A complete system solution

Decorative Concrete Coatings for Kitchens and Splashbacks

A decorative concrete coating creates a continuous, washable kitchen surface, particularly on splashbacks and adjoining walls. With the correct system build-up, it can also be used on selected furniture elements, worktops or floors. Benefits include renovation without removing existing tiles and fewer conventional joints where grease and dirt can accumulate.

Seamless kitchen surfaces

A decorative concrete kitchen coating, also known as microcement or a kitchen coating, is a thin, multi-layer system for modern kitchen surfaces. It is most commonly used on splashbacks, walls, niches and casings. Floors and worktops require a more durable system build-up and greater attention to detail.

Important In a kitchen, appearance alone is not enough. The surface must withstand grease, water, everyday household chemicals, temperature changes and regular cleaning. Correct substrate preparation and a high-quality final lacquer are essential.

What Are Decorative Concrete Kitchen Coatings?

A decorative concrete kitchen coating is a thin surface finish approximately 1.5–3 mm thick. It is applied in several layers and, once sealed with lacquer, creates a washable surface without conventional tile joints.

It is particularly suitable when you want to replace ceramic tiles with a modern, continuous surface, coordinate the kitchen with the rest of the interior or renovate without demolition.

Material

How it works

applied by hand in thin layers,
creates a continuous mineral appearance without a conventional grid of tile joints,
can be applied over existing tiles,
washable once lacquered,
the entire system build-up determines the result.

Kitchen

Why it is used

no grout lines behind the worktop to collect dirt,
a modern, minimalist appearance,
quick renovation without demolition,
coordinated splashbacks, walls and floors,
easy maintenance when correctly lacquered.

Where Can Decorative Concrete Coatings Be Used in a Kitchen?

In kitchens, decorative concrete coatings are most commonly used for splashbacks. They can also be applied to larger walls, floors, masonry surrounds, extractor hood casings or selected furniture elements. For flooring applications, see our separate article on microcement and decorative concrete floor coatings.

Splashback wall
The most common application, replacing conventional tiles.

Worktop
A possible solution with a stable substrate, correctly detailed edges and a highly durable protective finish.

Floor
A seamless appearance that requires a durable system build-up.

Casings and niches
A consistent design across details and kitchen elements.

Typical kitchen surfaces

kitchen splashbacks,
walls behind the cooker and sink,
worktops or breakfast bars,
kitchen floors,
extractor hoods, casings, niches and feature walls.

Benefits of Decorative Concrete Coatings for Splashbacks and Walls

In a kitchen, conventional tiling often suffers most at the grout lines. Grease, water, sauces and dust accumulate in the joints, making cleaning increasingly difficult over time. A decorative concrete coating significantly reduces this problem, but does not create a completely maintenance-free surface. A high-quality protective lacquer and regular, gentle cleaning are essential.

Maintenance

No conventional tile joints

fewer places for grease to accumulate,
easier wiping of splashbacks,
a clean surface around the cooker and sink,
a more cohesive kitchen appearance,
the protective finish can be renewed by recoating with lacquer.

Design

A modern, continuous appearance

a minimalist concrete effect,
a smooth or subtly textured finish,
a wide choice of colours,
combines with wood, stone and black details,
suitable for modern and industrial interiors.

In a kitchen, an attractive concrete appearance is only part of the picture. The surface must also be easy to clean.

Renovation without demolition

Have existing ceramic tiles behind your worktop?

If the tiles are firmly bonded, have no hollow areas and can be thoroughly degreased, they do not always need to be removed. However, the surface must be correctly roughened, the joints levelled and the substrate prepared using the system’s specified bonding procedure.

How to apply over tiles →

Applying a Decorative Concrete Splashback over Existing Tiles

One of the main benefits of a decorative concrete coating is that it can be applied over existing ceramic tiles. The general technical process is described in more detail in our article on decorative concrete coatings over wall and floor tiles. This is ideal for kitchen renovations when you want to avoid demolition, chiselling and dust.

Requirement The existing tiles must be firmly bonded. Hollow, cracked or loose tiles are not a suitable substrate. These problems must be repaired before applying the coating.

