BACKGROUND: Polymerisation shrinkage and the associated stress on composite resins and surrounding structures have been regarded as a major cause of leakage and clinical failures in modern polymer restorations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of an additional flowable compomer layer on the microleakage of Class V dental cavities, which were further filled with a compomer. METHOD: Cavities (32) were prepared in human premolars, conditioned with a non-rinsing agent (Prime & Bond NRC) and treated with the bonding agent (Prime & Bond NT). Sixteen of these cavities were then lined with a layer of flowable compomer (Dyract Flow, approximately 0.5 mm) and further filled with Dyract AP. The other 16 cavities were filled without the flowable compomer. The specimens were thermo-cycled in a 0.5% basic fuchsin solution, sectioned and evaluated for dye penetration using a scoring system of 0 to 4. RESULTS: Lower microleakage values were found at the enamel as well as at the dentine sides when a layer of Dyract Flow was used as a liner. Furthermore, significantly (p < 0.05) lower microleakage was found in enamel than in dentine for both layered and unlayered restorations. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that a layer of flowable compomer (i.e. Dyract Flow) in a cavity under a compomer may be recommended to improve the marginal seal of a restoration.