MICROCEMENT FOR WALLS
Walls are a key element in interior design and have a huge impact on its overall appearance. The right wall finish can enhance the interior aesthetic and introduce stylistic consistency. It is also important to strike a balance between the decorative finish of the walls and the rest of the design elements, such as furniture, accessories or lighting.
Using a material such as microcement allows for many benefits and possibilities in interior design. Thanks to its versatility, microcement is an excellent choice for those looking for modern finishing solutions.
1. Why is microcement a good idea for wall finishes?
2. Microcement systems for walls
3. How to prepare walls for microcement?
4. How to finish walls with microcement (in 5 steps)?
5. Microcement wall in the bathroom
6. Microcement wall in the bedroom
7. TV microcement wall
8. Microcement wall in the kitchen
9. Microcement wall in the hallway
10. Instructional videos and test kit
11. Frequently asked questions, about microcement walls
Mikrocement on bedroom wall | Festfloor Go!, colour FF2005CB Classic Beige | Project and photos: Fortecka Studio.
More about this project
MICROCEMENT WALLS
WHY IS MICROCEMENT A GOOD IDEA FOR A WALL FINISH?
Choosing microcement for walls can be a great option for those looking for a modern and durable way to finish an interior.
A WIDE COLOUR PALETTE
Festfloor microcement is available in a variety of colours, giving you a wide range of possibilities to match the microcement to your individual preferences and interior style. Find out more about the colours of our microcement here.
DIFFERENT FINISHING EFFECTS
Our microcement systems offer the possibility of different finishing effects on the wall surface: from a uniform surface to a burnished effect.
See: How do you achieve a concrete effect on a wall?
EASY TO KEEP CLEAN
A microcement wall is easy to clean and maintain. This is especially important for a wall in a corridor/ hallway. If it becomes stained, we recommend using dedicated Festfloor microcement care products.
ESTHETICS
Proper protection of the microcement with our sealer ensures that the microcement finish stays in good condition for many years. Microcement is the ideal choice for those looking for a stylish and durable finishing material.
MICROCEMENT WALL SYSTEMS
We have two microcement systems dedicated to application on walls: microcement FESTFLOOR GO! (one-component system for walls and floors) and FESTWALL LIFE (two-component microcement for walls).
MICROCEMENT FESTFLOOR GO!
Festfloor Go! is a single-component, ready-to-use microcement for walls and floors. When you open the packaging, you receive a ready-mixed, coloured microcement (the colour is added at the production stage), which you can start applying immediately to the previously prepared substrate. The Festfloor Go! system is suitable for interiors and exteriors, both dry and wet areas and areas subject to heavy foot traffic. It is characterised by high adhesion to the substrate and high abrasion resistance.
Application of FESTFLOOR GO! microcement:
- for walls and floors in flats, restaurants, offices, etc,
- for walls and floors in wet areas (bathrooms, swimming pools, saunas),
- as a finishing for furniture, kitchen worktops and cabinet fronts,
- stair finishes,
- door finishes,
- finishing of fireplaces and other areas exposed to high temperatures,
You can read more about this system here.
MIKCOCEMENT FESTWALL LIFE
FestWall Life is a microcement for creating seamless surfaces on plasterboard, cement plaster, gypsum plaster, ceramic tiles, OSB, etc. This microcement system also works well as a cladding for countertops and furniture. FestWall is a two-component system and comes in two parts: a dry white mass and a liquid polymer. Mixed together, they produce an easy-to-apply paste to which a colouring agent, Fest Color, must be added to obtain the desired microcement colour.
Application of FESTWALL LIFE microcement:
- on walls in flats, restaurants, offices, etc,
- for ceilings imitating natural concrete,
- for walls and countertops in bathrooms and showers,
- as cladding for pillars in houses and flats,
- as furniture and countertop finishes,
- as cladding for doors.
You can read more about this system here.
HOW TO PREPARE WALLS FOR MICROCEMENT?
Proper preparation for microcement walls is extremely important, as this has an impact on the durability and quality of the final finish.
Preparation of walls before microcement application
Here are some tips to follow when preparing walls for microcement:
- The walls where microcement is to be laid should be prepared in the same way as for painting. That is, they should be: even, plastered and smoothed. Microcement is a decorative layer and not a repair mortar, it is not used to fill in defects or to level walls. It is only 2-3 mm thick.