What to do before application

check the tiles by tapping them,
remove silicone, grease, limescale and cleaning product residues,
sand or roughen the glossy glaze,
fill the joints to prevent them showing through the final layer,
use a suitable primer and reinforcing mesh as specified for the system build-up.

How to Apply a Decorative Concrete Kitchen Coating

The exact procedure depends on the substrate, but the basic build-up is similar: substrate preparation, primer, base coat, decorative finishing coat, pore sealing and protective lacquer. Detailed technical instructions are provided in our article How to Prepare the Substrate for Microcement and Decorative Concrete Coatings. Preparation materials are available in the Substrate Preparation category, protective finishes in Lacquers and Sealers and application tools under trowels and rollers.

Substrate Preparation

The substrate must be sound, clean, degreased and free from loose material. With existing tiles, checking for hollow areas and levelling the joints are essential.

Priming and reinforcement

Tiles require a suitable bonding procedure. A complete system solution often uses Primer Plus primer and reinforcing mesh.

Base coat and finishing coat

Aqua Base creates a uniform substrate. The Aqua Nature or Aqua Microconcrete finishing coat creates the final decorative effect.

Gel and protective lacquer

Gela Cryl TR100 acts as an intermediate sealing layer and prepares the surface for lacquering. A two-component PU lacquer then protects the decorative finish against grease, water, stains and everyday kitchen use.

Recommended System Build-Up, Step by Step

clean, degrease and check the substrate,
level the joints and local irregularities,
roughen glossy wall or floor tiles,
apply the primer and reinforcing mesh specified for the system,
apply the Aqua Base base coat,
once dry, sand and vacuum away the dust,
apply the Aqua Nature or Aqua Microconcrete finishing coat,
sand and clean the surface again,
apply the recommended Gela Cryl TR100 intermediate sealing layer,
apply two coats of protective PU lacquer.

Recommended system

Complete Microcement Kit for Kitchens

For a kitchen splashback, we recommend a complete kit matched to the actual surface area. It includes compatible layers from the primer, Aqua Base and decorative microcement through to Gela Cryl TR100 and protective PU lacquer.

Choose a kitchen kit →

Decorative Concrete Kitchen Worktops: Options and Limitations

A decorative concrete coating can also be used on a worktop, but this is a more demanding application than a standard splashback wall. A worktop is exposed to water, grease, kitchenware, mechanical loads and frequent cleaning.

Suitable applications

When it makes sense

decorative kitchen worktops,
breakfast bars,
lightly used work surfaces,
a coordinated design with the splashback,
projects where a mineral appearance is important.

Caution

Essential requirements

a sound and stable board substrate,
correctly detailed edges,
thorough pore sealing,
a durable two-component lacquer,
regular, gentle maintenance without abrasives.

Practical limitation Even a properly lacquered coating is not a chopping board. Always use mats, chopping boards and protection against prolonged contact with hot objects on the worktop.

Before the final application

Try the Colour and Application Technique

The final colour, surface pattern and quality of the lacquer finish matter on both small kitchen splashbacks and worktops. A trial kit lets you test trowelling, sanding and the surface appearance before applying the system to the finished area.

View trial kits →

Decorative Concrete Kitchen Coatings: Material and Installation Costs

The cost of a decorative concrete kitchen coating depends on the surface area, substrate type, complexity of the details and required durability of the protective finish. A simple splashback will have a different price from a worktop or floor. Current material options by area are available in our category of microcement kits for kitchens.

DIY materials

Indicative material cost

The price of a complete material kit depends on the chosen system build-up, surface area and pack sizes. For a small kitchen splashback, the final cost per m² may be higher than for a large, flat wall because minimum pack sizes and more detailed work affect the cost per unit area.

Installation

Professional application

Professional installation typically starts at approximately CZK 1,900/m². For a small splashback, a complex layout, edges, niches and worktops, the price per m² can be significantly higher, mainly due to the preparation required and the number of details.

The reality of small areas A kitchen splashback usually has a small area but many details. The price per m² may therefore differ from that of a large, flat wall or floor.

Recommended Systems for Kitchens

In a kitchen, it is important to choose a system for the specific application. A splashback wall is subject to different loads from a floor or worktop. For splashbacks, see our kitchen kitscategory; for floors, see floor and stair kits and for a complete overview, browse our microcement and decorative concrete coating kits.

