Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Microcement is an innovative coating made from a mix of cement and polymers. It’s used to cover walls and floors and has water-resistant properties, ensuring excellent durability and longevity. Not only is it a hard-wearing floor and wall surface that will stand the test of time, but it also injects timeless style and sophistication into your living space, enhancing the overall look and feel of your property.

Microcement can be applied over a range of existing materials and surfaces, minimising costs and time during your renovation. Microcement can be applied over plaster, concrete, tiles, timber, MDF, screeds, self-levelling compounds, existing worktops and resin rock.

Yes. Microcement from Options 4 Surfaces is available in a range of styles and finishes. We have a number of grain sizes available, enabling you to choose from sleek and smooth appearances to a more textured result for a rustic look. We also provide a polished concrete effect with our specialised Trowel-X finish, as well as a diamond-polished surface for a more premium look, providing a refined satin sheen.

Microcement provides a stunning visual effect, visually. This is generally down to the application of a thin layer of microcement, with the final thickness being 3-4mm. Each microcement layer is hand-trowelled for expert precision, ensuring a smooth and flawless finish.

Microcement is water-resistant, not waterproof. This means that microcement will be able to withstand a certain level of moisture, normally the volumes found in bathrooms and kitchens. This is because microcement has polymers contained within it that reduce porosity when compared to plain cement. Cement is water-resistant, to a point. Once the polymers get involved, it takes things up a notch. However, microcement needs to be sealed properly in order for it to be fully water-resistant.

Options 4 Surfaces has a wide range of microcement colours available, with a complete selection of shades and tones to choose from that will seamlessly suit your needs and style

Before we start any microcement work, a thorough site survey is conducted for all confirmed clients. This allows our microcement installers to get a complete idea of the space available, together with any potential issues. We will also check the strength of the substrate and look for power and water sources nearby. This helps us plan to make sure that your project goes as smoothly as possible with impressive results that will stand the test of time.

Sealing microcement is essential for enhancing durability and ensuring water-resistant properties. The microcement sealing process itself is straightforward. It begins with an impregnating pre-sealer, which is a breathable, water-based formula that’s crafted from acrylic and polyurethane. This penetrates the surface, coating tiny pores and quartz grains in the top layer.

This enhances the microcement colour, as well as provides a proactive layer. After this, two or three coats of advanced topical coating sealer are applied, which is a breathable, water-based polyurethane formula that adheres to the presealed surface. This, in turn, provides an additional layer of durable protection. This increases stain-resistance while elevating colour and shine.

Like any surface or material, microcement needs to receive the correct maintenance and care in order to prevent damage. Sealing the microcement is part of this, protecting it somewhat from scuffs, scratches and stains. Microcement, however, is typically very hard-wearing, meaning it can withstand high-traffic areas. To prevent damage to your microcement, take on the advice from our microcement installers and ensure correct maintenance and care is performed, in line with manufacturer recommendations.

Yes. Microcement can be applied over underfloor heating. Engineered with advanced polymers, microcement is flexible and adaptable enough to withstand subtle movements and temperature changes. Heat transfer is easy with microcement, as it will be applied in a layer that is just 3mm thick. Simply make sure that the water temperature at the heating manifold remains below 35 degrees Celsius.

Microcement installers can take anywhere between two and five days to apply and execute microcement applications from start to finish. This can depend on the size and complexity of the job. We will not cut corners when it comes to our microcement installation, so you can rest assured that results will be immaculate, with a high-quality finish every single time.

Microcement can be applied at any stage of the renovation process. Microcement is highly adaptable and flexible, giving you the opportunity to make your microcement installation work for you. However, the environment and the temperature need to be optimal in order for microcement installation to occur. For instance, the setting needs to be dry, clean and weather-tight (for interior applications). In addition, the temperature needs to be between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius. The surface also needs to be free from debris and undamaged.

Microcement overlays are thin, but don’t let that fool you. Microcement is incredibly hard-wearing and resistant to denting. Microcement is designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, being resistant to general wear and tear. However, if excessive force is applied, then microcement could become damaged or dented as a result, just like with any other surface or material. The correct care and maintenance will aid in preventing your microcement from becoming dented.

Microcement is easy and simple to clean and maintain. Use a microfibre mop to efficiently remove dust and debris from the sealed microcement surface.

Silicone render is a protective layer of cement that’s applied to the exterior walls of domestic and commercial properties. Silicone rendering combines silicone and resin to offer greater flexibility compared to traditional options, such as acrylic render. Silicone rendering dries in just a few hours, unlike traditional rendering applications that can take several weeks.

In addition, Options 4 Surfaces silicone rendering is available in many different colours, so no need for painting, like you’d have to do with conventional rendering options. Silicone render can be used on a wide range of structures, including those that are located in damp climates or are prone to wet rot.

It provides a moisture barrier that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, frost and even snow. In addition, silicone render is breathable, so you won’t have to worry about damp or mould issues in and around your property.

Yes. It’s a great way of protecting the exterior of your home, increasing its kerb appeal and protecting it from the elements simultaneously. From heavy rain to blazing sun, silicone rendering can withstand it all. In addition, you will not need to paint your silicone rendering as it’s available in a range of colours from us here at Options 4 Surfaces.

Silicone render is incredibly durable, lasting anywhere between 25 and 30 years. However, its lifespan can be affected due to a number of factors, including the local climate, the size or type of the property and the quality of the application. Although, if you choose Options 4 Surfaces, the workmanship will provide exceptional results every single time.

Yes. Silicone render can be applied over acrylic render. However, the correct surface preparation is needed for optimal adhesion. This involves thorough cleaning and priming of the existing surface, all of which will be done by our silicone render team.

Silicone rendering is applied in thin layers, with a final thickness ranging between 6-10mm, compared to 25mm thickness of traditional rendering applications. However, the straightness and alignment of your walls can affect the final thickness of your silicone render.

Yes. Silicone rendering can be used over an existing render, including cement, acrylic and lime. However, the existing rendering needs to be in good condition and free from cracks, as well as be unpainted. Those factors can affect the adhesion of the silicone render.

Silicone render is durable and is effective when it comes to resisting cracks. Options 4 Surfaces applies silicone render effectively, with results that can last up to three decades. Adding a base coat beforehand also adds another layer of protection, including the prevention of cracks.

Yes. Silicone render can be applied over cement render, provided it’s unpainted and is undamaged.

Yes. Silicone render can be applied over lime render. We will, however, need to take additional preparation steps to ensure proper adhesion of our silicone render. This is because lime render can be porous. While it might take longer to execute, silicone render can be successfully applied over lime render.

The old render doesn’t always need to be removed before silicone render is applied. However, if it’s damaged, damp or painted, then the existing render will need to be removed before the silicone render can be applied.