What paint to use on self-levelling compound?

Strictly speaking, self-levelling compound is not a finished floor covering. Despite it being pretty good stuff, it is designed to have a floor covering applied over it. Its purpose is mainly to provide a smooth and level surface. It is not designed to act as a wear layer, Unless you buy a specific product like Sikafloor 2540W, Watco Concrete Floor Leveller or Ardex k 301.

(These products tend to set a lot harder than regular self-levelling compounds so can withstand more wear and tear, like in a garage for example).

If you have used a regular self-levelling compound for your floor covering, not to worry.

A 2-part epoxy floor paint will be your best bet. The manufacturers claim they can withstand vehicular wear and tear and are suitable for commercial use. They are applied in the same way as regular floor paint with a brush or roller but be prepared to throw it all away when you are done!

Common floor paints like, Leyland trade heavy duty floor paint are made from polyurethane alkyd resins, they come in a single tin and are readily available. These might do your job if you only have light traffic, as they provide a hardwearing, protective finish to withstand spillages and repeated cleaning. These are by far the cheapest and easiest to apply options.

What is self levelling compound?

Self-levelling compound is also known as a floor screed or floor levelling mix. It is a thin layer of a cement-based mixture that is applied to subfloors in order to level out any bumps.

It is called a self-levelling compound as it, in theory, self-levels. What this means is that you don’t have to worry about getting the mix perfectly level. It should flow across the floor, and correct any errors.

While this does generally work, there are limits. It doesn’t flow like water so will not perfectly level over a large area and may require a bit of help from you.

You use a self-levelling compound to turn a bumpy, un-even subfloor into a perfectly smooth surface. This is great when you are fitting a solid floor such as tile or wood.