Aqua Base

Base coat

creates a uniform substrate,
helps cover existing tiles,
provides a base for the finishing coat,
used as part of the system build-up,
suitable for renovation without demolition.

Aqua Microconcrete

A finer, smoother appearance

a finer, smoother surface,
suitable for kitchen splashbacks,
a good option for worktops,
a more subtle, luxurious decorative effect,
ideal for finishing with a high-quality lacquer.

Aqua Nature

A coarser mineral texture

suitable for walls and floors,
a coarser surface with a natural mineral texture,
suitable for more heavily used areas,
a good option for coordinating the kitchen with the floor,
used as a complete system with gel and lacquer.

Common Mistakes with Decorative Concrete Kitchen Coatings

Grease and frequent cleaning make kitchens particularly demanding. A surface may look good immediately after application, but poor preparation or inadequate lacquer protection only become apparent during everyday use.

Mistake 1

Application to a greasy substrate

Existing splashback tiles are often contaminated with grease. If they are not thoroughly degreased, adhesion between the layers may be compromised.

Mistake 2

Untreated tile joints

Joints can show through the finished surface. They must be filled, levelled and sanded beforehand.

Mistake 3

Inadequate lacquer protection

In a kitchen, the lacquer is a critical layer. It protects the decorative finish from water, grease, cleaning chemicals and everyday use.

Mistake 4

Sanding too soon

Sanding a layer before it has dried sufficiently can damage the surface, cause burn marks or create unwanted patchiness.

Splashback failures most often start with what you cannot see: inadequate degreasing, poor joint preparation and insufficient lacquer protection.

Maintaining a Decorative Concrete Kitchen Coating

A correctly lacquered decorative concrete kitchen coating is easy to maintain. The surface can normally be wiped with a cloth or sponge using a mild cleaning product.

Everyday cleaning

What to use

a soft cloth or sponge,
a mild kitchen cleaner suitable for lacquered surfaces,
pH-neutral products for regular maintenance,
prompt wiping of grease and sauces,
clean water to rinse away cleaning product residues.

What to avoid

What can harm the surface

abrasive scouring powders and metal scourers,
prolonged exposure to aggressive chemicals,
cutting directly on the worktop,
placing extremely hot objects on the surface without a protective mat,
failing to renew the protective lacquer when needed.

A complete solution

Choose a Kit for the Relevant Part of Your Kitchen

For a splashback, choose a complete kitchen kit matched to the actual surface area. For worktops or floors, higher mechanical loads, edges, junctions and how the surface will be used must be taken into account.

If you are unsure, send us a photo, the dimensions and let us know whether it is a splashback, worktop or floor.

Choose a kitchen kit → Get advice on the system build-up →

Frequently Asked Questions About Decorative Concrete Kitchen Coatings and Splashbacks

Is a decorative concrete coating suitable for a kitchen splashback?

Yes. This is one of its most common applications. Once correctly lacquered, the surface is washable and easy to maintain without conventional tile joints.

Can a decorative concrete coating be used behind a cooker?

Yes, provided there is no direct contact with an open flame or extreme radiant heat and the appliance manufacturer’s specified clearances are maintained. The surface must be correctly sealed and protected with at least two coats of durable PU lacquer.

Can the coating be applied over existing tiles?

Yes, provided the existing tiles are firmly bonded, have no hollow areas and are thoroughly degreased. The joints must be levelled and glossy surfaces mechanically roughened. Detailed instructions are provided in our article Decorative Concrete Coatings over Wall and Floor Tiles.

Is a decorative concrete coating suitable for a worktop?

Yes, but this is a more demanding application. A worktop requires a stable substrate, correctly detailed edges, pore sealing and a very high-quality protective lacquer.

How much does a decorative concrete kitchen coating cost?

The material cost depends on the chosen system build-up, surface area and pack sizes. Professional installation typically starts at approximately CZK 1,900/m²; for a small kitchen splashback, edges, niches or a worktop, the final price per m² may be significantly higher.

How do you clean a decorative concrete kitchen coating?

Clean the surface with a soft cloth, sponge and standard mild cleaning products. Abrasive scouring powders, metal scourers and prolonged exposure to aggressive chemicals are not recommended.