Self-Leveling Cement Types

Function

• A concrete substrate floor is not a perfectly flat, level surface. It has bumps and dips across its surface area. Self-leveling cement, or compound, applies over the substrate for filling in dips and covering bumps. The resulting floor is level for applying permanent flooring.
  
  

Compound Types

• Self-leveling cement begins as a powder. The liquid added to the powder creates the different types. The most common compound is water-based and mixes with a specific amount of clean, cold water to form a paste. The second type is acrylic-based and uses a liquid acrylic polymer mixed with the compound to make the paste.
  
  

Drying Differences

• The water-based compound dries quickly. A user must create the mixture and apply it within 8 to 10 minutes. He has install tiles almost immediately after the compound dries, saving time for the entire flooring project. In contrast, the acrylic-based compound takes time to cure because of the addition of the liquid acrylic. The slow curing time is beneficial for a slow and precise application, but the flooring project must stop until the compound fully dries. Drying times differ widely for acrylic-based compounds and depend on the region's temperature, humidity levels and the substrate's absorption ability.
  
  

Floor Preparation

• Before mixing the compound for application, clean the entire floor substrate. The area must be free from any dirt or debris. Additionally, the compound requires a latex primer coat on the substrate. The primer coat allows proper adhesion between the substrate and the compound. After the primer dries, inspect the substrate. Use a pencil for drawing circles around the dips and bumps. This identification process will help the compound application process.
  
  

Application

• Pour the mixed compound onto the floor substrate. Use a squeegee for fanning the self-leveling cement out across the surface. Pay special attention to the circled areas, confirming that the compound fills or covers the problem area as needed. Spread the mixture out across the entire room for the best final flooring application afterward.
  
  

Application Tips

• Do not add excess water to the compound mixture if it becomes too thick. The consistency will dry faster and crumble.
  
  Wear spiked shoes, such as those used for aerating grass lawns. The shoes will prevent ruining the smooth surface with footprints as the mixture is laid down.