Five Mistakes to Avoid When Installing Microcement in a Shower
Microcement showers are stunning, seamless, and spa-worthy—but they do demand attention to detail. Whether you're a first-time DIYer or a contractor trying Eco-Tech's kit for the first time, this guide will help you sidestep the most common missteps. Because fixing mistakes after the fact is far more costly than avoiding them in the first place.
1. Skipping Surface Preparation
Surface prep is not optional—it's foundational. If you apply microcement over dusty, glossy, or poorly bonded substrates, your beautiful finish can fail. This is especially crucial in areas exposed to water like shower and tub surrounds.
What to do instead:
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Lightly sand glossy tile or paint.
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Clean thoroughly using a degreaser like TSP.
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Ensure all surfaces are dry and free from movement.
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Repair cracks and prime with WATstop as directed.
➡️ Pro Tip: Treat substrate prep like priming a canvas—it sets the stage for everything that follows.
2. Mixing Too Much at Once
Microcement and epoxy products have short working times—often 20–25 minutes for Decorkrete, and 2 hours max for Aquafloor Eco.
What to do instead:
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Start with small batches (just what you can apply in the working time of the product).
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Use a scale for precision if working in partial amounts.
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Remix gently if the mix starts to stiffen—don’t add water.
- Be mindful of your experience level. You will work faster as you learn.
➡️ Pro Tip: Microcement behaves more like fresh plaster than paint. It’s better to mix twice than waste a batch.
3. Rushing Between Coats
Not allowing layers to cure properly can compromise adhesion and lead to flaking, bubbling, or uneven colour.
What to do instead:
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Let WATstop dry 24–48 hours before applying microcement.
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Wait at least 6 hours between Decorkrete coats; cure Decorkrete for 24 hours before sealing
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Let Aquafloor layers dry 1–2 hours between coats, and 24 hours before use.
➡️ Pro Tip: Good things take time—especially when dealing with water-based or cementitious layers.
4. Skipping Sanding Between Layers
Even if it looks good, each layer needs light abrasion to ensure adhesion. Skipping this can cause the next coat to delaminate.
What to do instead:
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Lightly sand with 80–120 grit sandpaper after each coat.
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Always remove dust with a dry cloth or vacuum—never use water.
➡️ Pro Tip: This step isn’t cosmetic—it’s structural. It ensures the layers chemically and mechanically bond.
5. Expecting Perfection
Many first-timers freeze up trying to achieve a flawless finish. But microcement is an artisanal material—its beauty lies in variation.
What to do instead:
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Embrace irregularities; they add texture and uniqueness.
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Practice on a test board first.
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Use short, random trowel strokes—don’t overwork it.
- Mistakes can always be sanded back.
➡️ Pro Tip: Think of it as sculpture, not wall painting. The more you let the material guide you, the better it looks.
Final Thought
Mistakes with microcement aren’t irreversible—but they are preventable. By prepping properly, mixing smart, respecting drying times, and embracing the material’s character, you’ll get a durable and beautiful shower finish that feels hand-crafted, not homemade.
Need guidance on your project? Reach out anytime. We’re here to help you build it right, the first time.
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