MicroLux
← The Guide

Is it right for my home?

Kitchens and benchtops

Benchtop, splashback and island in one finish, with edges that wrap rather than join. In a kitchen, the sealer does the hard work.

3 min read

A kitchen is where a surface works hardest. Here is how a seamless finish is used in a kitchen, and what to think about before you choose it.

One finish across the kitchen

The benchtop, the splashback and the island can all be finished in the same surface. Because microcement is applied by hand in layers, there is no need to switch material between the horizontal and vertical surfaces.

Edges that wrap, not join

On a conventional benchtop, the edges and the corners are where separate pieces meet. With microcement, the edges wrap around the form rather than join. The result is a continuous line from the top, over the edge and down the face.

The sealer does the hard work

In a kitchen, the sealer is what protects the surface day to day. For that reason, it is chosen for the way the kitchen will be used, with heat, stains and daily use in mind. This is decided with you during the project, after the Site Assessment.

Heat

The finish coat is rated by the manufacturer for service temperatures from −10 °C to +120 °C. Hot pans and trays straight from the stove or oven are hotter than that, so always use a trivet or board.

Directly behind a cooktop or around a fireplace, we'll talk through whether a seamless finish is the right choice for that spot.

Stains and cleaning

The protective topcoat, New Atriapol, is declared by the manufacturer as tested for cleanability to the Italian HACCP standard UNI 11021, including 5,000 wash cycles and no change after 24 hours of exposure to chlorine detergent, degreaser, acid descaler and disinfectant.

In everyday terms: wipe up oil, wine, coffee, citrus and vinegar promptly, clean with a pH-neutral cleaner, and avoid abrasive pads.

Over existing stone or laminate

Benchtops can usually be finished straight over existing stone or laminate once the surface has been assessed and prepared — so most don’t need replacing first.

Looking after it

Every client receives a care kit at handover. Re-sealing is typically needed every three to four years, depending on use, and we include a free on-site check-up at 24 months that also advises on re-seal timing.

Colour and texture

You sign off colour and texture on a real sample before work starts. Samples are brought to the Site Assessment so you can see them in your own light.

Is it right for your kitchen?

The best way to find out is a short conversation about the way you cook and live. A Project Fit Call is a good place to start.

Keep reading

Want the whole picture?

The free Seamless Home guide walks through choosing a seamless surface from start to finish. Or, if you would rather talk it through, book a short call with our team.

Free guide

Get the Seamless Home guide.

A calm, plain-English walk through choosing a seamless surface for your home, sent to your inbox.

CallStart a project