- The walls must be dry. Moisture from the wall can cause the microcement and/or sealer to peel off.
- If you want to apply microcement to walls painted with paint, there is one condition – the paint must adhere well.
HOW TO DO A MICROCEMENT FINISH ON WALLS? 5 STEPS
SUBSTRATE QUALITY EVALUATION
Proper judgement of the quality of the substrate on which microcement will be applied is extremely important. The substrate for microcement should be even, stable, without loose or sticking out elements. Microcement cannot be applied on a raw, unplastered brick or hollow block wall, as it is a decorative/finishing layer and is not used for filling in defects or levelling the substrate. Microcement should not be applied directly to hollow blocks or brick without rendering. Microcement can be applied to: plasterboard, gypsum and cement plaster, on ceramic tiles or OSB. The wall prior to microcement application should be prepared as for painting (see paragraph above ↑↑↑).
If your walls show cracked plaster, we recommend using our substrate reinforcement set before applying microcement: FestKontakt bonding bridge + fibreglass mesh. Please refer to the product data sheet for the application method.
SUBSTRATE QUALITY EVALUATION
Proper judgement of the quality of the substrate on which microcement will be applied is extremely important. The substrate for microcement should be even, stable, without loose or sticking out elements. Microcement cannot be applied on a raw, unplastered brick or hollow block wall, as it is a decorative/finishing layer and is not used for filling in defects or levelling the substrate. Microcement should not be applied directly to hollow blocks or brick without rendering. Microcement can be applied to: plasterboard, gypsum and cement plaster, on ceramic tiles or OSB. The wall prior to microcement application should be prepared as for painting (see paragraph above ↑↑↑).
If your walls show cracked plaster, we recommend using our substrate reinforcement set before applying microcement: FestKontakt bonding bridge + fibreglass mesh. Please refer to the product data sheet for the application method.
SECURING THE SURFACES AROUND
Before you start working with the microcement, protect other surfaces from accidental contamination. Lay out a thick painter’s foil on the floor and protect other surfaces with tape. Good masking tape is an essential tool for this type of work. Make sure it is strong enough, adheres well to the surface and does not leave marks. After taping, check that there are no gaps or voids to prevent unwanted contamination.
SECURING THE SURFACES AROUND
Before you start working with the microcement, protect other surfaces from accidental contamination. Lay out a thick painter’s foil on the floor and protect other surfaces with tape. Good masking tape is an essential tool for this type of work. Make sure it is strong enough, adheres well to the surface and does not leave marks. After taping, check that there are no gaps or voids to prevent unwanted contamination.
GROUNDING
Before applying microcement, every substrate must be primed. By covering the surface with a substrate primer such as FESTGRUNT, we increase the adhesion of subsequent coats to the substrate, reduce and even out its absorbency and prevent excessive absorption of polymers of microcement into the substrate.
- The surface should be smoothed, vacuumed of all dust and dirt.
- Apply the FESTGRUNT with a roller or brush.
- Leave to dry for 2 to 4 hours. After this time, you can proceed with further work.
Read also: What do you know about priming? Priming for microcement
GROUNDING
Before applying microcement, every substrate must be primed. By covering the surface with a substrate primer such as FESTGRUNT, we increase the adhesion of subsequent coats to the substrate, reduce and even out its absorbency and prevent excessive absorption of polymers of microcement into the substrate.
- The surface should be smoothed, vacuumed of all dust and dirt.
- Apply the FESTGRUNT with a roller or brush.
- Leave to dry for 2 to 4 hours. After this time, you can proceed with further work.
Read also: What do you know about priming? Priming for microcement
MICROCEMENT APPLICATION
The next step is the application of microcement. For the wall, you can use the microcement Festfloor Go! – ready-to-use or the two-component microcement for walls, FestWall Life. The mixture should be spread over the entire surface using trowels and other metal tools of various lengths to a thickness of no more than 1 mm. Application should be carried out using fast, energetic movements in different directions depending on the desired effect. Apply successive batches of material using the wet-on-wet method, moving along the entire wall.
After about 4 hours, when the material has completely set and is dry, the surface can be sanded with an eccentric sander with sandpaper of 60-120 gradation (depending on the desired effect). The entire surface should be vacuumed. Then proceed with the application of the next layer similarly to the first layer.
