Contemporary trends in bathroom design focus on three aspects: functionality, aesthetics and durability of materials. One solution gaining increasing popularity in bathroom design and renovation is microcement. It is a versatile material that gives the interior a modern look, but also provides durability and ease of care. Additionally, it can be used in wet areas such as the shower, shower tray or countertop under the sink.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the use of microcement in the bathroom. We'll discover its properties, guide you through the microcement application process, and give you tips on how to create a bathroom that not only serves a functional purpose, but is also an ideal space for relaxation.
Why is microcement in the bathroom a good choice?
Choosing materials that are resistant to moisture and easy to clean is a key element when choosing a bathroom finish. Choosing microcement answers a need such as durability of the finish, aesthetics and ease of cleaning.
What sets microcement apart from other bathroom finishing materials:
WATER RESISTANCE
HYDROFEST microcement is water resistant and does not require a system waterproofing. Only the use of sealing tapes is required at wall and wall-to-floor joints. HYDROFEST is an ideal finish for use in rooms such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, kitchen and bathroom worktops.
CAN BE USED OVER TILES
Festfloor® microcement has high adhesion to the substrate and can be applied over tiles without having to scrape them off. This requires the use of a substrate reinforcement kit prior to the application of microcement. Read more about microcement on tiles below.
ANTIBACTERIAL PROPERTIES
Microcement coated with a varnish containing Nano Silver Plus, which contains silver ions, provides protection against the proliferation of bacteria and fungi. Thanks to the presence of silver nanoparticles, Nano Silver Plus creates a protective layer with high antimicrobial properties, which is crucial for wet zones in the bathroom.
EASE OF CARE
The bathroom is a space where we are particularly concerned with cleanliness, ensuring comfort and safety for ourselves and our loved ones. Therefore, choosing the right materials and finishing solutions becomes important. A unique feature of microcement is the absence of joints, which eliminates the risk of moisture accumulation and makes it easier to keep the bathroom clean.
WIDE RANGE OF COLOURS
HYDROFEST microcement is available in a wide colour palette, allowing you to match the colour to your personal preferences and interior style. In addition to the standard colour palette, HYDROFEST microcement is also available in RAL and NCS colours.
MICROCEMENT ON A BATHROOM WALL
Microcement is a solution for creating a functional bathroom. Microcement on bathroom walls works well with a variety of finishing styles, allowing it to match individual aesthetic preferences and the character of the interior. Its versatility and durability make it an increasingly popular choice among designers and homeowners. Its wide range of colours and ability to be used on a variety of surfaces allow you to create a unique bathroom space that will delight for years to come.
Microcement walls blend well with different styles of bathroom finishes:
- modern style bathroom - the uniform surface makes microcement an ideal choice for a modern setting,
- industrial style bathroom - the raw aesthetics and burnout effect on the microcement harmonise with the factory-inspired style,
- Scandinavian-style bathroom - microcement, especially in light shades, works well with this style aesthetic. Thanks to the grout-free nature of microcement, the walls create a cohesive space with the rest of the finishes in this interior.
- Boho style bathroom - beige microcement fits in perfectly with this interior design style. Microcement surfaces provide the perfect backdrop for natural decorative elements such as wood.
BATHROOM - WHAT TO PUT ON THE WALL
It is worth bearing in mind that not all products available on the market provide moisture resistance, so choosing microcement is the right decision. Finishing bathroom walls that are exposed to hot steam or direct contact with water (e.g. in the shower, at the wash basin or bathtub) requires appropriate preparation. The Festfloor® microcement system consists of several layers that form a decorative, water-resistant coating through the use of HYDROFEST microcement. Appropriate impregnation with a varnish, which is part of the microcement sets for the bathroom, will additionally guarantee the tightness of the completed coating and resistance to abrasion.
MICROCEMENT OR TILES?
A bathroom without tiles is an increasingly popular solution among those looking for modern, unusual interior designs. Instead of traditional ceramic tiles, other finishing materials such as microcement, architectural concrete or natural stone are often used. This approach to bathroom design allows the creation of a unique aesthetic that reflects the owner's individual style and preferences. A microcement bathroom without tiles is easier to clean, as there are no joints that can get dirty and require regular cleaning. It is also worth paying attention to the proper protection of walls and floors against moisture, especially in areas exposed to water, such as showers and washbasins. HYDROFEST microcement is water resistant and maintains its aesthetic and mechanical properties even when in contact with water. Although ceramic tiles are a popular and proven material for finishing a bathroom, they have some limitations:
- difficulty of installation - laying ceramic tiles can be complicated and time-consuming, especially for those without experience in renovation work. The need to cut and lay tiles with precision can be a hassle.
- grout and cleaning problems - grout-filled spaces between tiles get dirty easily. They require regular and time-consuming cleaning to avoid the build-up of mould and other contaminants in the gaps.
- limited design options - the choice of ceramic tiles can be limited by the availability of patterns, colours and sizes, which may not be sufficient for those looking for unusual, personalised solutions. HYDROFEST microcement is available in 2000 colours from the RAL and NCS palette.
Therefore, before deciding to create a bathroom without tiles, it is worth considering HYDROFEST microcement.
MICROCEMENT ON TILES - HOW TO RENOVATE YOUR BATHROOM
Bathroom renovation without tile removal
Is it possible to renovate your bathroom without removing tiles? Yes, if you use HYDROFEST. Microcement can be applied to the tiles without having to remove them. However, this requires proper preparation of the substrate, as microcement is only a decorative layer. The substrate must be prepared in such a way that it forms a coherent and robust surface with the microcement and the joints do not penetrate. A prerequisite for laying the microcement on the tiles is also that they must be in good condition and firmly adhered to the substrate.
