Self Leveling Tips?

[Flintstone]

im not the best at self leveling, always end up with trowel marks and ridges in places, has anyone got some pointers for me? I mainly have to do it when fitting Ufh. I've always tended to pour half a bucket out and spread it about with a trowel but I've seen a lot where people walk with the bucket spreading it in lines that way. Any tips for a perfect flat screed ?

 

[MTiler]

Everyone has their methods. The way that works for me is to use lengths of wood/battens to section off the floor as I go along, thicker than the height I need it to be. I mark on the walls the height the SLC needs to be as a guide. I dont wait for each section to dry before I do the next. I mix a whole bag at a time. The floor in the pic I had to get really flat as I was laying mosaics and it worked a treat.

Sharon

 

[Chalker]

Mix it very wet. ( to manufacturers guidelines)

 

[Flintstone]

Might have to get a measuring bucket and mix a bag up at a time! Hard to judge it mixing half a bag in a normal bucket

 

[peteablard]

What SLC do you use?

 

[Old Mod]

Just use baggage scales if u just want to mix a part bag.
And a measuring jug obviously

 

[On one]

Use a primer.(The SLC will flow better)
Use the right SLC for the right job(trial and error I suppose)
I use an empty 5l SBR container or similar to measure the exact amount of water. (No guesswork.)
Use a spiked roller(Gets air bubbles out and can be used to push the SLC to where you want it)
On small uneven floors or even level floors I find the highest point and go round the room with a 6foot spirit level and use thin tile offcuts or 1mm packers to find the level. When pouring the SLC this gives a rough idea where your at when trying to gauge how much and where to pour.
And make sure you silicone or spray foam all the holes and gaps on the (1st)floor as it will find a way out if it can(first hand experience)

 

[Dougs Third Go]

in large areas I'll mix up 3 gorilla tubs full at a time, usually 2 bags per bucket, whilst one is slaking I'll give the other ones a 2nd mix through, when all are mixed through twice I'll pour them, I always use a length of straight skirting board to push, tamp and paddle the mix once it's down, must admit that it sounds easy written down and it's probs experience that gives you the feel when to say "right, leave it now"

 

[One Day]

practise practise practise...
and always adding half a litre more water than recommended too.
some levelers are better than others.
My top 3 for ease of use are:
1 - TileMaster Rapid Level 30
2 - BAL LevelMax
3 - Weber floorflex

 

[Flintstone]

I use tile master level 30!
I think mixing is the key, I will try adding a bit more water. Without measuring the water out its hard to judge it, as it always looks very very watery. I always prime too.