After the last coat has dried, the whole thing can be sanded with an eccentric sander with sandpaper 80 grit and upwards (depending on the desired effect).
After the final coat has been applied, leave to dry completely for 4-6 hours. After this time, you can proceed with sealing.
Before applying microcement, refer to the technical sheets:
MICROCEMENT APPLICATION
The next step is the application of microcement. For the wall, you can use the microcement Festfloor Go! – ready-to-use or the two-component microcement for walls, FestWall Life. The mixture should be spread over the entire surface using trowels and other metal tools of various lengths to a thickness of no more than 1 mm. Application should be carried out using fast, energetic movements in different directions depending on the desired effect. Apply successive batches of material using the wet-on-wet method, moving along the entire wall.
After about 4 hours, when the material has completely set and is dry, the surface can be sanded with an eccentric sander with sandpaper of 60-120 gradation (depending on the desired effect). The entire surface should be vacuumed. Then proceed with the application of the next layer similarly to the first layer.
After the last coat has dried, the whole thing can be sanded with an eccentric sander with sandpaper 80 grit and upwards (depending on the desired effect).
After the final coat has been applied, leave to dry completely for 4-6 hours. After this time, you can proceed with sealing.
Before applying microcement, refer to the technical sheets:
SEALING
Finally, we cover the wall with two layers of sealer. It is applied using a high-quality roller with 8 mm bristles. The second coat of sealer can be applied after 4 hours without sanding or after 24 hours after sanding the surface with 220 grit sandpaper. In addition, in areas exposed to water or dirt, a base coat of FEST Primer or 3K PLUS sealer can be used. These products are not mandatory, they are used to extend the life of the sealer. The surface will be dry after a few hours.
Worth reading:
Mistakes when painting microcement – don’t do it!
SEALING
Finally, we cover the wall with two layers of sealer. It is applied using a high-quality roller with 8 mm bristles. The second coat of sealer can be applied after 4 hours without sanding or after 24 hours after sanding the surface with 220 grit sandpaper. In addition, in areas exposed to water or dirt, a base coat of FEST Primer or 3K PLUS sealer can be used. These products are not mandatory, they are used to extend the life of the sealer. The surface will be dry after a few hours.
Worth reading:
Mistakes when painting microcement – don’t do it!
See our video
“How do you make a concrete effect on a wall? Step by step with microcement Festfloor | Microcement wall”.
MICROCEMENT WALL IN THE BATHROOM
Bathroom microcement wall
FESTFLOOR microcement is characterised by its water resistance and impermeability to moisture, making it the ideal finish for bathroom walls and floors. The Festfloor microcement system consists of several layers which, when properly sealed, form a uniform coating that is resistant to water and mechanical damage. In addition to bathroom floors and walls, microcement can also be used as a finish for bathroom countertops and shower surfaces.
Advantages of microcement on bathroom walls
Microcement on bathroom walls is a modern and stylish solution that adds character to the interior. Its water-resistant and easy-to-clean surface makes it an ideal choice for bathroom walls, including the shower walls. Thanks to its resistance to moisture, microcement bathroom walls guarantee long-lasting protection and an aesthetically pleasing appearance. The absence of joints makes the entire surface look cohesive and minimalist and eliminates the risk of moisture ingress, which contributes to the formation of fungi and mould. In addition, the grout-free microcement surface is easier to clean.
Read also:
⇒ Microcement in the bathroom – frequently asked questions (FAQ)
⇒ An elegant black bathroom with Festfloor microcement.
⇒ “Black and white consistency” – the design of a unique bathroom.
⇒ Moroccan-inspired bathroom with white microcement.
Microcement wall and floor from Festfloor Life microcement in the bathroom | Colour FL01 Warm Beige, satin sealer | Contractor: Microcement Łódź
Bathroom metamorphosis BEFORE AND AFTER | Photo: Bogdziewicz Studio
Microcement on tiles in the bathroom
One of the main advantages of microcement as a finishing material is that it can be applied over ceramic tiles. As a result, there is no need to scrape them off, saving the time and money that would normally be needed for this process, as well as avoiding the labour-intensive removal of debris and cleaning after tile scraping.
How do you apply microcement on tiles on a bathroom wall?
