Microcement plaster is a modern interior design material that can bring a striking and high-end look to commercial spaces. Here’s a look at what it is and where it will work to best advantage.
What is microcement?
Microcement is a cement finish that is created by mixing coarse-grained aggregates with cement and polished plaster for decorative purposes. It is not a structural design material but is applied as a thin coating to walls, flooring, pieces of furniture, countertops, or other architectural details.
Microcement can be mixed and applied to create various tones and textures. It can be deliberately roughened to imitate natural stone, or burnished to achieve a contemporary and seamless industrial look. It is not only stylish, but highly durable and hardwearing.
It can withstand high traffic and is resistant to moisture, scratching, and staining, so it can be used in busy commercial spaces and is also suitable for domestic kitchens and bathrooms. Despite this, it is a lightweight and low maintenance material that is easy to install and will easily adhere to almost any type of surface.
How can microcement be used?
Microcement is particularly popular for creating the fashionable raw concrete industrial look in restaurants, shops, offices, and hotels. It is a versatile material that can be used to create a number of other effects, and even combined with stencil work for unique design and branding of commercial spaces.
The ability to customise microcement designs to achieve different effects, from sleek and urban to textured and rustic, is a part of its great appeal. Whether you have a cutting edge city centre bar in need of refurbishment, or a boutique country hotel, microcement finishes can provide a cost effective and elegant solution.
Another great advantage of using a microcement finish for walls and flooring or even countertops is the absence of visible grouting lines. This creates a seamless surface area that can enhance the feeling of space and feels clean and contemporary. It can help to create a sense of continuity in larger spaces, and make small areas feel more open.
Furthermore, the absence of joins and grouting makes the surface easier to clean and maintain. It can also be a safer option for flooring, because it creates a truly level surface that is fully accessible for wheelchair users and minimises the risk of trips and falls.
In commercial kitchen and bathroom areas, the smooth and easily washable surfaces reduce the risk of bacteria, mould and germs developing in joins and crevices. This makes the space a safer and more hygienic place to work and reduces the risk of damaging incidents of virus or food poisoning that could affect business operations.
There is also the option to add non-slip coatings to microcement flooring to comply with health and safety regulations, or simply for extra reassurance in domestic settings.
Microcement is manufactured from natural sustainable materials and creates minimal waste, making it an environmentally friendly choice for any interior design scheme.
