Microcement Services

a strong durable finish that will last.

Microcement is exactly what the name suggests: a cement-based system refined for interior use. Where Venetian plaster and Tadelakt are lime-based and allow for the kind of layering, burnishing, and movement that gives a wall its depth and character, microcement produces something fundamentally different: a uniform, polished surface that reads as refined concrete. It is precise, modern, and durable in a way that suits specific spaces and specific design sensibilities.

A well installed microcement system is genuinely impressive. A shower in Woodstock, a kitchen floor in Red Hook: these are the kinds of spaces where micro cement earns its place. What it brings that lime-based systems do not is traffic durability. Because it is a cement product rather than a lime product, it handles high-use floors and wet areas with a resilience that suits the demands of those environments.

a beautiful modern standing shower with microcement walls and golden fixtures

What Is Microcement?

Microcement is a cement-based interior finish that produces a smooth, uniform surface with the look and feel of refined concrete. Unlike Venetian plaster or Tadelakt, which are lime-based and can be worked into different textures and levels of sheen, micro cement creates a more consistent, polished appearance. It is available in a range of colors and suits spaces where a modern, industrial-adjacent aesthetic is the goal. Each coat must dry fully before the next is applied, and the surface is sanded between coats to create the uniform, refined finish that defines a well-executed micro cement installation.

Four Reasons Microcement Works

Built for High-Traffic Areas

Because it is cement-based rather than lime-based, micro cement is more durable in high traffic areas than Venetian plaster or lime wash. It holds up well in kitchens, bathroom floors, and entry spaces where daily wear would compromise a softer finish.

Seamless and Grout-Free

Microcement produces a continuous surface without grout lines, making it a clean and low-maintenance alternative to tile in both wet and dry areas. In showers and bathrooms especially, the seamless finish is both practical and visually distinctive.

Color and Customization

Color can be added to the micro cement system, giving clients options well beyond the natural grey tone of unmodified cement. The finish can also be varied between more polished and more textured depending on the application and the design direction.

Works Alongside Other Finishes

Microcement sits alongside Venetian plaster, Tadelakt, and lime wash as one option within a broader approach to interior finishes. If a renovation calls for different finishes in different spaces, I can advise on all of them and coordinate the work so you do not need multiple contractors.

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Common Applications

Accent Walls and Feature Surfaces

Used as an accent, micro cement introduces a material contrast that paint cannot deliver, from a kitchen feature wall to a fireplace surround to a furniture piece with an industrial texture that grounds a room without overwhelming it.

Showers and Wet Areas

Micro cement in a shower follows the same waterproofing preparation as Tadelakt and produces a seamless wet area without grout lines, with the refined look of concrete rather than stone.

Floors

Kitchen floors, bathroom floors, and entry spaces are the most common microcement applications. It is more durable under foot traffic than a lime-based system. See FAQ's on what homes are best suited for microcement flooring.

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WHAT PEOPLE SAY

“Mike is a passionate artist. His decorative plastering is among the best I have seen, and as an interior designer, I have seen quite a bit. He is truly a perfectionist, concerned with the movement and finish of the plaster, and meticulous in its application. His goal is to create the best product he possibly can, and is a student as much as he is a master researching new products like sealants and new techniques. It was a wonder to watch him work. As a human being, he is a pleasure; kind and thoughtful, utterly trustworthy, honest. attentive, and listens to your thoughts and feelings on what you are looking for on the project. He will not be content until you, as a client, is happy. I can’t wait to work with him again on our next fireplace. We are so blessed to have been referred to him! Hire him, and you will understand why.”

-Nanci Grant & Randall Ment

Microcement Work in the Hudson Valley

Modern bathroom with beautiful plaster walls and microcement flooring

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I maintain my Microcement walls or floors?

Tip 1: Clean with pH-neutral cleaners - avoid bleach, acidic bathroom sprays, and heavy degreasers. Tip 2: Avoid abrasive pads and scrub brushes - They can dull or scratch the sealer. Tip 3: Wipe spills promptly - especially oils, dyes, wine, coffee, or hair products. Tip 4: Reseal high-use areas every 3-5 years - Kitchens, showers, and entry floors benefit from a fresh protective coat. Tip 5: Use felt pads under furniture - Prevents scratching wear on floors.

How is microcement different from Venetian plaster or Tadelakt?

The fundamental difference is the base material. Venetian plaster and Tadelakt are lime-based, which allows for burnishing, layering, and the depth and movement that gives those finishes their character. Micro cement is cement-based, which makes it less workable but more durable under traffic. The result is more uniform and contemporary, closer to polished concrete than to stone or marble.

Where is microcement best used?

Micro cement works best as an accent or in specific functional spaces rather than throughout an entire home. Shower enclosures, bathroom floors, kitchen floors, and feature walls are the most common applications. It handles traffic and moisture well, making it practical for high-use areas where a lime-based system would be more vulnerable.

When is micro cement not the right choice?

Micro cement is not suitable for every substrate. Wood and plywood floors are the most common case where caution is needed. Wood moves seasonally, and even with epoxy or mesh, that movement will eventually show through the finish. The correct approach is to install a cementitious underlayment or tile backer first to eliminate movement. Beyond wood floors, I also advise against micro cement over substrates with active movement, in homes with moisture issues or unstable foundations, and on exterior surfaces exposed to freeze-thaw cycles. Every project gets an honest assessment, and if micro cement is not right for your structure, I will tell you.

What are the steps to installing a microcement surface?

A general overview of applying microcement goes as follows (but each project is unique): Step 1: Substrate prep - First I ensure the microcement system has the correct foundation to support a long lasting lifespan of the project. Step 2: Primer - Next, I apply a primer to ready the surface for the microcement base coat. Step 3: Base coat - After the initial prep has been completed we can put down the first coat of microcement Step 4: Mesh (when needed) - Depending on what is uncovered during prep and priming, I will add mesh to stabilize the layers Step 5: Second base coat - Once stabilized, I can add the second layer adding additional stability and thickness to the first coat Step 6: Fine coat - After the second coat has dried, I add the final layer to provide the smooth surface people know from microcement Step 7: Sealer - Finally I add a sealant to protect the microcement system from basic dents, dings, and spills.

How does the cost of micro cement compare to other finishes?

Micro cement is comparable in cost to Tadelakt or a polished Venetian plaster finish. It is more labor intensive than lime wash but sits in a similar price range to other premium decorative finishes. The substrate condition and the specific application will affect the final cost, which is why I assess each project individually before providing an estimate.

Request a Microcement Estimate in the Hudson Valley

Every project starts with an honest conversation about the space, the substrate, and whether microcement is genuinely the right choice for what you are trying to achieve. Send me some photos and tell me what you are working with. I will give you a clear assessment and a detailed estimate.

While this page focuses on microcement services across the Hudson Valley, I serve clients throughout Red Hook, Woodstock, Rhinebeck, Kingston, Beacon, Hudson, Poughkeepsie, and surrounding communities. Select projects in Albany, New York City, the Berkshires and across the United States are also considered when scope and logistics align.