Achieve the Sleek Look of Polished Concrete Without the Weight, or the Cost
Polished concrete floors have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a modern, urban elegance to homes and commercial spaces. Their sleek, uninterrupted surface and outstanding durability are undeniably attractive. However, the reality is that polished concrete can be heavy, expensive, and structurally unsuitable for many projects.
If you’re frustrated that polished concrete won’t work in your older property, or you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, micro cement could be the perfect alternative. Micro cement – the lightweight polished concrete lookalike offers the same stunning visual appeal as polished concrete but without the drawbacks.
At Capital Screeding, we are experienced in the installation of micro cement. We can help you achieve the polished concrete look you’re looking for on floors, walls, stairs, worktops, and even furniture.
What is Micro Cement?
Love the look of polished concrete but don’t have the right foundation for it? Micro cement offers a brilliant solution. This versatile, decorative coating can be applied thinly (just 2-3mm!) over your existing floors, walls, or even ceilings, giving you the sleek, modern aesthetic of polished concrete without the need for a thick concrete slab.
The look you achieve with micro cement is floors, uninterrupted by grout lines, flowing from room to room, shower walls with a polished sheen, or a statement kitchen island – all achieved with the lightweight magic of micro cement.
Why Micro Cement is a Smarter Choice Than Polished Concrete
The Capital Screeding team has installed micro cement in retail showrooms, small upstairs bathrooms and heritage renovations. Here’s what has impressed us about it:
Design Flexibility
Micro cement gives you freedom to do exactly what you want with your space. We’re not just talking about a standard polished concrete look here. You can choose from a huge variety of colours and textures to get exactly the finish you want. Want a classic, smooth surface? No problem. Prefer something with a bit more of a rustic character? We can do that too. We’ve even used micro cement to mimic the look of marble on walls, stairs and kitchen worktops.
Easy Installation
From an installer’s perspective, micro cement is great to work with. The surface it’s going onto needs careful prep to get the best results, but you completely avoid all that messy building work that goes with polished concrete. This means less disruption for you, and a faster installation process. It’s perfect for family homes or commercial spaces where we like to keep downtime to a minimum.
Durability and Longevity
This stuff is tough. Micro cement is incredibly durable and can handle just about anything you throw at it – foot traffic, spills, even the occasional dropped pan. It’s resistant to stains, scratches, and impacts, so you can enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance surface for years to come.
Sustainability
We’re always on the lookout for more sustainable materials. With micro cement, we can reduce waste by applying it thinly and avoiding the need to rip out any existing materials. Add to that the fact that it’s a perfect partner for underfloor heating, so you can enjoy energy efficiency, too.
Micro Cement Polishing – Tips and Techniques from the Experts
So, you’re looking for that sleek, high gloss finish that micro cement is known for? It’s definitely achievable, even as a DIY project. Here’s how you achieve it and some tips to help you get the best results:
- Preparation is Key – Before you start polishing, make absolutely sure your micro cement is completely dry. Also, give the surface a good clean to remove any dust or debris.
- Choosing Your Tools – You’ll need a specialised floor grinder with diamond grinding pads. These pads come in different grits, from coarse to fine. Start with a coarser grit to smooth out the surface and then gradually move to finer grits to achieve that polished look.
- Grinding Technique – When grinding, keep the machine moving evenly to avoid creating any dips or uneven spots. It’s a bit like sanding wood – you want to create a smooth, consistent surface.
- Dust Control – Grinding can create a fair bit of dust, so make sure you have good ventilation and wear a dust mask. If possible, use a grinder with a built-in vacuum system to minimise dust.
- Sealing – Once you’re happy with the polished surface, give it another thorough clean to remove any remaining dust. Then, apply a high-quality sealer that’s designed for micro cement. This sealer will not only bring out the shine but also protect your floor from stains and scratches.
A Word of Caution:
While polishing micro cement is achievable as a DIY project, it does require some skill and patience. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, it’s always best to consult a professional.
Working with Capital Screeding
Micro cement offers you a practical solution to bring the polished concrete look to life in your home or commercial space. Whether you’re drawn to its versatility, durability, or ease of installation, micro cement provides a compelling alternative to traditional polished concrete. With the right preparation and a bit of know-how, you can achieve stunning results that will transform your space.
Ready to discuss installation? Capital Screeding are experts in the supply and installation of micro cement flooring, wall coatings and more. We work across London, Essex, Kent, and the South East of England.
Contact us today for a free quote and move one step closer to that polished concrete look – 020 3369 3396
