Microcement Revolution: Why Continuo Microcement By San Marco is Changing the Game in Surface Coating in 2024

One trend that remains constant in the ever changing world of interior design is seamless surfaces. Whether it’s a modern apartment or luxury hotel, there is a shift away from grout lines and bulky tiles and materials that are heavy to work with.” Instead, designers are opting for refined products that deliver both beauty and performance. Continuo Microcement by San Marco is at the forefront of this revolution and it is exclusively available from The Decora Company

Because Continuo is no ordinary microcement coating, it’s a new way to design, finish and live with your walls and floors. It combines epoxy-cement technology with Italian design for continuous, superior and jump-out-of-the-wall surfaces that challenge minimalism. Unlike other micro-concrete or polished plaster systems, Continuo Living is more versatile than ever to work around, with easy transitions between floor, wall and even furniture applications.

If you’re an architect in search of contemporary elegance, a designer wanting material freedom or just a home owner looking for life’s little luxuries-Continuo Microcement is the new benchmark in decorative wall finishes. Here’s why this system is looking to be the go-to for a flawless design in 2024  and how it stacks up against other finishes such as Allover Decorative Coating and Venetian Plaster Paint.

1. Why Decora’s Continuo Microcement Is Different 

Classic microcement finishes are complex to use. With mixing ratios, drying times and unpredictable finishes to consider, even the professionals haven’t mastered them! Continuo Living changes that entirely.

This unique, two part epoxy cement system provides predictably long working time, ease of mixing and consistent sets. Perfect for either resurfacing old floors or designing a new wall; with the Continuo system you can benefit from reliability and freedom of creativity.

Its alchemy is rooted in the precision engineering of San Marco — the ideal combination of strength, flexibility and beauty. A departure from older systems that could take several trials to find consistent application, Continuo offers consistency project-to-project, allowing professionals to stay on task and clients’ confidence in them remain high.

Complimenting this technology is the Decora Company’s support with expert advice and color consultancy, allowing designers to develop completely personalised surfaces that meet current aesthetic trends. Inspired by the Venetian plaster paint on walls through to sophisticated minimalist microcement bathrooms, Continuo is a sleek finish that’s current yet traditional.

It’s not just a material upgrade — it’s a total reboot of how decorative wall finishes can perform, look and last.

Versatility

Unlike conventional coating systems that often limit your creative freedom, CONTINUO Living opens up a world of design opportunities:

• Seamless transitions from floors to walls
• Custom color matching capabilities
• Texture variations from glass-smooth to artistically textured
• Ability to create both minimalist and character-rich finishes

Durability

What sets CONTINUO Living apart isn't just its ease of use – it's the engineering behind its durability:

• Two-component epoxy formulation for superior strength
• Enhanced wear resistance compared to standard microcements
• Excellent adhesion to various substrates
• Exceptional longevity in high-traffic areas

Environmental Considerations

In an era of increasing environmental awareness, CONTINUO stands out:

• Lower material waste
• Reduced replacement frequency
• Minimal VOC emissions
• Sustainable lifecycle performance

The adoption rate of CONTINUO Microcement continues to grow because it offers reduced training requirements, more consistent project outcomes, higher profit margins and increased customer satisfaction.

2. Design freedom: where creativity meets performance

With the freedom traditional finishes and materials simply can't offer, only Continuo Microcement itself allows designers to create in fluid 3D form. It has the ability to turn walls, floors, ceilings, countertops and furniture into free-flowing works of art — minus the heavy demolition usually associated with concrete applications.

It’s so versatile, it’s a dream for the designer. You can obtain the smooth, clean finish of cement to a more artisanal texture that is closer to limestone plaster or Venetian stucco. Within the range of troweling technique is that Aspecta’s Continuo can be rich as limestone paint, subtle or bold like polished stucco walls in modern European interiors.

Tintable products extend creative opportunities – custom colour formulations let you add Continuo in perfect harmony with any palette. For open-plan homes or shops, this translates as continuity of visual flow across individual areas, linking a space together through consistent texture and tone.

But the versatility of Continuo allows it to work equally as well in contemporary, industrial or even rustic interiors. Luxe Beauty is an exceptional find when you’re creating a sanctuary of serenity or a well-used commercial project like high-traffic hospitality, with its unparalleled aesthetic depth and looks good in any light — morning and evening.

3. Engineering Durability: Strength Meets Italian Precision 

Whilst most decorative coatings focus primarily on aesthetic properties, Continuo Microcement is also built with the engineer in mind. Its 2-part epoxy formula gives it all-around great qualities like good adhesion, tensile strength and wear resistance.

Unlike typical microcement which can be damaged by cracking or chipping if the surface receives a knock, Continuo’s unique formulation results in the development of a flexible and resilient material. It can accommodate substrate movements, and in places with temperature changes or vibration while retaining its structure. Hence why it’s perfect for commercial showrooms, high-end spas and residential kitchens.

The system's durability is further enhanced by the multi-layer structure that guarantees high resistance from top to bottom. From primer to topcoat, each coat adds to a surface that is utilitarian as well as artistic.

With a design more flexible and easy to apply than Allover Decorative Coating, which also excels in this respect, Continuo is above all about industrial-grade durability. For jobs that require a mixture of aesthetic elegance and combative performance, Continuo is always the winner, lasting years longer than traditional plaster paint and limestone plaster finishes.

Durability is not only less maintenance; it’s also environmental efficiency — fewer repairs, replacements and materials discarded over the life of a building.

