Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Have you ever dreamed of having polished concrete floors or walls but thought it wasn’t possible? With microcement, it now is. This innovative coating, made from a mix of cement and polymers, delivers the look and feel of concrete without the weight or restrictions.

Our team uses microcement to create stylish, durable surfaces for both residential and commercial spaces. Best of all, (it can be applied to almost any surface) - tiles, concrete, plasterboard, and more. This makes it an ideal option for both renovations and new builds.

Microcement can be applied over a range of different surfaces, including:

• Plaster


• Concrete


• Tiled


• Timber and mdf


• Screeds


• Self levelling compounds


• Existing worktops


• Shower trays (resin rock)


• Sinks (resin rock)

Absolutely. With microcement, you have **a wide variety of textures to choose from**. To begin, you can select from three grain sizes: smooth for a sleek, minimalist look, medium for added texture, or coarse for a more rustic appearance.

We also provide a polished concrete effect with our specialised Trowel-X finish, and for a more premium look, we can diamond polish the surface to achieve a refined satin sheen. Whether you're looking for an industrial vibe, a modern style, or something completely unique, DirectStone has the expertise to bring your vision to life.

Although microcement creates a stunning visual effect, it is actually applied in very thin layers, resulting in a final thickness of around 3-4mm. Each layer is carefully hand-trowelled, allowing us to achieve a seamless, flawless finish.

This meticulous process highlights why professional installation is so essential. Despite its slim profile, microcement is extremely strong and durable, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. It’s an excellent alternative to polished concrete, particularly when space is at a premium.

Unfortunately, the construction industry has a history of using ‘waterproof’ and ‘water-resistant’ interchangeably, which is highly misleading and often done purely to drive sales. So, when you see claims that a particular brand of microcement or microconcrete is waterproof, what they actually mean is that it is water-resistant.

But don’t worry, water-resistant is still brilliant and a great starting point to build on.

The polymers used in microcements significantly reduce their porosity compared to what it would be without these additives. While cement is naturally water-resistant once cured, the polymers enhance this property and improve various other factors. However, microcements remain slightly porous until they are sealed.

As long as you correctly seal your product and maintain it in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations, you will enjoy years of trouble-free, beautiful flooring.

Our microcement overlays stand out for their extensive range of available colours. We continuously develop new shades and tones to deliver unique effects and tailored palettes for our clients.

Grey tones remain our most popular and frequently purchased option, but we offer a wide selection of vibrant colours, including blues, greens, reds, and yellows. These can be blended to create unique variations, providing a completely bespoke finish for your floor or wall feature.

Our innovative liquid polymer is combined with liquid pigments before being blended with the microcement powders, ensuring the product is permanently and uniformly coloured.

For all confirmed clients, we carry out a thorough site survey before starting any microcement work. This step is crucial for assessing the suitability of the substrate and site conditions for our products. During the survey, we evaluate the strength of the substrate, identify any potential problem areas that might affect the overlay, and ensure there is sufficient access to power, water, and the site itself..

As mentioned earlier, unsealed microcement remains slightly porous. However, when sealed correctly using our combination of impregnating and topical sealers, it offers excellent resistance to stains. This sealing system forms a strong, abrasion-resistant barrier that effectively protects against water and oil-based stains. Regular upkeep is crucial to keep the sealed surface in top condition, as neglecting maintenance can result in premature wear and seal failure.

We strongly recommend dealing with spills or contaminants promptly to minimise slip hazards and prevent damage to the surface. In the UK, slips and falls are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries. Properly maintaining surfaces and addressing contaminants quickly can significantly reduce these risks.

Sealing microcement is a critical step, not only to prevent staining but also to enhance its abrasion resistance beyond what unsealed microcement can provide. While microcement is naturally less porous compared to many products on the market, sealing is essential to ensure full protection. This is achieved through a combination of sealers: an impregnator followed by a topical sealer.

The sealing process begins with an impregnating pre-sealer. These are breathable, water-based solutions made from acrylic and polyurethane that penetrate the surface, coating the micro pores and fine quartz grains in the top layer of the product. This pre-sealer subtly enhances the color of the microcement and delivers a matte finish that is nearly transparent. On its own, this sealer provides excellent resistance to water and oil-based stains while also improving the microcement's overall strength and abrasion resistance.

The second stage involves applying two to three coats of our topical coating sealer. This sealer, also a breathable polyurethane solution, is applied over the pre-sealed surface. Its water-based solvent carriers allow it to adhere effectively to the surface, creating an additional protective layer.

By applying multiple coats of the topical sealer, the microcement achieves an exceptional level of stain resistance. These layers also enhance the colour and gloss of the finished surface, resulting in a highly durable, abrasion-resistant coating that is both easy to maintain and aesthetically pleasing.

A microcement or microconcrete layer, like most other finished floor surfaces such as timber flooring, resin, natural stone tiles, or vinyl flooring (e.g., Amtico and Karndean), can be susceptible to damage if subjected to misuse, neglect, or deliberate actions. In essence, a fully sealed microcement surface is highly durable and resistant to damage under normal use. However, damage may occur if proper care is not taken, if the surface is not maintained, precautions are ignored, or if underfloor heating is used beyond the recommended temperatures.

