Microcement vs. Concrete Overlay: What’s the Difference?
While the terms are often used interchangeably, microcement and concrete overlays are distinct in their makeup, performance, and typical applications. Both can be used to refinish existing surfaces, but they vary in thickness, base composition, and durability — and choosing the wrong one can affect lifespan and aesthetics. Here's what sets them apart.
What Is Microcement?
Microcement is a polymer-modified cement-based coating applied in ultra-thin layers — typically 2–3mm thick. It’s known for its modern, seamless appearance and is popular for bathrooms, kitchens, and feature walls. It bonds well to tiles, screed, and even MDF when properly primed.
- Ultra-thin finish (2–3mm)
- Hand-applied in multiple coats
- Water-resistant and decorative
- Requires a protective sealer to prevent staining
What Is a Concrete Overlay?
Concrete overlays are thicker resurfacing layers (usually 10–50mm) applied over existing slabs to restore or upgrade worn concrete. They often include additives for strength and adhesion. Overlays can be stamped, stained, or polished, making them ideal for industrial or outdoor use.
- Much thicker than microcement (10mm+)
- Installed by pouring, not troweling
- Can be polished, stamped, or textured
- More durable for exterior or high-traffic areas
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose microcement if you want a minimalist look with fine detail on walls or small indoor surfaces. Choose a concrete overlay for high-wear areas like garages, driveways, or commercial floors where performance is the priority. The two serve different purposes, even if they look visually similar.
- Microcement: best for decorative finishes and tight interior spaces
- Overlay: better for durability, thickness, and structural recovery
- Both require skilled application to avoid failure or delamination
- Ultra-thin finish ideal for interiors
- Modern, seamless aesthetic
- Can be applied over tiles and MDF
- Available in a wide range of colours and textures
- Less durable in high-traffic or exterior settings
- Needs regular resealing to protect surface
- More prone to surface cracking if base is unstable
- Much more durable for driveways, garages, and shops
- Can be stamped, polished, or power floated
- Restores worn slabs without full removal
- Withstands heavy wear and exposure
- More invasive installation with higher thickness
- Needs expansion joints and careful prep
- Not ideal for tight, vertical, or feature wall applications
Is microcement stronger than concrete overlay?
No — microcement is decorative and thin, while overlays are structural and durable. For high-traffic or exterior areas, a concrete overlay offers far greater strength and longevity.
Can you polish microcement like concrete?
You can achieve a smooth, satin or matte finish with microcement, but it doesn’t polish like mechanically polished concrete. It's sealed, not ground and densified.
Can either product go over tiles?
Yes — both can go over tile if the surface is sound and prepped correctly. Microcement requires a primer; overlays need mechanical keying and may use bonding slurry.
Which is better for bathrooms and wet rooms?
Microcement is typically preferred in bathrooms due to its seamless finish, fine detail, and water-resistant top coats. Overlays are better suited for floors needing added strength or exterior exposure.