1. First, gently clean or roughen the tiles with an orbital sander.
2. Fill the joints with tile adhesive or other mortar.
3. Then lay FESTKONTAKT bonding bridge on the walls with fiberglass mesh (in the case of the floor, lay FESTFLOOR BASE with mesh), which will increase the adhesion of the decorative layer to the tiles.
4. After the bonding bridge has dried, apply two coats of microcement and finally the sealer, according to the instructions in the technical sheet.
The whole process takes 2-3 working days, and microcement-covered surfaces can be fully used after just 7 days. You can read more about microcement on tiles here: Microcement on tiles.
Microcement sets for the bathroom:
Gallery of bathrooms with microcement on the wall:
MICROCEMENT WALL IN A BEDROOM
Microcement on a bedroom wall
Bedroom wall design idea
The bedroom is the place where we seek soothing and tranquillity after a busy day. It is therefore important that its interior is conducive to relaxation and creates a pleasant atmosphere. One modern solution that can be used on bedroom walls is microcement. Whether microcement is used on all surfaces or only on the walls, its natural shades and soft texture will help to create an atmosphere of calm and tranquillity, which is crucial in the bedroom.
The wall behind the bed in the bedroom
The use of microcement on one of the bedroom walls, such as the wall behind the bed, can completely transform the look and feel of this interior, adding a unique character. Microcement is a material that allows you to achieve both a modern and raw look, which fits perfectly with current design trends. Remember that a key element of a successful bedroom wall design is to strike a balance between functionality and aesthetics that reflect your personal style.
By opting for microcement with a uniform surface, we can achieve a minimalist finish. Such a wall will provide the perfect backdrop for the rest of your bedroom décor, for example with a wooden floor, interesting curtains or a bed headboard. On the other hand, microcement with burnouts, imitating raw concrete, will bring an industrial character to the room. The microcement surface can be given a subtle burst of pattern with the right trowel movement, making it an interesting focal point in the bedroom.
FestWall Life concrete microcement structural plaster.
See our video
“How to make an architectural concrete wall – microcement on a bedroom wall | Microcement wall”.
Gallery of microcement walls in a bedroom:
Microcement on TV wall | FestWall Life, colour FL03 July Beige | Photo: @agna.sobczyk. More about this project>>
MICROCEMENT TV WALL
Living room wall idea
The TV wall is usually the focal point of the living room design. It is the place that attracts attention and is the main visual element of the room. It is therefore important to plan and decorate this space appropriately so that it is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Microcement as a TV wall idea
With microcement, you can create a striking and functional TV wall that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. The rawness of microcement will create the perfect backdrop for your TV. By using microcement, you will keep this space minimalist so that the focus is mainly on the screen, as the main purpose of the background behind the TV is to create a calm and harmonious environment, conducive to watching TV and not distracting. It is advisable to choose simple and subtle solutions that will mainly serve as a neutral background for the TV. A TV wall of microcement is not only a practical solution, but also a currently fashionable interior design accent.
Also remember to organise the cables from your TV and other electronic devices to keep the TV wall aesthetically pleasing. You can use special cable guides or hide the cables in special covers.
MICROCEMENT WALL IN THE KITCHEN
Kitchen wall idea
Walls in the kitchen are exposed to all kinds of dirt, such as grease or moisture, so it is important that they are easy to clean and stain-resistant. This is particularly important for the kitchen splashback, the wall between the worktop and the upper cabinets. So far, ceramic tiles have been the most popular option as a finish for the kitchen splashback. However, microcement has become increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional ceramic tiles.
Kitchen splashback of microcement as an idea for the design of the space between cabinets
The wall above the worktop in the kitchen has a decorative, but above all practical function. The kitchen splashback, which is located behind the sink or cooker, needs to be adequately protected against dirt, grease splashes and moisture. The ideal wall finish in this area would be microcement, whose system is resistant to water and dirt. In such a difficult-to-clean area, we recommend impregnating the microcement with PU FEST TURBO sealer, which provides the highest level of surface protection. And for the care of the microcement on the kitchen apron, our POWER-FEST grease remover for cleaning the microcement surface will work well.
