Microcement guide

Is microcement waterproof?

It depends on the system. ErreLAB’s resin systems are waterproof at every layer, so they can go in showers and wet rooms. Here’s how each of our systems handles water, and which one to choose for your room.

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The short answer

It depends on the system. ErreLAB’s resin systems (Spatolato, Velato, Pietra Continua and Metallo Continuo) are waterproof at every layer, so they can go in showers, wet rooms and direct water. Politura microcement and ErreFast aren’t waterproof: they get their water resistance from the sealer, so they suit bathrooms and kitchens away from direct water.

That difference matters most where water is constant. A finish that’s waterproof through its whole build keeps working even if the sealer gets scratched, so ErreLAB is what we recommend for showers and wet rooms. We also recommend tanking there, as extra protection.

At a glance

ErreLAB resin systems: Waterproof at every layer
Politura microcement: Water resistant, from the sealer
ErreFast: Water resistant, from the sealer
Showers and wet rooms: ErreLAB, with tanking recommended

How each system handles water

System	Against water	Showers and wet rooms	Elsewhere in the bathroom
ErreLAB (Spatolato, Velato, Pietra Continua, Metallo Continuo)	Waterproof at every layer	Yes, with tanking recommended	Yes
Politura microcement	Water resistant, from the sealer	No	Yes, away from direct water
ErreFast	Water resistant, from the sealer	No	Yes, away from direct water

Outside, use Spatolato Outdoor or Pietra Continua Outdoor, which are made for the weather.

Can you use microcement in a shower?

Yes, with an ErreLAB resin system. We don’t recommend mineral or acrylic microcements for showers or wet rooms, because the water exposure is constant.

Do you need tanking? Because ErreLAB is waterproof at every layer, the product doesn’t need it. We still recommend tanking in showers and wet rooms as extra protection for the walls and floor behind the finish, so plan it in before the finish goes on. Call us on 01472 240 340 to talk through the build-up for your room.

For a wet floor, choose Top Clear SOL with anti-slip aggregate, which is rated for barefoot wet areas, Class A to C (DIN 51097). Our bathrooms and wet rooms guide covers the rest.

Microcement in wet rooms and bathrooms

ErreLAB on walk-in showers, floors, walls and vanity tops.

ErreLAB Velato cream resin in shower enclosure with floor and wall detail

ErreLAB Pietra Continua Basalto resin floor in a bathroom with a double vanity and freestanding bath

ErreLAB Pietra Continua Basalto walk-in shower and floor, wide-angle view

Minimalist bathroom with ErreLAB Velato walls and recessed fixtures

ErreLAB Spatolato bathroom flooring in sink and entry area with light contemporary finish

What’s been tested

Waterproof is easy to claim, so here’s what we can point to.

Erre-Block primerCE marked to EN 1504-2, with 2.1 MPa bond strength. It showed no change after 72 hours under 2.5 bar of water pressure from below.

Wet floorsErreLAB Top Clear SOL with anti-slip aggregate is rated Class A to C for barefoot wet areas (DIN 51097).

StainsErreLAB is non-porous and stands up to everyday bathroom products. Watch our 24-hour stain test below.

What to get right in wet areas

The right system does most of the work. These details do the rest.

The right systemPolitura microcement and ErreFast aren’t for showers or wet rooms. Use ErreLAB.

TankingErreLAB doesn’t need it, but we recommend tanking in showers and wet rooms as extra protection.

A moisture barrierBusy bathrooms and wet rooms may need a moisture-barrier primer under the finish.

Sound tilesOver tiles, every tile must be well bonded first. Our over tiles guide covers the preparation.

Movement jointsExisting movement joints must be carried through the finish.

Questions about microcement and water

Is microcement waterproof?

It depends on the system. ErreLAB’s resin systems are waterproof at every layer. Politura microcement and ErreFast aren’t: they get their water resistance from the sealer, so they’re for use away from direct water.

Can you use microcement in a shower?

Yes, with an ErreLAB resin system. We also recommend tanking as extra protection. We don’t recommend mineral or acrylic microcements for showers or wet rooms.

Does microcement need tanking?

ErreLAB doesn’t need it, because it’s waterproof at every layer. We still recommend tanking in showers and wet rooms as extra protection for the walls and floor behind the finish.

Does microcement need a sealer?

Yes. Politura microcement and ErreFast get their water resistance from it. ErreLAB is waterproof through the whole build as well, and is finished with Top Clear.

Is microcement OK in a bathroom?

Yes. Choose ErreLAB for showers and wet rooms, where we also recommend tanking. Politura microcement and ErreFast suit floors, walls and worktops elsewhere in the bathroom, away from direct water.

Is microcement slippery when wet?

ErreLAB Top Clear SOL with anti-slip aggregate is rated for barefoot wet areas, Class A to C (DIN 51097). Pietra Continua Basalto is Class B.

Does mould grow on microcement?

There are no grout lines for mould to take hold in, so there’s far less for it to cling to. Good ventilation and regular wiping still matter in any bathroom.

More microcement FAQs →