Microcement overlays are exceptionally resistant to pressure, performing better than many timber or resin floor options when it comes to withstanding dents. If significant denting occurs, it’s advisable to investigate the strength and condition of the substrate. Otherwise, it is likely that any damage has resulted from deliberate or prolonged misuse.

Our microcement products are well-suited for application over underfloor heated screeds or concrete slabs. The advanced polymers in our materials allow for flexibility, accommodating the subtle thermal movements caused by heating. With a thickness of just 3mm, microcement overlays enable efficient heat transfer from the heating pipes with minimal resistance, significantly less than that of tiles or timber flooring.

Proper commissioning of the underfloor heating system is essential to prevent cracking in the screed or slab beneath the microcement. Additionally, it is critical to set the maximum water temperature at the heating manifold to 35°C. Exceeding this temperature increases the risk of substrate cracking, sealer degradation, and potential softening of the floor, making it susceptible to denting.

The installation of microcement typically takes between two to five days, allowing for the necessary drying and hardening time of each product layer, the number of coats applied, and the application of sealers. Installing a microcement overlay is a meticulous and labor-intensive process with no shortcuts to achieving a proper finish. Careful preparation and precise application are essential to ensure a high-quality result and long-lasting durability.

Micro overlay systems are incredibly versatile, meeting the demands of the construction industry, which is often subject to delays, schedule changes, and design revisions. As a result, we regularly apply microcement to floors and walls at various stages of a project—whether before the second fix, prior to the installation of stud walls, or even after the project is completed. This flexibility allows us to work around fixtures and fittings such as doorways and kitchen units.

Applied by hand with a trowel in multiple layers, microcement provides significant creative freedom for designers, contractors, and clients alike. To achieve the best results, it is essential to apply the product in a weather-tight, dry environment, with temperatures between 10°C and 30°C, and free from debris that could impact the surface. Beyond this, the product can be applied at a time that best suits the project’s schedule and requirements.

It’s important to note that while microcement overlays are exceptionally thin, they are incredibly durable and resistant to denting. They are designed to handle foot traffic without breaking apart. However, this doesn’t mean they are completely immune to damage—any surface can be damaged if subjected to deliberate or excessive force.

The durability of a thin overlay product depends largely on the compressive strength of the substrate beneath it. For instance, think of a playing card in your hand—you can easily bend it. Yet, when placed on a solid surface like a tabletop, it becomes impossible to bend or dent, as the card takes on the rigidity of the surface beneath it.

If denting occurs on a microcement floor, the first thing to check is the temperature of the underfloor heating. High temperatures can soften polymers, so it’s essential to avoid exposing the floor to excessive heat.

Maintaining and cleaning the surface is straightforward. Regularly using a dry microfiber mop will efficiently remove dust and debris from the sealed microcement surface, ensuring it remains in excellent condition.

Silicone render is a thin layer of cement applied to the exterior walls of a property. This type of rendering combines silicone and resin, offering greater flexibility compared to traditional options like acrylic render. Traditional renders, typically made from sand, cement, and lime, often take several weeks to dry before they can be painted for the desired finish. In contrast, silicone render dries in just a few hours, providing a more efficient solution.

At Options 4 Surfaces, we use coloured silicone render to deliver quicker and more cost-effective results. Silicone render is particularly ideal for homes in damp climates prone to wet rot, as it acts as a moisture barrier, protecting walls from cracking while enhancing the property’s appearance with a sleek finish. Moreover, rendering improves wall insulation, boosts energy efficiency, and helps to lower heating costs.

Silicone render is an excellent choice for offering durable, long-lasting protection to the exterior walls of your home. Its thin coat application is especially effective at protecting against damage caused by extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain and strong sunlight, while also helping to prevent cracking or fading of the walls.

Thin coat renders generally last between 25 and 30 years, offering a durable and dependable form of wall protection. However, several factors can affect this lifespan, either prolonging or shortening it. These include the local climate, geographical location, size and type of property, as well as the quality of the application.

With a thickness of only 6 to 10 mm, silicone render is much thinner than traditional cement render, which is usually around 25 mm. This thinner application makes silicone render a great choice for maximising internal space. However, the exact thickness can vary depending on the straightness and alignment of your property's walls.

Silicone render can be applied to high-quality existing render systems that have been properly prepared, including those made from cement, lime, or acrylic materials. However, any painted render should be removed beforehand, as the painted surface may prevent the new coat from adhering correctly to the property’s walls.

Silicone render is extremely durable and crack-resistant. When applied in thin, even layers with a steel trowel and sponge float, starting from the bottom and working upwards, it can last for up to 30 years. Applying a base coat beforehand further reduces the risk of cracks caused by structural movement.

It’s generally not recommended to apply silicone render over painted render, as the paint can prevent proper adhesion. For the best results, it’s advised to remove the paint and prepare the surface thoroughly before applying silicone render.

It’s not always necessary to remove the existing render before applying silicone render. However, it’s crucial that the current render is in good condition, free from cracks, and properly prepared to achieve the best results when applying silicone render.

Silicone render is certainly compatible with lime render. However, as lime render is more porous than other types of render, extra preparation may be needed to ensure proper adhesion.

Silicone render is compatible with acrylic render, but proper surface preparation is essential for optimal adhesion. This involves thorough cleaning and priming of the surface.

Silicone render can be used with cement render as long as the surface is properly prepared. Thorough cleaning and priming are crucial to ensure the best adhesion.