often straight, sometimes following a joint.
Common causes: movement in the floor or wall underneath, plasterboard joints that were not reinforced, timber floors that flex, or structural joints buried instead of carried through.
How to avoid it: a rigid, stable base, mesh over joints between materials, and movement joints carried through the finish.
What it looks like: marks from oil, wine, hair dye or water that do not wipe off.
Common causes: sealer that was too thin, not cured, or has worn away.
How to avoid it: enough sealer coats for the area's use, full cure time, and topping up the sealer when water stops beading.
What it looks like: the finish lifting at edges or in patches.
Common causes: the wrong primer for the surface, dust or grease left on the surface, or damp coming through.
How to avoid it: clean, dry, sound surfaces and the primer the system specifies for that surface.
What it looks like: small holes or raised spots.
Common causes: air trapped when mixing or trowelling, or coats laid too thick.
How to avoid it: correct mixing, thin even coats, and working to the system's instructions.
What it looks like: patches that look a different shade.
Common causes: batches mixed separately, uneven sealer, or a surface that absorbed differently.
How to avoid it: enough material from one batch, even priming, and sealer laid consistently. Some cloudiness is normal and part of the look. See microcement colours.
What it looks like: dull paths on floors or around basins.
Common causes: heavy traffic, grit, abrasive cleaners.
How to avoid it: door mats, felt pads on furniture, gentle cleaners and resealing.
Stains and worn sealer can often be cleaned and resealed. Cracks caused by movement need the movement solved first, then a repair, which may show. Peeling usually means stripping the affected area back. That is why preparation is worth paying for.
No. Laid on a stable surface, prepared properly and sealed well, it lasts. Most bad experiences come from shortcuts.
Not on a rigid base. It cracks when what is underneath moves.
An experienced installer can assess it. Talk to our installation team.
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