Existing tile is one of the most common starting points for a MicroCement renovation. Many homeowners and installers want a seamless finish without removing the floor or wall they already have. Whether that approach suits your project depends on the condition of the tile, the joints and the preparation of the surface, not only on the finish you want.
This guide explains how to look at an existing tiled surface, why preparation matters, and how to choose between the DECCO Resurfacing Kit and the Starter Kit. It is a planning guide, not a substitute for the DECCO Installation Guidelines or a project-specific recommendation.
The short answer
MicroCement can be applied over existing tile when the tile is stable and the surface is prepared according to the DECCO Installation Guidelines. The Resurfacing Kit is the DECCO system designed for this situation: its product listing names existing tiled surfaces among its recommended uses. That does not mean every tiled surface is ready to coat as it is, or that removing tile is never necessary. The condition of the existing surface decides.
Start with the tile itself
Look closely at the tile before thinking about colors or textures. Tiles that are loose, cracked, hollow-sounding or moving are signs that the base needs attention before any coating is considered. A decorative finish follows the surface underneath it; it does not fix an unstable substrate.
Write down what you find: the room, whether it is a floor or a wall, the approximate area and any damaged or uneven zones. Take photos in good light. These notes are useful whether you plan the work yourself or ask DECCO to review the project.
Why the joints matter
Grout joints are the feature that most clearly separates a tiled surface from a smooth one. If they are not addressed, the pattern of the joints can affect the finished appearance and the way the system performs. That is why tile joints and substrate preparation must be handled according to the DECCO Installation Guidelines before the decorative coats.
The Resurfacing Kit includes both MicroTop RTU Coarse and MicroTop RTU Fine, together with Primer Grip, Ultra Seal Part A and Part B, and WB Color Toner. Follow the current instructions for how each component is used in the build-up rather than improvising a method for the joints.
Why preparation matters more than the product
Preparation is where most of the outcome is decided. Cleaning, checking adhesion, addressing the joints and applying the correct primer all come before the visible finish. Primer Grip is part of the kit for that reason, but a primer does not turn a loose or damaged tile into a sound base.
Plan the preparation as its own stage with its own checklist. Confirm what tools the guidelines call for and review the tools and accessories collection for application equipment. This guide does not set drying times, mixing ratios or cure intervals; take those from the instructions for the products you use.
Resurfacing Kit or Starter Kit?
Choose by the surface you are starting from. The Resurfacing Kit is designed for existing surfaces, including tile, and brings Coarse and Fine MicroTop RTU into one coordinated system. If your project is a tiled floor or wall, this is the kit to review first.
The Starter Kit is intended for a smooth, stable and properly prepared substrate. It lists MicroTop RTU 5 lbs, Primer Grip 1 lb, Ultra Seal Part A and Part B 32 oz, and WB Color Toner 2 oz. Its FAQ describes approximately 50 sq ft under normal application conditions, with actual consumption depending on the substrate, texture and technique. For tile or surfaces needing additional preparation, the Starter Kit guidance points to the Resurfacing Kit instead.
If your project mixes tile with other substrates, keep those areas separate in your notes. One room can have more than one technical condition, and each may need a different approach.
Bathrooms, showers and floors
Floors need particular attention to substrate stability, because movement in the tile below can show in the finish. In bathrooms and showers, ask about the complete system, including waterproofing where required and the corresponding sealing procedures. A decorative MicroCement finish should not be treated as a stand-alone waterproofing specification.
For bathrooms, showers and exterior areas, also ask about MicroTop MAX, DECCO's two-component polyurethane MicroCement system. It is supplied premixed and activated by adding the specified hardener, and it is designed for interior and exterior applications. In showers and other wet areas it is used as part of the complete DECCO wet-area system, correctly installed and sealed with the specified DECCO topcoat. Confirm with DECCO whether MicroTop MAX or the Resurfacing Kit with MicroTop RTU suits your tiled surface before ordering.
When to request technical advice
Ask DECCO to review your project before ordering if any of these apply:
- Some tiles are loose, cracked or sound hollow.
- You are unsure how to handle the grout joints.
- The project is a shower, wet area or a high-traffic floor.
- The surface mixes tile with other materials or has uneven transitions.
- The area is larger than a small, straightforward project.
Use Build My System to organize your surfaces and get a system suggestion, and share your photos and notes when you contact DECCO. Professionals can also explore the DECCO Trade Program for technical support, training resources and project assistance.
Next step
Check the tile, list the joints and any problem areas, and measure each surface. If the tile is stable and you are ready to plan the preparation, review the Resurfacing Kit. If your surface is already smooth and prepared, the Starter Kit may be the right introduction. If you are not sure, start with Build My System, and order a physical sample when exact color matters.