Blue microcement in the kitchen | Festfloor GO!, colour NCS S 3010-B70G | Contractor: Projekt Mikrocement, photo: Fotofilmo
APPROVAL OF THE POLISH HYGIENE INSTITUTE
Festfloor Go! microcement is hygienically certified by the National Institute of Public Health of the National Institute of Hygiene (NIZP-PZH). This means that our product is safe for human health and environmentally friendly – as long as it is used as intended (and according to the technical sheet).
Narrow hallway makeover – BEFORE AND AFTER – microcement wall, Festfloor Go! in FF9000-n Grey 9.
MICROCEMENT WALL IN THE HALLWAY
Wall idea in the hallway / lobby
The hallway, or lobby, is the first space people encounter when entering the house. It is a place to greet visitors, but above all it is a space to comfortably remove and put on shoes, and outerwear before leaving the house and when returning.
However, in the case of a narrow hallway, this involves dirt on the wall. Especially when the narrow hallway still houses a wardrobe, helping to organise and store everyday items. In this case, microcement is the ideal solution for finishing the wall in the hallway. The last layer of microcement is covered with two layers of sealer, such as PU FEST 2K, which will prevent the wall from becoming dirty and abraded. In addition, to make the varnish even more effective, an acrylic primer, FESTPRIMER, can be used to improve the adhesion of the varnish and increase resistance to dirt. The primer is applied before the sealer, according to the technical data sheet.
The hallway should not only be pleasant for you and your guests, but above all functional.
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS AND TEST KIT
Step by step instructional videos
Visit our YouTube channel for an extensive collection of step-by-step instructional videos showing how to make microcement from scratch. Our videos offer practical tips and techniques to help you understand the process of applying microcement to a variety of surfaces – from floors to walls and countertops. Whether you’re just getting started with microcement or looking for advanced techniques and tricks, our YouTube channel will provide you with great educational material to help you achieve professional results. Subscribe to our channel today and make your walls of microcement yourself!
Microcement test kit
After watching our instructional videos, you will be ready to make microcement yourself. However, to clear up any doubts and try working with a trowel when applying microcement, try our test kit. The test kit allows you to familiarise yourself with the microcement application process, which is particularly useful for beginners. An instruction manual is included with the kit.
Frequently asked questions about microcement walls:
Can microcement be applied to plasterboard?
Yes. However, remember to do the priming – according to the system data sheet. Read our article: What do you know about priming? Priming for microcement
Can microcement be applied to walls painted with paint?
Yes, under the condition that the paint adheres well. Remember to prime according to the system data sheet.
Can microcement be applied to walls with tiles?
Yes. Before applying microcement to tiles, you need to roughen them with a grinder, fill the joints with tile adhesive or other mortar, and then lay a bonding bridge with a fibreglass mesh. Only then can microcement be laid. Thanks to these measures, the microcement will adhere well to the substrate and the joints will not break through.
→ More: bathroom renovation. Microcement on tiles [photos], Quick bathroom renovation with microcement. Colour FF7035 [before and after photos].
Can microcement be applied to a wall in the shower?
Yes. When using microcement in wet areas, a system waterproofing should always be used. The walls should be prepared as for tiles.
→ Read also: Microcement in the shower and on a walk-in shower tray, Frequently asked questions about microcement in the bathroom, Why architectural concrete in the bathroom is a great idea
Can microcement be applied to a “bare wall” – unplastered blocks or brick?
Microcement cannot be applied to bare walls. Microcement is only a finishing layer, which is applied in several thin layers, so it is not applied directly onto hollow blocks or brick without plastering.
See the products we mention in this article:
♦ FESTGRUNT – acrylic surface primer
♦ KIT FESTFLOOR GO! BASIC – 10M² ready-to-use microcement system for wall and floor finishes
♦ KIT FESTWALL LIFE BASIC – 15M² microcement system for wall finishing
♦ KIT ALL IN ONE GO! PLUS – 10M2 and KIT ALL IN ONE GO! PLUS – 5M2 – a complete set of products necessary to create a high-quality wall and floor dedicated to bathrooms
♦ 10 m2 Surface reinforcement set– ideal for substrate repair prior to microcement application and microcement application on tiles.
♦ PU FEST 2K – two-component polyurethane sealer for microcement surface protection.
♦ PU FEST TURBO – two-component solvent-based polyurethane sealer for the highest level of surface protection.
♦ FESTFLOOR microcement care products