Microcement for bathrooms, showers and stairs - Valpaint e-volution PLUS
1. Why e-volution PLUS is different from ordinary microcement
There are many microcement systems on the market. Most work the same way: a base layer, a decorative layer, a protective lacquer. They differ in color, texture and brand - but the principle is the same. Valpaint e-volution PLUS works differently.
The key is the finish. Instead of lacquer - a two-component epoxy resin, Gel EP40+CT50. It is not a lacquer. The resin fills every gap, every channel of the structure, forming a continuous, monolithic coating. Chemical resistance: vinegar, hydrochloric acid, 5% sulfuric acid, bleach, boiling oil, red wine - all "resistant". 75 Shore D hardness - like an industrial parquet. Full cure after 28 days.
The second difference: what you can place between the base and the resin. In ordinary microcement: nothing. In e-volution PLUS: any Valpaint decorative product. A rust effect. A jute-fabric effect. Venetian stucco. Valrenna suede. Everything sealed under resin - fully waterproof, walkable, hard as ceramic.
No other manufacturer in the world does this.
2. Three decorative effects - what you can achieve
Effetto Marmorizzato - veined marble effect
Technique 1Irregular, flowing veins in the Meteore 12 structure, shaped with a brush while the product is wet, then sealed under two coats of Gel EP40 resin. Every execution is unique - no two bathrooms look the same. Available in the full Meteore 12 color palette - from classic white with grey veins to warm beiges and deep greys.
The decorative layer between the Meteore 12 base and the resin is Sabulador Soft - applied with a compact sponge, diluted with 20-30% water. It creates the marble structure that the resin "fills" and seals.
Effetto Liscio - smooth decorative concrete
Technique 2A clean architectural-concrete effect in any color of the Valclone system. Two coats of Meteore 12, sanding with 220 paper, pore sealing with Otturapori OTB+CT45, two coats of Top Coat (matte or gloss). Without Gel EP40 resin - a lacquer finish. Modern, minimalist character.
This is the technically and cost-simpler variant. Suitable for bathrooms, living rooms and offices. For showers - only with extra protection. On stairs without a 3D finish.
Altri Effetti Decorativi - any Valpaint effect under resin
Technique 3 - unique worldwideBetween the Meteore 12 base and the Gel EP40 resin you apply any Valpaint decorative product. The e-volution catalog lists: Arteco 7, Juta, Klondike, Klondike Light, Valrenna 2. Each keeps its visual effect - the weave of jute, relief rust, Venetian stucco - but is protected by epoxy resin. A continuous, waterproof, walkable surface with a decorative effect.
The Gel EP40 resin works into every channel of the structure, filling it from within. You look at a rust effect - you touch hard, smooth resin. It's an optical depth effect impossible to achieve by any other method.
3. The breakthrough: any Valpaint effect inside a shower
For years a simple division held: decorative effects for dry rooms, ceramics for bathrooms. Microcement changed that in part - you could have a "concrete" bathroom. But there was still one limit: decorative effects with a three-dimensional texture weren't suitable for the shower, because water penetrated through the surface's micropores.
e-volution PLUS removes this limit completely. The Gel EP40+CT50 epoxy resin fills literally every pore, every channel, every space of the texture. There's nowhere for water to get in. The layer is continuous, seamless, jointless.
Effects from the e-volution catalog certified for the wet zone:
- Klondike - rust and Corten-steel corrosion effect inside a shower
- Klondike Light - a delicate metal patina in the wet zone
- Juta - the weave of jute fabric on a shower wall
- Arteco 7 - Venetian stucco in six effects under resin
- Valrenna 2 - a suede / leather effect under epoxy resin
4. Where to use it - bathroom, stairs, living room
Bathroom and shower area
All three e-volution PLUS techniques are suitable for the bathroom. For the shower area (direct contact with water) - only technique 1 (marble) and technique 3 (decorative effects) with Gel EP40 resin. Technique 2 (smooth concrete with Top Coat) requires extra sealing in the shower area.
Floor-wall corners, drains and shower enclosures are sealed with Sigillante SG15 - a flexible sealant with 350% elasticity, mould-resistant, VOC 0 g/L.
Stairs
Stairs are the most spectacular use of technique 3. Klondike on stair treads under resin gives an effect impossible to achieve by any other method - a clear corrosion texture visible in the structure, a surface smooth and hard as ceramic, resistant to intensive use. Parameters: 75 Shore D hardness, abrasion resistance below 30 mg after 200 cycles per ISO 11998 - treat it like an industrial parquet.
Living room, hallway, office
All three techniques. Smooth concrete (technique 2) works best in large, open spaces. Decorative effects (technique 3) as accent walls or islands. For living-room floors - technique 1 or 3 with Gel EP40 resin for maximum durability.
5. Over existing tiles without removal - how it works
e-volution PLUS was designed with no-demolition renovations in mind. The whole substrate-preparation system over tiles is a few stages - no rubble, no waste disposal:
- Grinding the glaze - remove the polish from the tile surface with a diamond disc. The tiles must be stable and firmly bonded - loose tiles are a disqualifier.
- Promotore di Adesione ADP - adhesion promoter by spray, wiped in with a damp cloth wet on wet. 2-4h application window to the next coat.
- Primer AZ + CT10 - two-component primer catalyzed with CT10. Two coats - the first diluted with ADP, the second clean, 24h apart.
- Stucco SB30 + CT90 - epoxy filler for the joints. Pot-life 1h. After 24h you can apply Meteore 12.
