Self-Levelling Compound Over Quarry Tile?
Yes, you can use Self-levelling compound (SLC) over Quarry Tiles. So put the hammer and chisel down! Put the kettle on, and read the rest of this article if you want to find out more, because I’ve already saved you a hard day of graft.
Precaution
One of the main ingredients in Quarry tiles is clay and much like pottery, quarry tiles will hold water as opposed to absorbing it.
Best type of self-levelling compound to use over Quarry Tile?
If you have not already bought your self-levelling compound then I would highly recommend getting Ardex NA if you have quarry tiles.
If you have already decided on your SLC then skip this section and read on to “which primer is best to use”.
The only way you can avoid messing around with a primer is to use Adrex NA self-levelling compound.
This stuff is absolutely amazing and can be applied directly to pretty much any floor covering known to man – including Asphalt and Bitumen. I have made the decision to just keep buying this from now on!
Check out the Product Data Sheet if you don’t believe me – Ardex NA Data Sheet
If you want to find out how much self-levelling compound to use check out our “self-Levelling compound Calculator”
While some self-levelling compounds come and go, this one has stayed exactly the same since I first remember using it 8 years ago. It has never been altered, it just goes to show how good it is.
It can be applied directly with no primer so completely removes an entire step in the process. You can get straight into the fun bit of pouring the self-levelling compound and watching it magically level your room!
Pro Tip
No need to Prime
Easy to spread due to Latex
Finds its own natural level
Pre-mixed ratio
1 Bag = 1 Tub = 1 Bucket
The self-levelling cement is mixed with latex so it flows around the room a lot better, finding its own natural level with very little encouragement. This makes it really easy to use even with no experience.
In my experience, the self-levelling compounds that you mix with water are a lot harder to spread around the room and can leave you with ridges in your finished floor.
The latex helps the self-levelling compound maintain a certain degree of flexibility even after it has set. This enables it to be used on the ground or upper floors where it may experience some slight movement in the subfloor. I have used it several times and I have never been disappointed.
Self-Levelling a floor can turn into a hard job if you use cheap stuff, but this works like a charm every time. It is more expensive, but you will thank me later. Every other cheaper self-levelling compound product I have tried has ended up being more hassle than it’s worth.
Best Self-Levelling Compound Primer to use over Quarry Tile?
If you have already bought your self-levelling compound you will be needing a decent primer to help it stick to the quarry tiles forever.
The best primer I have ever come across is Febond Blue Grit. It can be used with ANY self-levelling compound so you don’t need to worry if it will work with the type you choose.
Febond Blue Grit is so good it will still create an unbreakable bond between the old quarry tiles and even the cheapest of the self-levelling compounds.
Blue grit works in two ways to ensure that you get a secure bond on even the most non-porous surfaces like quarry tile, ceramic tile, porcelain tile and terrazzo.
As well as priming the quarry tile to create a chemical bond it also contains a course aggregate to form a mechanical bond.
When Blue Grit sets it gives the tiles an almost sandpaper-like finish. This roughened surface is perfect for the self-levelling compound to stick to.
It can be applied quickly using a paint roller straight from the tub so there is no need to measure any ratios out, just get rocking and rolling.
Helps Adhesion on non-porous surfaces like floor tiles, porcelain tiles, terrazzo, quarry tiles and ceramic tiles
How to use self Levelling compound over Quarry Tile?
The key to a successful self-levelling compound pour is all in the preparation. It’s important to visualise the main steps you will have to go through before you start pouring any self-levelling compound. Once you have started a pour you can’t stop.
- Make sure the surface is clean and free of any dirt, grease, or other contaminants. This will ensure a good bond between the tile and the primer.
- Apply your choice of primer with a paint roller, In my case Blue Grit and wait for it to dry. (If you are using Ardex NA, congratulations – you can skip this step)
- Once you’ve done that, it’s time to mix up the self-levelling compound according to the instructions, a cordless drill whisk is perfect for this.
- Start in the back corner of the room and pour it over the tiles, bucket by bucket, slowly working your way backwards out of the room.
- Spread it evenly with a spiked roller, and use a flat trowel to work it into the corners of the room. Be sure to work efficiently, as the compound will slowly start to set.
- Sit back and wait for the self-levelling compound to set.
If you have more helpful advice on how to use self-levelling compound over quarry tiles let us know in the comments below.
