CAN CEMCRETE DECORATIVE COATINGS BE USED IN WET AREAS?
Yes, but understanding the layered approach to water protection will ensure a lasting, beautiful finish.
Yes, but understanding the layered approach to water protection will ensure a lasting, beautiful finish.
The short answer: Most of Cemcrete's decorative coatings and overlays are not, on their own, waterproof in the technical sense. But they are fully suitable for wet environments (bathrooms, showers, kitchens, and outdoor spaces) when correctly specified and sealed.
WHY CEMENTITIOUS SURFACES NEED SEALING
Cementitious surfaces are naturally porous. Left unsealed, they will absorb water, leading to staining and eventual surface degradation. The solution is a two-stage sealing system that protects the surface and enhances its long-term integrity.
CreteCote Mist sealed with SiliconSeal only
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Stage 1: SiliconSeal — the penetrative hydrophobic sealer
SiliconSeal is Cemcrete's penetrative, hydrophobic sealer. Rather than forming a film on the surface, it works by significantly reducing the water absorption of concrete, clay bricks, natural stone, fibre cement, and plaster from within. Water will not be absorbed, instead, it beads on the surface and runs off cleanly. Critically, SiliconSeal does not clog the pores or seal the surface shut. The substrate remains breathable (only without a topical sealer applied as well), allowing moisture to escape naturally rather than becoming trapped beneath the coating. |
CreteCote Mist sealed with SiliconSeal and topical sealer (Multipurpose Water-Based)
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Stage 2: Topical sealer — the protective finish
After applying SiliconSeal, a topical final sealer (available in matt or gloss) is applied to further protect the surface and complete the finish. This two-stage approach is essential: if a topical sealer is applied without SiliconSeal underneath, moisture can find pathways through the sealer and into the cement, causing wet-back; unsightly damp patches that compromise the finish. For optimal performance in wet areas, both systems should always be used together. |
Left: Unsealed
| Right: SiliconSeal Only
PRIMARY WATERPROOFING STILL APPLIES
It’s important to note that decorative coatings, much like tiles or paint, are not the primary waterproofing layer. The true waterproofing of a structure must be addressed beneath the surface.
A successful installation relies on appropriate underlying systems, including:
- Damp-proof membranes (DPM)
- Damp-proof courses (DPC)
- Water-repellent cement or suitable waterproofing methods
This layered approach ensures that the structure itself is protected, while the decorative coating provides the final aesthetic finish.
CEMCRETE WATERPROOFING PRODUCTS
If primary waterproofing is not yet in place, Cemcrete offers a range of products to address different scenarios.
Permastop: A cement-based mixture with active chemicals that migrate into the concrete or plaster, forming crystals that waterproof against hydrostatic pressure. A long-term solution suited to below-ground and water-containing OPC structures. It can be combined with Permastop Accelerator to stop active leaks. Suitable for positive and negative water pressure.
MatCrete: A waterproof cement lining for water-containing structures such as fish ponds, water channels, dams, drinking troughs, flat roofs, and parapet walls. Can be applied directly over hard compacted soil, and is suitable as a preparatory layer before applying Cemcrete's decorative finishes where no prior waterproofing exists. Suitable against positive water pressure only.
MatFlex (not for use with Cemcrete's decorative coatings): A two-component, polymer-modified flexible waterproofing coating supplied as a ready-to-use kit. Designed for wet areas and water-containing concrete structures. Suitable for positive and negative water pressure.
If primary waterproofing is not yet in place, Cemcrete offers a range of products to address different scenarios.
Permastop: A cement-based mixture with active chemicals that migrate into the concrete or plaster, forming crystals that waterproof against hydrostatic pressure. A long-term solution suited to below-ground and water-containing OPC structures. It can be combined with Permastop Accelerator to stop active leaks. Suitable for positive and negative water pressure.
MatCrete: A waterproof cement lining for water-containing structures such as fish ponds, water channels, dams, drinking troughs, flat roofs, and parapet walls. Can be applied directly over hard compacted soil, and is suitable as a preparatory layer before applying Cemcrete's decorative finishes where no prior waterproofing exists. Suitable against positive water pressure only.
MatFlex (not for use with Cemcrete's decorative coatings): A two-component, polymer-modified flexible waterproofing coating supplied as a ready-to-use kit. Designed for wet areas and water-containing concrete structures. Suitable for positive and negative water pressure.
With proper underlying waterproofing, the use of SiliconSeal, and the application of a suitable topical sealer, these finishes offer a durable and water-resistant solution, without compromising the integrity of the substrate.
For product specifications or advice on your specific project, contact the Cemcrete team.