On a wall, microcement looks and feels like one continuous material. The applicator's trowel work, side lighting and the size of the wall all affect the result, so good preparation and sample approval are important.
Microcement can be applied to many properly prepared walls. The primer, reinforcement and layers depend on what the wall is made from, its condition and whether it is in a wet or dry area.
Check the wall first. Masonry, plaster, boards and existing finishes behave differently. The wall must be sound, clean, stable and correctly prepared. Board joints, cracks and changes between materials need extra attention. A decorative finish cannot stabilise a moving wall or permanently hide poorly prepared joints. The wall construction and microcement system must work together.
Dry walls and wet walls are different specifications. A living-room feature wall mainly needs the right look and easy cleaning. A shower wall also needs waterproofing, sealed corners, pipe openings and protection from regular water exposure. They may look the same but need different systems. In wet areas, plan the waterproof layer, corners and fittings before approving the colour. The visible finish comes after the wet-area construction is solved.
Check the finish in the right light. Side lighting makes texture stronger, while soft light makes it less noticeable. View samples vertically and, when possible, under the planned lighting. The same colour can look different beside a window, below a downlight or across a large wall. The finish can be subtle or more expressive. Choose the amount of trowel movement that suits the room rather than the one that looks most dramatic on a small sample.
Plan corners and edges. External corners, window openings, skirtings, ceilings, switches, joinery and shadow gaps all meet the finish. Decide these details before application begins. In renovations, existing paint, tile or plaster must be checked. The new system is only as secure as the layer it is attached to.