Primer with Self-Levelling Compound
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Do you need a Primer with Self-Levelling Compound?

To prime or not to prime, that is the question. Ideally, you don’t want to be messing around applying a primer before you apply a self-levelling compound.

It adds an extra step to the process and it can get complicated deciding which primer to use, in what ratio, and for what substrate material. It also means you need to buy another product and more equipment.

Spreading Self Levelling Compound

Whether or not you need to use a primer with a self-levelling compound very much depends on the type of sub-floor, and the type of self-levelling compound you decide to use.

I tend to use a latex-based, flexible, self-levelling compound because it makes the decision process easier. They usually don’t require the subfloor to be primed. It merely needs to be swept clean and dry.

Suitable for all subfloors
Ardex - Arditex NA Powder & Latex (24.5kg)
£59.90

No need to Prime

Easy to spread due to Latex

Finds its own natural level

Pre-mixed ratio

1 Bag = 1 Tub = 1 Bucket

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09/04/2024 10:26 am GMT

2-part latex self-levelling compounds can be applied directly onto Ground or Upper floors, over virtually any floor substrate. Including:

  • Porcelain Tile
  • Wooden floorboards with no gaps! How to Ply over Floorboards
  • Plywood
  • Bitumen
  • Asphalt
  • Ceramic Tile
  • Chipboard flooring sheets
  • Concrete
  • Screed – Sand and Cement
  • Terrazzo
  • Damp Proof Membrane
  • Underfloor heating
  • Vinyl Tiles

Check out the Arditex NA DATA SHEET here, if you still don’t believe me!

Traditional self-levelling compounds you mix with water are only really suitable for ground floors where there is no movement and often require a primer. This adds an extra step to the job and you also have to decide on which primer to use. Like everything, there are many mixed opinions about exactly which primer to use with self-levelling compound. Some of the common self-levelling primer options are listed below:

  • PVA
  • SBR
  • Specialist Primers (expensive)

I like to just keep things simple and use a flexible self-levelling compound that will be appropriate in most situations. The latex-based 2-part self-levelling compound below can be used directly onto most substrates without the need for a primer.

These always come with a tub of latex and a bag of self-levelling cement. This type of 2-part latex self-levelling compound can be applied almost anywhere including on timber first floors. They remain flexible when they have cured, so even if there is movement in the floor they are less likely to crack.

Suitable for all subfloors
Ardex - Arditex NA Powder & Latex (24.5kg)
£59.90

No need to Prime

Easy to spread due to Latex

Finds its own natural level

Pre-mixed ratio

1 Bag = 1 Tub = 1 Bucket

Buy Now On Amazon
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. This helps fund the Bloke Cave and allows us to create epic projects!
09/04/2024 10:26 am GMT

If you are using a traditional self-levelling compound that you mix with water you may need to use a primer on less porous substrates.

If you are using Arditex NA self-levelling compound that you mix with latex you will are very unlikely to need a primer as they can be applied directly to almost any substrate.

Traditional cement/water self-levelling compounds adhesion comes from its ability to sink into the pours and imperfections in the substrate. This is why a traditional self-levelling compound can normally be applied directly to a finished concrete ground floor.

It would be almost impossible to get a self-levelling compound to stick to glass or a highly polished surface. The picture below shows a traditional self-levelling compound that you mix with water, flaking off a bitumen substrate.

flaking self level
Flaking traditional self-levelling compound on a non-porous bitumen sub-floor

Bitumen and Asphalt were commonly used as a waterproof floor covering on ground floors, so is a classic example of a non-porous substrate. As you can see the water/based self-levelling compound has failed to adhere and started to flake off.

To fix the problem the floor will be swept clean and a flexible 2-part, Arditex NA latex/cement self-levelling compound will be used, as it requires no preparation or primer and it is suitable on almost any substrate. Due to its flexibility, it will not crack even if it is applied in a very thin layer. I have included a link below if you want to check it out for yourself, particularly the reviews.

Ardex Self-levelling compound Amazon Reviews

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