The work steps that need to be followed in order to get the microcement on the tiles right:
- start by removing the old silicone.
- the next step is to roughen the tiles with a sander.
- then fill the joints with joint compound.
- prime the surface.
- place FEST KONTAKT bonding bridge with fibreglass mesh on the walls and FESTFLOOR BASE with mesh on the floor. You can find these products in the substrate reinforcement kit, HERE.
- you can now proceed with the application of the microcement: first layer of microcement, sanding, vacuuming, second layer of microcement, sanding, vacuuming, primer under varnish, varnish (2 coats). See the ready-to-use product set for tile application in the bathroom: floor set or wall set.
Before you start working with our products, read the technical sheets that come with the products you use - these documents contain all the relevant information about their use and application.
MICROCEMENT ON A BATHROOM COUNTERTOP
A microcement countertop in the bathroom is a solution that combines aesthetics, functionality and durability. Microcement is a special blend containing polymers that provide exceptional adhesion, flexibility and resistance to moisture, making its use on a bathroom countertop the right choice. Thanks to proper impregnation with a dedicated sealer (using a primer that enhances the properties of the sealer), the countertop next to the washbasin will be resistant to dirt and abrasion. The joint-free, smooth surface of the microcement countertop will be easy to clean and will also create a consistent aesthetic with the microcement walls.
For a microcement worktop, we recommend the HYDROFEST microcement set for 5m2 worktops, which will be ideal as a cladding for furniture, worktops and cabinet fronts.
ANTIBACTERIAL COATING
Nano Silver Plus with silver nanoparticles is a series of products that make it possible to create coatings that eliminate microorganisms. The silver nanoparticles contained in Nano Silver Plus effectively limit the growth of bacteria and fungi, as a result of which surfaces covered with these products become more hygienic. Products from this series, when added to the appropriate sealer, will create a protective barrier against microorganisms in places where a high hygienic standard is required, such as medical facilities, hospitals, beauty salons, as well as in bathrooms and rooms with increased humidity. A good place to use Nano Silver Plus is also a bathroom countertop.
The Nano Silver Plus series includes:
1) Additive with silver ions for water-based sealer
♦ NANO SILVER PLUS WB 25G - dedicated to PU FEST 2K 1.2KG,
♦ NANO SILVER PLUS WB 120G - dedicated to PU FEST 2K 6KG.
2) Additive with silver ions for solvent sealer
♦ NANO SILVER PLUS SB 25G - dedicated to PU FEST TURBO 1.2KG,
♦ NANO SILVER PLUS SB 150G - dedicated to PU FEST TURBO 7,5KG.
MICROCEMENT ON THE BATHROOM FLOOR
The bathroom floor plays a key role both functionally and visually. It should be easy to clean and extremely resistant to moisture, due to frequent exposure to water and steam. Choosing the right flooring material can significantly affect the final appearance and comfort of the bathroom. It is therefore worth thinking carefully about the choice of bathroom flooring so that it meets all requirements.
Microcement is a material that makes it possible to create a uniform surface on the substrate. It can be used both on floors, walls and stairs, as a finish for furniture and countertops and in wet areas to create a consistent look throughout the room. The floor is the primary floor surface. The right choice of its finish is very important, especially when it refers to the bathroom floor.
Choosing microcement for the bathroom floor brings many practical advantages. HYDROFEST microcement, thanks to its resistance to water and moisture, is perfect for the wet area, providing a durable and easy to maintain surface. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent is sufficient to maintain its excellent appearance. Microcement is also abrasion resistant, making it ideal for frequently used areas such as the bathroom.
CARING FOR MICROCEMENT IN THE BATHROOM
To maintain the aesthetics and functionality of your microcement surface for many years to come, it's worth remembering to care for it regularly.
How do you clean microcement?
Like other surfaces, microcement only needs to be systematically dry vacuumed. However, when considering microcement in the bathroom, we recommend regular cleaning with our care products:
- FEST CALC - the ideal cleaner for removing soap, water and limescale deposits. It can be used on surfaces covered with microcement, but also on tiles and fittings. Restores shine and lustre to soiled surfaces.
- FESTCLEANER - effectively removes dirt and stains of all kinds. Thanks to its composition, it perfectly cleans the surface from everyday dirt, leaving polyurethane microparticles on the surface, which further strengthen the micro-cement surface. FESTCLEANER has a natural fragrance and is safe for use.
- POWER-FEST - an effective agent in the fight against stronger dirt. Its intensive formula effectively removes dirt and greasy stains (e.g. from bathing, care products or creams), while refreshing the microcement coating.
FAQ
What is the price of making a microcement bathroom?
It all depends on whether you want to make the bathroom yourself or hire a contractor.
1) The price of having your microcement bathroom done by a contractor depends on several factors, including the area, the level of difficulty of the workmanship, the region of the country and the contractor's experience. If you are interested in a specific price for making a bathroom in your region, please write to us. We will recommend you proven contractors in your area.
2) You can also make the microcement in your bathroom yourself. With our kits, you only buy as much material as you need for the surface. You don't need to do any additional calculations. For example, a ready-to-use kit for making 5m2 of HYDROFEST micro-cement flooring in the bathroom, including products for reinforcing the substrate, a special primer for sealer and a sealer providing the highest level of surface protection, costs 178 EURO - you can find this kit, HERE.
Can I install underfloor heating under my bathroom microcement floor?
Yes, but you must remember that the underfloor heating system should be switched on, tested and switched off at least 7 days before applying the microcement.