- Then - the Meteore 12 system + decorative layer + Gel EP40 as described above.
6. Technical parameters for designers
| Parameter | Value | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Shore D hardness (Gel EP40) | 75 Shore D | ASTM D 2240 |
| Abrasion resistance (Gel EP40) | <30 mg after 200 cycles | ISO 11998 |
| Adhesion (Meteore 12) | >2.2 N/mm² | UNI EN 1542 |
| Gloss (Gel EP40) | 92.6 GU - high gloss | EN ISO 2813 |
| VOC Meteore 12 | max 6.6 g/L | Directive 2004-42-CE |
| VOC Sigillante SG15 | 0 g/L | Directive 2010/75/EU |
| Emission of harmful substances (Meteore 12) | TVOC <1 mg/m³, class A+ | ISO 16000 |
| Substrate moisture max | 3% | BM40 Moisture Device |
| Full system cure | 28 days at 20°C | - |
| Full Gel EP40 cure | 48 days at 20°C | - |
| Application temperature | +10°C to +30°C | - |
| Pot-life Gel EP40+CT50 | 20-25 min at 20°C | - |
| Chemical resistance | Full table below | ASTM D1308-02 |
Chemical resistance of the system (Gel EP40 + Top Coat) per ASTM D1308-02
| Substance | Result | Substance | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinegar | Resistant | Beer | Resistant |
| Hydrochloric acid | Resistant | Coffee | Resistant |
| Sulfuric acid H₂SO₄ 5% | Resistant | Coca-Cola | Resistant |
| Water 100°C | Resistant | Toothpaste | Resistant |
| Alkalis (NaOH) | Resistant | Bathroom limescale remover | Resistant |
| Ethyl alcohol | Resistant | Ketchup | Resistant |
| Ammonia | Resistant | Mayonnaise | Resistant |
| Bath foam | Resistant | Oil | Resistant |
| Boiling oil | Resistant | Fruit juice | Resistant |
| Lemon juice | Resistant | Urine | Resistant |
| Bleach | Resistant | Red wine | Resistant |
Calculator - estimate material and approximate cost
Want to check straight away how much material and roughly what cost your project means? Enter the area and choose the effect - the calculator will select matching systems and prepare a ready material list. If you like, leave your contact details and we'll send you a ready quote for materials and labor.
Calculate microcement for your area in 3 steps
Choose an effect, add your surfaces (you can mix substrates — e.g. tiles on the floor and plaster on the wall), and we'll select matching systems and prepare a ready shopping list.
Surfaces to cover
For each surface choose a substrate and enter the area. You can change the name — click the name field (e.g. „Bathroom"); it will appear in the shopping list. Area = length × width (wall: width × height minus openings).
Finish and reserve
Gloss emphasizes depth and color; matte gives a rawer, concrete look. Both lacquers are equally resistant to water and abrasion.
Area measurement is rarely perfect, and during application some material stays on tools, edges and offcuts. If you'd rather be sure you won't run out mid-job — add a reserve. For most projects we recommend 10%.
e-volution PLUS system products and decorative effects
Ask for a microcement quote
We'll estimate the cost of materials and - if you need it - an approximate cost of an installer's labor in your region. We usually reply within one working day.
- the area to be covered (walls and floors separately)
- the postal code of the project location
- preferred timeframe
- chosen effect (marble / smooth concrete / Klondike / Juta / other)
- whether you need a labor quote
The button opens your email app. If you prefer - copy the address above and write directly.
Frequently asked questions about e-volution PLUS microcement
Is microcement suitable for a shower?
Yes - but only with the right system. Valpaint e-volution PLUS with Gel EP40+CT50 resin forms a continuous, waterproof surface intended for direct contact with water. Standard microcement sealed with lacquer only is not suitable for the shower area - moisture penetrates through micro-cracks in the lacquer over time.
Can microcement be applied over existing tiles without removing them?
Yes - the e-volution PLUS system was designed for application over existing ceramics. The tiles must be stable and firmly bonded to the substrate. The glaze is ground with a diamond disc, an adhesion layer of Promotore ADP is applied, and the joints are filled with Stucco SB30 epoxy filler. A renovation without demolition, without debris, without weeks of downtime.
What decorative effects can be achieved in e-volution microcement?
Three techniques: veined marble (Sabulador Soft under resin), smooth decorative concrete, and any Valpaint effect under resin - Arteco 7, Juta, Klondike, Klondike Light, Valrenna 2. This third technique is unique - no other manufacturer offers the ability to seal a rust, jute-fabric or Venetian-stucco effect under epoxy resin while giving a fully waterproof surface.
Is e-volution microcement suitable for stairs?
Yes - it's one of the best uses. The Gel EP40+CT50 resin has 75 Shore D hardness and abrasion resistance below 30 mg after 200 cycles (ISO 11998) - industrial-parquet parameters. On stairs you can use all three techniques, including 3D effects with Klondike under resin.
How much does e-volution PLUS microcement cost per m²?
The material cost is roughly 180-300 PLN/m² depending on the technique. Labor of a certified installer: 200-350 PLN/m². For comparison: replacing tiles is the material cost plus demolition and debris removal. e-volution PLUS over existing tiles eliminates those costs completely.
How long does an e-volution microcement bathroom renovation take?
Application of the system usually takes 5-7 working days depending on the technique. Afterwards you can walk on the floor after 48h. Full system resistance after 28 days, full Gel EP40 resin cure after 48 days. Substrate moisture before application must be max 3% - new screeds must dry at least 28 days.