Self leveling compound, also known as self leveling underlayment or self leveling concrete, is a flowable material used to create a smooth, flat surface prior to installing floor coverings like tile, vinyl, or wood. As the name suggests, self leveling compounds level themselves out to create an even surface without the need for tools or manual labor to spread and smooth.
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While self leveling compounds provide a convenient way to create a flat, smooth subfloor, using a primer underneath provides additional benefits. Some key reasons to use a primer include:
Primers enhance the adhesive bond between the self leveling underlayment and the substrate underneath. This prevents shifting, crumbling edges, cracks, and other bond related issues.
Primers create a protective barrier to reduce moisture transfer between the substrate and self leveling mix. This prevents moisture issues like bumps, craters, and de-bonding.
Variations in substrate porosity can lead to an uneven cure and moisture pockets. Primers help standardize absorption rates for consistent drying.
With an understanding of why priming is important prior to pouring self leveling underlayments, now let&#;s discuss how to choose the right primer:
Primers must be compatible with the substrate they are applied to. Most self leveling floor primers are formulated for concrete floors, but specialty primers exist for wood, OSB, and metal substrates.
Common resin types include acrylic, epoxy, and urethane. Acrylics provide basic sealing and adhesion, epoxies offer superior bonding and moisture protection, while urethanes provide the best durability and chemical resistance.
Based on the criteria above, here are reviews of 5 top rated primers for use beneath self leveling underlayments:
Best moisture barrier protection
Mapei Planicrete UA is a 2 component, high solids epoxy primer for porous and non-porous substrates. It creates a thick film to prevent moisture issues beneath self leveling underlayments.
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Best budget option
KILZ Adhesion is a fast-drying, water acrylic-latex primer and sealer. It improves adhesion on multiple surfaces at a very affordable price point.
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Best high flow primer
Super Flo-Coat is a thin epoxy acrylic primer with exceptional penetration and sealing properties. It has very low viscosity to penetrate deep into porous concrete.
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Best styrene-acrylic primer
This water styrene-acrylic copolymer primer consolidates porous or dusting concrete for better adhesion. It has very low odor.
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Best low odor oil based option
This alkyd-resin sealer penetrates with superlow odor compared to typical oil based primers. It provides excellent adhesion to multiple surfaces.
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Once you have selected an appropriate primer for your substrate and conditions, proper application is key:
The substrate must be cleaned of all loose particles, dirt, grease, and other bond breakers. Cracks and divots wider than 1/8&#; should be prefilled.
For 2-component epoxy primers, properly mix resin and hardener as directed. Pre-blended primers just need minor stirring.
Use a short nap or smooth roller, following spread rate guidelines. Allow primer to fully dry prior to pouring self leveler.
For very porous substrates, a second coat may be required to achieve proper penetration and sealing. This prevents substrate suction from starving the leveler mix.
Using the right self leveling primer for your specific substrate and conditions is important to prevent flooring failures like poor adhesion, moisture issues, and uneven drying. Be sure to evaluate epoxy content, resin type, penetrating abilities and moisture protection to find the best primer for your project. With sound preparation, you can achieve excellent bonds and effective moisture barriers.
It&#;s not recommended as it risks poor adhesion, moisture issues under flooring, and variable cure times. Use a properly formulated primer.
Standard primers require a temperature range of 50-90°F during application and drying for proper film formation.
Allow acrylic and urethane primers to dry 1-2 hours before application. Epoxy primers require 6-24 hours before pouring self leveler.
It depends on the type selected. Check manufacturers guidelines, as some can be applied to damp concrete up to 100% RH.
If the first coat fully penetrates without leaving a film, the substrate is too porous. Re-prime to build an adhesive film layer.
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A water-based, solvent-free, acrylic dispersion floor primer and bonding agent that&#;s suitable for use prior to the application of any Bostik self-levelling compound.
When applied undiluted, it acts as a bonding agent on non-porous surfaces such as power floated concrete, ceramic tiles, quarry tiles, rigid metal, terrazzo, asphalt and surface membranes. In diluted form, Bostik Cempolay Universal Primer can be used as a primer on porous surfaces and will dry within one hour depending on the conditions.
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