4. Layer-by-Layer Perfection: A System Built for Precision 

What really sets Continuo Living apart, though, is it's structured and scientific concept of layering. Every part of the system is designed to serve a specific function — leveling the base, coating decoratively and protecting.

1. Optional Leveling Base: Levels minor surface variations to provide a uniform viewing plane on all surfaces from concrete to drywall.

2. Proprietary Primer:  Equalizes absorption and increases adhesion ensuring even application.

3. Two-Part Decorative Coat: This is where creativity breaks loose. It makes possible texture, depth of color and the unique Continuo Microcement look.

4. Two-Part Link Coat: Bridges durability and design, reinforcing the bond between decorative and protective layers.
   
   

5. Two-Part Epoxy Topcoat: Acts as a transparent shield, sealing and protecting against moisture, scratches, and everyday wear.
   
   

This layered approach means that Continuo doesn’t just look good — it’s engineered to last a lifetime. Each stage contributes not only to the longevity of the finish, but also to its feel. The result? A surface that is handcrafted but engineered, aesthetic and lasting — the best of Italian design.

5. Sustainability and Environmental Considerations 

Modern architecture is built on sustainability and this is exactly where Continuo Microcement fits in.

Continuo reduces material waste significantly in contrast to the conventional cement-based laying. Its thin 2-3mm application, which uses less material but has a stronger finish, may be more for less. Reduced maintenance needs also translate to less chemical cleaners and coatings over the long run.

Continuo’s low VOCs mean better indoor air — something that is more and more important to both residential and commercial projects. Its epoxy-cement base prevents air from getting dirty even in confined areas, such as spa and hotel environments.

By increasing the lifetime of an installation, Continuo simplifies waste collection and reduces the ecological footprint of new materials replacement. The Decora Company is also at the forefront of responsible sourcing and manufacturing, always determining ways products can meet the most current LEED and WELL standards.

In design, sustainability doesn’t mean compromise; it means smarter longevity. Continuo demonstrates that high quality materials can be sustainable and beautiful, providing the same environmental advantages of limestone paint and Venetian plaster paint systems.

6. Cost-Effectiveness and Long-Term Value 

Continuo Microcement is at the high end of the quality scale, yet value over its life cycle. Budget Surface Treatments While chip sealing may seem more cost effective after you factor in the yearly costs of chip seal maintenance over 10 years it becomes clear which surface saves you money.

Continuo is so simple to apply - less time and less chance of mistakes. Contractors enjoy quicker project completion and predictable results, while clients save on maintenance and refinishing. When correctly installed, Continuo can have a lifespan measured in decades — maintaining its integrity even in the most traffic heavy commercial zones.

The topcoat also prevents early discolouration, surface dulling and moisture damage - problems that are common in less advanced coatings where reapplication needs to occur much sooner.

More technical than Allover Decorative Coating, Continuo is the ideal system for applications where strength and aesthetics both need to take center stage.

In its lifetime, Continuo minimizes the requirements of rebuilding, replacing and material wastes — saving time as well as budget. For designers and contractors, that means increased profit margins, loyal customers and better project performance.

Cost-Effectiveness

While premium quality comes at a price, CONTINUO Microcement delivers value through:

• Reduced labor costs due to easier application
• Minimal maintenance requirements
• Extended service life
• Fewer repair and replacement needs

7. Application Versatility: Built for Every Space 

But what really makes Continuo Microcement different is its versatility in a variety of situations. It can be used for many projects, yet it is also easy to work with.

• Residential Interiors: Perfect for seamless bathrooms, kitchens, and living rooms that demand a blend of comfort and luxury.

• Commercial Spaces: Ideal for offices, galleries, and showrooms where durability and aesthetics must balance flawlessly.

• Retail & Hospitality: Continuo enhances customer experiences with tactile, elegant finishes that reflect brand sophistication.

• Healthcare & Wellness: Its seamless, hygienic surface resists bacterial growth, supporting healthy, low-maintenance environments.
  
  

The fact that Continuo is not only the logical successor of tile painting but as well can replace wall paintings, renders it an economical solution for contemporary architecture. Whether accented walls or simple backdrops, it pairs easily with finishes such as limestone plaster, venetian plaster and Allover Decorative coating to create a unified language of decor throughout your entire interior.

Continuo smooth transitions and range of colors both extend beyond the typical barriers of material, coming across every project as a texture-delineated architectural story in tone and light.

Conclusion: The Future of Decorative Wall Finishes

Continuo Microcement by San Marco is an architectural surfaces game changer. Driven by both Italian craftsmanship and engineering sensibilities, Continuo steps in where traditional finishes fall flat, providing the ultimate mixing of strength and Grace beneath sunlit umbrellas.

If Allover Decorative Coating shines in ease-of-use and customization, Continuo takes the crown with technical durability and commercial range. It’s a game-changer because it sets entirely new standards for microcement finishes, bringing you a professional-level approach that improves the look and strength of the surfaces in question.

For both 2024 and beyond, designers and builders are looking for materials that remove complexity and add performance. Continuo answers the call — with luminously smooth continuous surfaces that transform any room into a work of modern minimalist art.

To find out more about San Marco’s newest surface creations, including Continuo Microcement, Venetian Plaster Paint and Limestone Plaster, head to The Decora Company. Learn how Italian engineered surfaces can elevate your designs into something truly remarkable.

Ready to enjoy the benefits of Continuo Microcement? Contact us to learn more about how Continuo can transform your next project!