Microcement is a thin, cement-based coating applied by hand with a trowel in several layers. The result is one continuous surface without grout lines, with a soft, slightly clouded look that suits a modern flat as well as an old stone house. Epoxy (epoxy resin) is a two-component floor coating that is poured or rolled on and gives a smooth, tough surface that is easy to clean. In Pula and the surroundings the work is done by our team, together with trusted external partners where needed. Send us photos of the room on WhatsApp and we will get back to you with a ballpark estimate.
Microcement or epoxy — what is the difference?
Microcement is a mineral coating for floors and walls: it is thin, applied by hand, and every surface has a slightly different, lively look. Epoxy is used mostly on floors and gives a smoother, harder and more uniform surface. In rooms with a lot of sun a UV-resistant system is chosen, because some epoxy resins turn yellow over time. Which one suits you depends on the room, the substrate and the look you want.
Where it is used
In bathrooms and showers (walls, floor, a small bench and niches in one surface), in kitchens and living rooms with one floor and no thresholds, on stairs, and in holiday apartments, where a surface without grout lines is quick to clean between guests. Epoxy is a common choice for garages, storerooms and utility rooms. In many cases microcement can go over old, firmly bonded tiles, so the floor height barely changes.
What decides the quality
Most of the work is the part you do not see. The substrate has to be firm, clean and flat: loose or hollow tiles are fixed or removed and cracks are repaired. Rising damp, common on the ground floors of old Istrian houses, can lift any coating, so we check it before starting. Then come a primer suited to the substrate (tiles, screed, plaster or plasterboard), a fibreglass mesh against cracking, several coats and a sealer against water, grease and stains. Every coat needs time to dry — rushing is the most common cause of problems.
Pros and cons — honestly
Pros: no grout lines, a calm and continuous look, a thin build-up so doors rarely need trimming, and a surface that wipes clean quickly. Cons: it takes a skilled hand, and no two surfaces look exactly alike. If the substrate moves (a cracked screed, a wooden floor), hairline cracks can appear. The sealer needs looking after and renewing from time to time, a smooth finish can be slippery when wet unless an anti-slip finish is used, and invisible repairs are hard to do. If durability and easy repairs matter most to you, tiles are still a good choice.
Care and cleaning
Clean with a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth or mop. Avoid bleach, acidic limescale removers and scouring pads, put felt pads under furniture, and wipe up wine, oil and lemon juice straight away. In the shower, a rubber squeegee after use stops limescale building up.
Service area
We primarily cover Pula and the immediate surroundings (Medulin, Fažana, Vodnjan, Ližnjan, Štinjan, Premantura, Banjole). Through our network of tradespeople and vetted partners we also regularly reach Rovinj, Poreč and the rest of western, southern and central Istria — visits outside Pula are agreed in advance based on distance.
Why us
- Floors and walls without grout lines where dirt and mould collect
- Bathrooms and level-access showers, with waterproofing under the microcement
- Often over existing, firmly bonded tiles — less demolition, dust and waste
- Kitchens, living rooms, stairs and holiday apartments
- Epoxy floors for garages, storerooms, workshops and utility rooms
- Advice on cleaning and looking after the sealer once the job is done
How we work
- Photos and estimate. You send photos or a short video on WhatsApp with rough measurements; we reply with a ballpark estimate and arrange a visit.
- Substrate check. On site we check how firm, flat and dry the substrate is and the condition of any existing tiles.
- Preparation. Repairing cracks, fixing or removing loose tiles, levelling, primer and mesh; waterproofing in showers.
- Applying the coats. Several coats of microcement or epoxy, each one dried and sanded before the next.
- Sealing and curing. A protective sealer, then drying time before full use and wet cleaning.
Send a few photos on WhatsApp and get a rough price before we come out.
Frequently asked questions
Can microcement go over old tiles?
Often it can, if the tiles are firmly bonded and the floor or wall is stable. The grout lines are filled, a primer for tiles and a mesh are used, and loose or hollow tiles are fixed or removed first. We check this on site.
Is microcement good for a shower?
Yes, when it is done as a system: waterproofing underneath in the wet area, several coats and a protective sealer. For the shower floor we recommend an anti-slip finish.
Will microcement crack?
Hairline cracks can appear if the substrate underneath moves or cracks. Careful preparation, the right primer, a mesh and enough drying time between coats greatly reduce that risk.
How is the price estimated?
It depends on the area, the condition of the substrate and the preparation needed, shower waterproofing, the number of coats, the finish and details such as stairs and niches. Send photos and rough measurements on WhatsApp for a ballpark estimate; we give an exact quote after a visit.