MicroCement FAQs
What is MicroCement?
MicroCement is a thin decorative coating system used to create seamless, contemporary surfaces with minimal visual breaks. It provides a refined architectural finish without the thickness or appearance of conventional tile.
Where can MicroCement be used?
RPH applies MicroCement to suitable bathrooms, showers, kitchens, fireplaces, feature walls and selected interior surfaces. The appropriate system depends on the substrate, location and project conditions.
Can MicroCement be applied over existing tile without demolition?
In many suitable projects, yes. MicroCement can often be applied over existing tile without removing it first, helping reduce demolition, debris and disruption.
The existing tile must be sound, stable, properly bonded and suitable for the proposed MicroCement system. RPH assesses the existing surface and project conditions before confirming whether an overlay application is appropriate.
How do you determine whether existing tile is suitable?
Existing tile is assessed for stability, movement, damage and overall condition before an overlay system is recommended. Cracked, loose, unstable or otherwise unsuitable surfaces may require additional preparation or a different approach.
Applying MicroCement over tile is only recommended when the existing substrate provides a suitable foundation for the new finish.
What are the advantages of applying MicroCement over existing tile?
Where conditions allow, retaining suitable existing tile can significantly reduce the amount of demolition required during a renovation.
This can mean less debris, less disruption to the surrounding space and fewer unnecessary removal and rebuilding stages while still creating a completely different visual finish.
Is MicroCement suitable for bathrooms and showers?
Yes. MicroCement can be used in suitable bathroom and shower applications when the substrate preparation, system selection, wet-area detailing, sealing and installation are appropriate for the project.
RPH assesses each bathroom or shower individually before confirming the recommended system.
Is MicroCement waterproof?
Wet-area performance depends on the complete system rather than the decorative finish alone. The substrate, preparation, waterproofing requirements, MicroCement system, detailing and sealing must all be appropriate for the intended application.
For this reason, showers and other wet areas are assessed differently from purely decorative surfaces.
Does MicroCement have grout lines?
MicroCement creates a continuous decorative surface without the repeated grout-line pattern associated with conventional tile. This helps create the seamless, architectural appearance for which MicroCement is known.
Transitions, joints, and other required detailing are determined based on the individual project and substrate.
What is the difference between resin-based and water-based MicroCement?
RPH specializes in resin-based MicroCement systems and also offers water-based systems for selected applications.
The most appropriate system depends on the surface, location, intended use and project requirements.
RPH recommends the system after reviewing the project's conditions, rather than using a single solution for every application.
Typically, because of our resin-based formula's incredible durability, we recommend resin-based for water rooms, floors and high-traffic areas.
Will MicroCement crack or stain?
No decorative finish is completely maintenance-free or immune to damage. Long-term performance depends on factors including substrate stability, preparation, application, sealing, maintenance and use.
Any project-specific considerations or limitations identified during assessment are discussed before work begins.
How long does a MicroCement installation take?
Installation time varies depending on the size of the project, substrate condition, preparation requirements, detailing and the drying or curing stages required by the selected system.
Once the project has been reviewed, RPH can provide a more accurate indication of the expected installation schedule.
How is MicroCement maintained?
Follow the cleaning and maintenance guidance provided for the installed MicroCement system. Suitable non-abrasive cleaning products should be used, and harsh or abrasive products should be avoided unless specifically approved for the finish.
Appropriate care helps preserve the surface's appearance and performance.
Can damaged MicroCement be repaired?
Some localized damage can be repaired. Because MicroCement is a hand-applied decorative finish, however, differences in colour, texture or movement may remain visible after a localized repair.
The condition should be assessed before the most appropriate repair method is recommended.
What affects the cost of a MicroCement project?
MicroCement pricing depends on more than the size of the area. Factors can include substrate condition, preparation requirements, wet-area detailing, corners and niches, accessibility, existing finishes, chosen system and overall project complexity.
Providing clear photographs, approximate measurements and project information allows RPH to assess these factors before preparing a price proposal.
How do I request a MicroCement project price proposal?
Send us a Project Price Proposal form with the project location, approximate measurements, clear photographs of the existing surfaces, preferred finish and anticipated timing.
These details help RPH assess the project, determine whether the existing surfaces are suitable, and prepare an accurate project price proposal.
RPH MicroCement Finishes serves Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.