Microcement Problems: Cracking, Discolouration & How to Avoid Them
Microcement is celebrated for its seamless finish, minimalist appeal, and versatility across surfaces — but like any building material, its performance relies on the quality of the product and the expertise of the installer. The good news is that issues can be prevented with the right knowledge.
This post explores the most common concerns when it comes to microcement overlays, and explains how the X-Bond Microcement system is engineered to avoid them completely.
Problem 1: Cracking
Cracking in microcement overlays results from issues that cause tension in the layers and result in fractures, including:
Movement in the underlying substrate
Poor surface preparation
Rapid curing or environmental stress
Lack of reinforcement in base coats
Surface preparation is particularly important. At a minimum, the substrate must be clean, dry, and stable. Any damage must be fixed, whether it’s bridging a hairline fracture or restoring crumbling concrete. Pre-existing instability in the underlying surface is the biggest cause of cracks transferring through to the top layers of microcement.
With X-Bond, provided the substrate is adequately prepared, cracking is highly unlikely due to the following reasons.
Its flexible hybrid polymer blend is able to accommodate substrate movement without cracking.
It’s installed alongside an anti-fracture membrane that reinforces the surface and distributes stress — rather than fracturing under it.
The multi-layer application process ensures controlled curing.
Its excellent thermal conductivity means it accommodates temperature changes without compromising integrity.
Above: X-Bond Microcement projects
Problem 2: Discolouration
Discolouration in microcement can look like blotchy, dull, or faded patches. It can occur due to:
Poorly applied or uneven sealers
UV exposure (particularly with pigmented products)
Harsh chemical cleaning
X-Bond is a fully integrated system — from base coat to sealer — which means each component is designed to work together seamlessly for built-in protection and precision control to prevent discolouration. Here’s how:
It’s UV-resistant to ensure long-term colour stability when exposed to the sun.
It’s finished with premium sealing systems are designed specifically for the X-Bond surface, providing even coverage and excellent water resistance.
X-Bond is compatible with pH-neutral cleaners to ensure finishes stay intact over time.
Problem 3: Delamination
Delamination happens when microcement detaches or peels away from the substrate. This usually occurs when:
The surface wasn’t properly primed or prepared
Moisture is trapped beneath the layers
Incompatible materials were used together
The product lacks sufficient bonding strength
Once delamination starts, it can spread and compromise the entire surface — requiring costly repairs or a full reinstallation.
In over 25 years on the Australian market, we are proud to say that X-Bond Microcement has a guaranteed resistance to de-lamination. It’s engineered for exceptional adhesion, with innovative molecular bonding technology ensuring compatibility on a wide range of materials — including concrete, tiles, MDF, stone, metal and more.
Essentially, X-Bond becomes a bonded skin to the surface, and not just a layer that sits on top. That means no peeling, no lifting, no surprises. It’s all thanks to:
Specialised prep and priming system ensuring maximum grip, even on tricky surfaces like tiles or compressed sheet.
The system uses a chemical bonding process, not just surface-level adhesion, to fuse layers together.
Moisture-tolerant components reduce the risk of bubbling or separation.
Every part of the system — primer, base, finish, and sealer — is designed to be chemically compatible, ensuring full integration.
A Word on Professional Installation
We often have customers ask us why X-Bond Microcement is not available for DIY. Improper installation is a contributing factor to all of the above issues — cracking, discolouration, and de-lamination. Simply put, a DIY enthusiast does not have the specialised skills needed to ensure the correct application from start to finish, which encompasses substrate prep and/or restoration, waterproofing, product mixing, troweling, sealing, and curing knowledge.
So how can you get X-Bond Microcement in your project? Anyone with surfacing experience either through rendering, concreting, or plastering is eligible for our training course. We only supply X-Bond Microcement to surfacers who’ve attended in-person.
A knowledgable applicator who has experience with the product and the complete installation system, from prep to the sealing, means the best possible outcome for all clients.
Can Issues Be Repaired?
While X-Bond is designed to minimise cracking from the start, small issues can be sanded, patched, and re-sealed without full resurfacing. That’s the beauty of a bespoke, hand-applied surface. Any repairs will blend seamlessly with the original surface because colours are consistent across batches, and visible trowel marks are part of the finished result. X-Bond’s sealer can also be refreshed or recoated if needed, but it should last at least 10 years before you need to consider touch-ups (high-traffic areas might differ).
In our almost three decades as Australian microcement suppliers, we’ve worked with countless clients who’ve come to us after being let down by other systems. These situations are avoidable, and they usually come down to one of two things: using a product that’s not engineered for real-world performance, or trusting the wrong installer. Choosing Seamless Overlays X-Bond Microcement means you can be confident that your surface is in the right hands.