Hey everyone! I'm working on a flooring project for about 575 sq ft and want to recreate that polished concrete or microcement finish. I'm hoping to go the DIY route since professional installations are just too pricey for me. Here are some options I'm considering and would love your thoughts on their durability:
- Feather Finish (like Ardex or Henry) - If I apply multiple thin coats, do some sanding, and seal it with a strong sealer, could it hold up well enough for daily use?
- Feather Finish over cement board - Would this be more stable and still look good when sealed?
- Only using cement board and sealing it - Is this technique likely to turn out nice?
- Decorative overlays like SkimStone, SureCrete, or Ardex SD-M - I know they're a bit pricier but are designed for wear, so are they worth it?
- Epoxy finishes (either pigmented or clear over a gray base) - They seem tough, but do they just end up looking like a typical garage floor?
- Painted finishes - They're cheaper, but do they actually give you a realistic concrete appearance and hold up long-term?
My key priorities are that it *must* look like actual cement, be durable enough for everyday living, and stay budget-friendly. Has anyone tried these methods? What would you recommend or advise against? Also, if you happen to know any affordable and easy-to-apply microcement products, I'd appreciate your suggestions! Thanks a lot!
2 Answers
I’d suggest considering decorative overlays too. They can be on the pricier side, but they're designed specifically to withstand wear. If you're looking for aesthetics and durability, this might be your best bet!
If you just want the look of polished concrete without needing serious durability, Feather Finish can work well, especially if you go for multiple layers and a solid sealer afterwards. Just be sure to sand between coats for a smoother finish!
That sounds promising! I definitely want to avoid anything too weak or prone to moisture, so I'll make sure to follow those tips.
Good to know! I’ll look into those overlays since I want something that really looks nice and holds up well.