Microcement Bathrooms

Remodel your bathroom without removal

Did you know microcement can be installed in wet areas? If you’re looking for fresh bathroom concepts for your upcoming project, this is great news. Microcement coatings can seamlessly adhere to walls, floors, showers, sinks, and cabinetry, and can even be applied over existing surfaces — yep, you can install microcement over tiles.

Our flagship product, X-Bond, stands as one of Australia's pioneering microcement overlay systems. With over 25 years of experience, we’ve perfected its application with a diverse range of finishes and colours. This guide will address everything there is to know about microcement bathrooms.

Microcement

[noun] mi-cro-cem-ent

A mixture of cement and adhesive polymers, forming a coating that’s hand-installed on top of almost any hard surface; known as an overlay. While it was originally created to replicate the industrial aesthetic of concrete, microcement now comes in a range of different finishes and colours for seamless application in any space, including bathrooms.

Five reasons why we love microcement bathrooms

Versatile application

Microcement is hand trowelled at only 2-3mm thick — so it can be applied over a wide range of existing substrates on your bathroom floors, walls, ceilings, and joinery. This includes concrete, compressed sheeting, plaster, villa board, brick, ply, laminate, MDF, and of course tiles. You won’t find a more renovation-friendly surface material.

Remodel without removal

This installation process doesn’t require any machinery or demolition. Architects, interior designers, builders, and homeowners don’t need to worry about the mess, cost, and time associated with a traditional bathroom remodel.

Easy waterproofing

Microcement itself isn’t waterproof — but there’s an easy and effective way to waterproof it. Our surfacing experts have perfected the X-Bond overlay system with the use of our Liquid Membrane, a waterproofing membrane applied in just two coats. After this, you can install X-Bond Microcement in the shower, bath, and sink as well as all surrounding areas without worrying about leaks or water damage.

Seamless, grout-free finish

A finished microcement surface doesn’t feature any expansion joints or grout, as the entire surface is installed as a continuous coating. This is how you can achieve the seamless aesthetic all over your Pinterest boards — not to mention it’s easier to clean than the grout in between those old tiles.

A multitude of design options

Any team of microcement specialists trained by Seamless Overlays can skillfully install X-Bond in a range of different finishes. By changing the application techniques and tools, the final product can vary from smooth and polished to highly textured — it’s entirely your choice. X-Bond also comes in a palette of ten shades. For a concrete look, choose from an array of grey tones. For something more unique, we offer the exciting possibility of crafting custom microcement colours.

Suitable applications:

Bathroom walls
Floors
Ceilings
All bathroom joinery including vanities and cabinets
Bathtubs
Showers
Sink basins

Recommended finishes:

X-Bond Micro (smooth and polished)

X-Bond Micro looks just like smooth concrete, especially when installed in grey shades. It’s hand-trowelled to achieve tonal variation for a more dimensional finish than standard wall paint. As a final step, it’s sanded for a smooth and polished feel. Your installer will use a high-grade sealer to ensure your bathroom surfaces remain in good condition.

X-Bond Mineral (roughly textured)

X-Bond Mineral has been used by clients who want to create a spa-like experience in their own homes. Its highly textural finish is achieved by using a spray gun, resulting in rough and bumpy stucco-like texture inspired by salt formations and mineral caves.

How to clean your microcement bathroom

Are you sick of scrubbing the grout in between your bathroom tiles? One of the best things about microcement is how easy it is to maintain.

Tips for cleaning a microcement bathroom include:

Wash your surfaces with water and a mild detergent only.
Avoid cleaning products containing harsh or abrasive ingredients, such as acetone-based solvents exceeding 50% concentration.
Do not wash the X-Bond surface for the first week after application, not even with water. This allows sealers to dry completely.
While microcement is resistant to mould and stains, avoid letting products like fake tan and certain shampoos or conditioners sit on your surface for long. Your shower, baths and sinks should always be rinsed off with water after using these products to get rid of any residue.