Allover vs. Continuo Micro-Cement: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

If you like that sleek, contemporary look for your walls and floors — the kind with sculpted (not painted) feel  you’ve likely seen both Continuo Micro-Cement and Allover Decorative Coating from The Decora Company.

Both finishes produce a seamless, sophisticated surface that turns merely functional spaces into statements. Yet superior though micro-cement may be in many respects, Allover has taken contemporary design to a new level of potential – providing the same elegance and finesse with added ease of use and comfort.

In this comparison, we’ll look at how the two compare in terms of application, longevity, maintenance and cleaning requirements, finish options and environmental impact so that you can determine which system is ideal for your interior project.

1. Application Time and Simplicity

And you guessed it, the application will decide just how practical a decorative coating really is.

Continuo Micro-Cement is a multi-component system that must be mixed with precision. Each layer—from primer to topcoat—requires skill and time. Surfaces need to be properly leveled, cleaned, and sometimes repaired before application. When applied by experts, the result is stunning, but the process can take several days and professional equipment is usually required.

Allover, however, was meant to make it easy. It's ready to use right out of the pail and there's no need for multiple steps or time consuming mixing processes. It can be installed on top of tiles, plaster or screeds. This saves time, labor cost, and reduces the chance for installation errors.

This is the surface design coating chosen by designers for time-saving, perfect applications. It was designed with professionals and homeowners in mind because we knew that those who appreciate quality require ease as well.

2. Finish Options and Aesthetic Control

All surfaces have their own story and both the systems are unique to look at.

Micro-cement gives you that raw, industrial vibe—ideal for modern lofts and urban-inspired homes. Yet, it may be too stiff in areas that require softness or warmth.

Allover provides complete creative control. You’ll be able to create a smooth, satin finish, or even a flat (matte) finish; as well as distressed effects such as lime wash, softened marble and even a timeworn patina effect akin to the look of Venetian plaster paint. Its versatility permits designers to mix limestone tones or create more gentle tonal differences that collect light.

Various finishes may be obtained from reflective to matte surfaces. And Allover shifts between natural and artificial light, so that each wall or floor becomes a living surface — delicate, elegant, inimitable.

3. Durability and Maintenance

When you’re investing in luxury materials, durability is as crucial as looks.

While extremely hard-wearing, it’s necessary to seal and maintain micro-cement. If the substrate moves, or water somehow gets behind the tile, small cracks can start to appear over time. The top side will need to be resealed periodically to maintain the water seal.

Allover was created to survive modern living. It’s scratch-, stain- and water-repellent by design. Its integrated patented topcoat provides resistance to everyday wear with no need for other sealing.

It’s designed to be chic with little maintenance but its formula is to be made equally so. Even in high traffic concepts or wet spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens, Allover remains pristine and beautiful for years.

4. Thickness and Weight

Coatings should provide aesthetic depth as well as structural effectiveness.

Micro-cement is normally 3–5mm thick for approx weight reasons and to cover completely often more than one layer will be needed.

Allover is 2mm material that feels great and is light as a feather. It can be applied to walls, ceilings or furniture   even if it’s on a curved surface, without the bulk.

Allover is piece-dyed to ensure the integrity of gradient patterns, and designers select its finish because it applies easily over a wide range of materials without the need for a primer.

The thinner it is, the less material you use (good for big projects) and the faster it dries (good for speed dusting your septum).

5. Indoor Air Quality and Sustainability

Contemporary interiors are not all about appearance — they also serve health.

Micro-cement is generally eco -friendly however some brands may have a higher content of VOCs than others. Other formulas include synthetic resins, which can off-gas small amounts of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) while curing.

Allover goes an extra notch in sustainability. It is A+ certified for indoor air comfort / low product emissions/ healthier environments. The mineral-based material is a pure reflection of the natural purity of lime paint and limestone plaster, while highly resistant to mold and moisture yet breathable.

Allover was created by The Decora Company to improve indoor health and its composition has been tested and certified to European high-level air-quality standards.

Allover fits the contemporary, eco-conscious design movement that’s just as pretty and far more earth friendly.

6. Cost and Installation Efficiency

A major advantage of Allover lies in its streamlined installation.

• Continuo Micro-Cement: Unlike traditional concrete, these surfaces are totally waterproof.Continue Micro-CementEffectively a faux-concrete surface made with thin layers of cement-based material, micro-cement requires several coats and sealants as well as professional application. It takes longer to prepare and cure, therefore more expensive in labor.

• Allover: Relies on a one-component system that’s quicker to apply, with less material waste and fewer work hours.

The Allover system is applied twice as fast as micro-cement finishes by contractors. When Allover was applied, project times can be shortened and the costs cut by a wide margin.

The result is a high-end finish that’s more achievable for homeowners and commercial clients.

Allover vs. Continuo Micro-Cement — Quick Comparison

So, Which Should You Choose?

If you like the utter elegance of micro-cement but would prefer an even more versatile and applicable product, Allover Decorative Coating is for you.

It has all the sophistication of Continuo Micro-Cement, but with a simpler application, more creative freedom, better air-quality certification and lower maintenance in the long-term.

Some homeowners and designers select Allover because of the flexibility that it offers, while others love its timing. The product has been acclaimed by experts as a revolutionary decorative coat.

Whether you’re surfing a spa bathroom, home café or a boutique space, Allover lets your imagination sweep across the walls without managing difficult installations.

Design Pairings and Color Harmony

• Utilize Allover on Key Main Walls then tone it down with a shade of Venetian plaster paint for contrasting effect.

• Overlay lime paint in some areas for breathable matte counterpoint.

• Opt for warm limestone colors (such as sand beige or champagne shades) to mimic the Mediterranean sensibility.
  
  

And these combinations exemplify The Decora Company’s Italian design philosophy… Craftsmanship, texture, and light working together at their best.

Final Thoughts

Allover Decorative Coating and Continuo Micro-Cement are both phenomenal surface systems with alternative benefits.

Continuo Micro-Cement still steals the spotlight for designs with an industrial touch but handmade character. But Allover is the future of decorative coatings  faster to apply, easier to maintain and healthier to live with.

The Decora Company is known for their innovation in decorative materials and has raised the bar of architectural design with Allover.

So, if you are a designer looking to do something new and different, or a homeowner wanting to make your project dramatically better, try thinking about finishes in a new way… Welcome to Allover Decorative Coating. But it’s more than a product — it’s an experience in effortless beauty, sustainability and precision.

👉 Discover more at The Decora Company and explore our full range of Allover and Continuo Micro-Cement systems today.