What’s the difference between Microcement and Venetian render

Microcement vs. Venetian Render: What’s the Real Difference?

Let’s set the record straight.

We hear it all the time:

“Is microcement the same as Venetian render?”

Short answer? Nope. Not even close.

They may share a certain high-end vibe, but when it comes to performance, durability, and what they’re made for—they live in two totally different worlds.

And just to clear the air:

At Concrete Legacy Studios, we don’t do Venetian render.

We’re unapologetically microcement specialists—it’s what we live and breathe. And when it comes to product selection? We choose Topciment, every time.

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Charcoal-toned microcement wall in progress, pre-seal stage. Part of a full interior surface finish using the Topciment Natture system in Brisbane

So… What Is Microcement?

Only one of the most versatile, low-profile, high-performance finishes you can put in a space.

Microcement is a thin, cement-lime-based coating that we trowel by hand to create seamless surfaces that look incredible and wear like a dream. Floors, walls, bathrooms, benchtops—you name it.

We use Topciment’s Natture system because it gives us everything we need:

• Strength + flexibility

• Stunning texture + tone

• Options to suit wet areas, floors, joinery and even exteriors

It’s more than a finish—it’s a system, with proper primers, base coats, fine coats and protective sealers. Built for performance. Designed for elegance.

Seamless microcement floor and wall installation using Topciment. Grey base with charcoal feature wall—designed and applied on the Sunshine Coast.

What About Venetian Render?

Venetian render (or Venetian plaster) is beautiful—but it’s a different beast entirely. Think lime + marble powder, polished up to a high sheen, and strictly for walls and ceilings.

It’s more about decoration than function. You don’t walk on it. You don’t wash it down. And you definitely don’t build a kitchen benchtop out of it.

In short:

Venetian render is a wall feature.

Microcement is an architectural surface

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Close-up of a hand-trowelled microcement floor finished in natural texture and tonal movement, completed on the Sunshine Coast.

Let’s Break It Down

Microcement (Topciment Natture)

Made of

Cement + lime + polymer

Where it goes

Floors, walls, wet zones, joinery

Finishes

Raw, matte, tonal, natural

Best for

Seamless bathrooms, floors, walls, kitchens, joinery

Seamless microcement bathroom using the Topciment Natture system—perfect for wet areas with a matte, natural finish.

Why We Stick With Microcement

We don’t just use microcement—we specialise in it.

It’s the perfect fusion of design and practicality. Seamless transitions. Natural movement. Solid performance. And with the Topciment system, we can customise every surface to suit the space it’s going into—indoors or out.

Plus, it’s bloody good-looking.

Outdoor barbecue area finished in Russet-toned microcement using Topciment Natture—UV-stable and sealed for long-term durability. Completed on the Sunshine Coast.

Want to Know More?

We’d love to show you the possibilities.

While we don’t have a showroom (yet), you can check out our work right here on our website, or reach out and we’ll walk you through the products, systems, and what’s possible in your space.

Concrete Legacy Studios

Where concrete meets creativity—and leaves a legacy.