DIY Microcement: Can You Do It Yourself?

Microcement can transform your space with a sleek, modern look, but is it really a DIY project? The answer is yes—if you have experience using a trowel and tools commonly used for plastering.

However, it’s not without its challenges, so let’s break down the process and important considerations to keep your project looking professional.

Microcement Bathroom walls

1. Prepping the Area: The Essential First Step

Whether you’re applying microcement to a bathroom, floor, or wall, proper preparation is key. Start by thoroughly cleaning and vacuuming the surface.

Any paint, oils, or other residues must be removed to ensure your base coat bonds to the substrate.

If this is a shower area, waterproofing is essential. Be sure to double-check that the waterproof layer is correctly applied, as microcement doesn’t provide its own waterproof seal.

shower waterproofing

2. Floors vs. Walls: Choose Your Starting Point

Applying microcement on floors is generally easier than walls, especially in tight spaces.

Floors allow for easier handling of the trowel, while walls—particularly small, enclosed areas—require careful handling to avoid bumps or uneven sections. When applying to a shower floor, remember to factor in the slope for drainage.

Ensuring that water drains correctly is critical, as a misaligned slope can lead to standing water and drainage issues.

Microcement Shower

3. Trowel Technique and Timing: Work Quickly, Work Smart

One of the biggest challenges with microcement is the drying time.

You’ll need to work quickly to cover the entire area in one session—if you pause or try to finish later, colour differences and seams may appear. Make sure you’re prepared to handle the entire wall or floor without stopping, as any break in the process will show in the final product.

Cement shower wall

4. Mastering the Corners: The Mark of a Pro

Professional microcement work often stands out due to the precision of corners.

Both inside and outside corners require extra attention to achieve a clean, sharp line.

For inside corners, hold the trowel steady to get a crisp line where the walls meet. Outside corners can be even trickier, as they need to be perfectly straight to maintain the design’s symmetry.

If corners aren’t precise, the overall look can suffer, detracting from the clean, modern aesthetic microcement is known for.

full microcement bathroom

5. Be Mindful of Your Tools and Materials

Using the right tools is key to achieving a smooth, professional-looking finish.

High-quality trowels designed for microcement applications can make a difference.

Additionally, always mix your microcement as instructed, and be mindful of humidity and temperature conditions in the room, as these factors can impact drying and bonding.

Final Thoughts: Should You DIY or Hire a Pro?

While DIY microcement can be done with experience, the details can make a big difference.

If you’re confident with tools and have a keen eye for detail, this could be a rewarding project. However, if you’re uncertain about things like waterproofing, leveling, or trowel techniques, hiring a professional can ensure your investment in microcement looks its best for years to come.

The choice depends on your comfort level and commitment to mastering the technique.

same colour wall and floor microcement

Microcement offers endless design possibilities, but the process requires careful preparation, timing, and technique.

With the right approach, you can achieve a stunning, seamless finish that brings a fresh, modern look to any room.