Portland cement coatings have the advantages of low cost, a coeffi cient of expansion (1.0×10⁻⁵/°C) approximating that of steel (1.2×10⁻⁵/°C), and ease of application or repair. The coatings can be applied by centrifugal casting (as for the interior of piping), by troweling, or by spraying. Usual thickness ranges from 5 to 25 mm (0.2–1 in.); thick coatings are usually reinforced with wire mesh.

Portland cement coatings are used to protect cast iron and steel water pipe on the water or soil side or both, with an excellent record of performance. In addition, Portland cement coatings are used on the interior of hot - and cold - water tanks, oil tanks, and chemical storage tanks. They are also used to protect against seawater and mine waters. The coatings are usually cured for 8–10 days before exposure to nonaqueous media, such as oils.

A disadvantage of Portland cement coatings is the sensitivity to damage by mechanical or thermal shock. Open tanks are easily repaired, however, by troweling fresh cement into cracked areas. There is evidence that small cracks in cold-water piping are automatically plugged with a protective reaction product of rust combining with alkaline products leached from the cement. In sulfate-rich waters, Portland cement may be attacked, but cement compositions are now available with improved resistance to such waters.