Yes—microcement can be used in bathrooms and showers when the correct materials, preparation and installation system are selected. It creates a continuous decorative surface across walls and floors, with fewer grout joints to clean and a choice of colours and textures.
For wet areas, an important question is whether the microcement itself is waterproof or depends entirely on its surface sealer for protection.
Is microcement waterproof before sealing?
Microcement formulations vary. Some rely on a protective sealer to prevent water from entering the decorative material.
Both ROQEN ready-to-use acrylic microcement and ROQEN 2K epoxy microcement are waterproof once correctly applied and fully cured, before the protective sealer is added.
This provides protection within the microcement layer itself. The sealer remains an important part of the finished system, helping protect its appearance and making the surface easier to maintain.
What happens if the sealer gets scratched?
Bathroom surfaces experience regular cleaning, water exposure and everyday wear. Over time, a sealer may become scratched or damaged.
Where a decorative material depends entirely on its sealer for waterproofing, damage can create a route for water to enter the underlying coating. This may lead to dark patches or other moisture-related problems.
Using microcement that is itself waterproof reduces reliance on the surface sealer as the only barrier to water. This can reduce the risk of water absorption and associated wet patches where the sealer suffers minor damage.
However, scratches and cracks should still be inspected and repaired. A deep scratch may penetrate the microcement, while a crack may indicate movement beneath the finish.
Blistering can also have other causes, including moisture behind the coating, poor adhesion or an unsuitable substrate. Waterproof microcement cannot compensate for these conditions.
Why is a sealer still recommended?
A waterproof microcement surface still benefits from the specified protective sealer.
Depending on the selected product, the sealer helps:
- Protect against staining from toiletries, soap and everyday contamination.
- Make routine cleaning easier.
- Maintain the intended matt, satin or other decorative finish.
- Provide a renewable protective surface as the bathroom wears.
Waterproof microcement should still be installed with the complete specified finishing system. Damage to the sealer should be maintained promptly rather than left untreated.
Does a shower still need tanking?
Waterproof microcement is one part of a bathroom construction.
The complete shower assembly includes the substrate, corners, joints, pipe penetrations, drain connections and transitions to adjoining materials. These details need an appropriate waterproofing design.
A suitable tanking system should be included wherever required by the project specification. Movement joints must also be detailed correctly.
Applying waterproof microcement over an inadequately prepared or poorly detailed shower does not make the whole construction watertight.
Ready-to-use or 2K epoxy for a bathroom?
Ready-to-use acrylic microcement offers straightforward preparation and a more forgiving application process. It is convenient for walls and decorative vertical surfaces. Thin coats and sufficient drying between layers are essential.
2K epoxy microcement is the higher-strength option within the ROQEN range. It requires accurate mixing with its hardener, careful management of pot life and suitable abrasives for finishing.
The choice should reflect the substrate, expected wear and installer’s experience. Read our guide, Ready-to-Use vs 2K Epoxy Microcement: Which Should You Choose?, for a fuller comparison.
What about shower floors?
Shower floors require particular care. The finished surface needs an appropriate level of slip resistance, suitable falls towards the drain and correctly detailed drainage connections.
A very smooth decorative finish should not automatically be assumed suitable for wet barefoot use. Confirm the complete floor specification before selecting the finish.
Allow all system layers to cure for the specified period before bringing the shower into use.
Planning a microcement bathroom?
Tell ROQEN whether your project involves bathroom walls, a shower enclosure or a wet-room floor. Send photographs, the approximate area and details of the existing substrate so we can discuss suitable materials and preparation.
Explore our ready-to-use microcement and primers and sealers. For an existing tiled bathroom, read our microcement over tiles preparation guide.
Contact: info@advancedresinsolutions.co.uk or send a project enquiry.
