How I Mixed the Perfect Custom Pigment (and You Can, Too)

If you’ve been following my latest bathroom renovation, you know I wanted a very specific microcement color. But getting the right pink wasn’t easy—every swatch I received was either too dark or too light. So I decided to mix a custom pigment myself and went with a microcement brand that gave me the flexibility to do exactly that.

I used SureCrete’s ElastoShield for waterproofing, Microtek in White as the cement layer, and a Water-based Satin Sealer to seal it all up.

Here is exactly how I formulated my custom color, the tools I swear by, and the rules you need to follow for a flawless finish.

The Secret: A Master Pigmented Water Mix

To achieve my exact shade, I hand-weighed specific mineral pigments—combining SureCrete Coral, Antique White, and Caribbean Cream (1:2:6 ratio).

My secret to a uniform finish? Creating a master pigmented water mix. Instead of measuring and mixing dry pigments for every single batch, I mixed a massive batch of pigmented water. Using this "master water" guaranteed my color consistency was 100% identical across the entire room.

The Essential Tools

  1. High-Precision Digital Scale: To measure pigments and microcement by exact weight, not volume. This is non-negotiable.

  2. Heavy-Duty Drill & Paddle: For a smooth, lump-free consistency.

  3. Small containers: To mix and test your colors initially (I used what I had around the house, like empty yogurt tubs).

  4. Clean Buckets (with Lids): To protect your master pigmented water mix from dust.

BEFORE You Mix: The Prep

  • Make a test board/sample. Microcement dries much lighter. Apply a micro-batch to scrap cement board and let it dry completely.

  • Test your sealer. Sealers deepen the final color. Always seal your test board so you know the true final result.

  • Take note. Take notes of each step: how much pigment ratio you’re mixing and how much water you’re using, so it’s easier to scale to a bigger batch.

  • Let it bloom. Once you mix the pigments with your water, let it bloom completely (about an hour or two).

  • Small batches. Once you mix in the cement, the mix has a time limit and will thicken over time. Mixing in small batches will reduce waste.

  • Thoroughly mix. The pigment will settle at the bottom of your master water, which is fine. Just mix your master water well each time you prepare a cement mix.

DURING the Mix: The Execution

  • Pigment goes in water, NOT the microcement mix. Always disperse your pigment mixes in the water first to prevent concentrated streaks on your wall.

  • Add your cement powder. Mix microcement into the pigmented water mix slowly.

  • Watch your drill speed. Mixing too fast whips air into the cement, leaving pinhole bubbles in your finish.

  • Stick to the scale. Weigh your exact water-to-powder ratio for every single batch. Consistency is everything.

  • Keep it airtight. Keep your mixed microcement airtight while you’re applying it to prevent drying or crusting on the surface.

AFTER Mixing: The Application

  • Keep buckets clean. Don't let dried cement flakes from the edge of the bucket fall into your fresh mix, or they will drag across your smooth wall.

  • Work with a wet edge. Once the cement is hydrated, the clock is ticking. Keep your workspace organized and move efficiently.

Mixing custom microcement is a chemistry equation, not a guessing game. Dial in your prep, trust the scale, and you can achieve a high-performance, professional result.

Have you ever worked with microcement? Drop your question in my DM.