Why Microcement Is the Best Finish for Commercial Renovations
When it comes to commercial renovations, functionality matters. Whether you're refreshing a retail fitout, upgrading a hospitality venue, or remodelling office interiors, the finish you choose must withstand heavy use while meeting design expectations — and bonus points if it’s fast to install. That’s where microcement stands out.
What Is Microcement?
Microcement is a seamless coating applied in thin layers to floors, walls, ceilings, and joinery. It delivers the look of concrete or plaster with significantly more versatility — perfect for modern commercial spaces that demand high performance and visual impact.
Why Commercial Designers & Builders Choose Microcement
Seamless Surfaces: Unlike tiles or timber, microcement and other hand-rendered materials have no joints or grout lines. Aside from the beautiful minimalist aesthetic, this also makes it incredibly easy to clean, ideal for restaurants, hotels, commercial bathrooms, or high-traffic public spaces.
Remodel Without Removal: Time and equipment = money. Microcement can be applied directly over existing surfaces like tiles or concrete, saving the need for demolition and reducing project timelines as well as limiting machinery and personnel. Learn more about microcement resurfacing here.
Custom Colors & Textures: As it’s mixed and applied by hand, microcement can be specified in a range of colors and texture finishes so you can match your branding or design palette.
Durable & Crack-Resistant: With the right substrate prep and sealing, a quality microcement product should stand up to the rigors of daily commercial use — resisting stains, impact, moisture, and wear. Perfect for cafes, reception areas, office lobbies, and more.
Why X-Bond Microcement?
Our proprietary system, X-Bond, offers a level of performance and finish that sets it apart from generic microcement products.
Versatile Application: X-Bond can be applied to floors, walls, vanities, joinery, stairs — even curved or vertical surfaces.
Direct-to-Surface System: Designed to bond directly over most existing substrates with advanced molecular technology, including tiles, concrete, compressed sheet and plasterboard.
Designed for Durability: Engineered for commercial use, X-Bond is a highly flexible and strong composition that resists cracking more so than other microcements.
Seamless Aesthetic: Create a continuous surface that’s free of grout lines or joints, offering a modern and sophisticated look that aligns with high-end commercial design.
Customizable Finishes: X-Bond comes in a curated range of colors and finish levels, from sleek and smooth to buffed or textured — so you can tailor the look to your project’s brand or style direction.
Eco-Conscious: With low VOCs and long-lasting performance, X-Bond supports sustainability goals in commercial builds.
Waterproof: With a liquid waterproofing membrane as of the installation system, as well as industrial strength sealers, X-Bond provides a fully waterproof finish (whereas some microcements are not suitable for wet areas).
Where X-Bond Microcement Works Best in Commercial Projects
Retail Stores: Sleek, strong surfaces that elevate your brand.
Hospitality Venues: Hygienic, stylish finishes for cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels and bathrooms.
Corporate Offices: Durable, seamless flooring and feature walls that elevate client and staff areas.
Health & Wellness Spaces: Easy-to-clean, slip-resistant surfaces that contribute to calm, uncluttered interiors.
External Areas: From hotel pool decks to schoolyards and shop facades; X-Bond provides a UV-stable and weather-resistant finish for outdoor spaces.
Custom Joinery: Make your commercial project unique with bespoke tables, countertops, seating, cabinetry, and more.
FAQs
Does microcement de-laminate?
When applied correctly, X-Bond does not de-laminate. Proper surface preparation, skilled application, and thorough sealing ensure a resilient finish with strong adhesion to the substrate.
Can microcement go over any substrate?
As with any surface finish, longevity depends on the substrate condition. We do not recommend specifying X-Bond over an unstable, uneven, or soft material. The base should be level, hard, and free from damage. We also do not recommend installing X-Bond over materials that are subject to rigorous movement. In the event of substrate failure where the substrate moves significantly, cracking can occur.
Can microcement go over tiles?
Absolutely. X-Bond is designed to bond directly over a variety of surfaces including tile, saving time and demolition costs. The tiles will need to be levelled and re-waterproofed prior.
How long does installation take?
Depending on project scope and size, most installations are completed within 3–5 days.
Thinking about microcement for your next commercial renovation? We collaborate with builders, architects, designers and business owners across the US to deliver premium microcement finishes with X-Bond. Our team supports you from product selection to finding a professional applicator, ensuring a seamless experience every time. Get in touch and let’s start your project.