About to lay a vinyl tile floor on a concrete substrate.
Having thoroughly cleaned the concrete floor I sealed it with one coat of PVA diluted 1 part PVA to 5 of water.
I then applied a layer of Cempolay self levelling compound and distributed it around with a trowel.
Unfortunately I was perhaps a little mean with the water in the Cempolay mix and one coat of PVA primer was not been enough as the SLC has not levelled well and the surface, although smooth, shows lots of ridges and all my trowel marks! Bugger!
So, I am ow going to have to apply another thin layer of SLC and wonder what tips anyone can give me. Reading the instructions on the Cempolay it says on non-porous surfaces (which I think the first layer of SLC is?) that I should apply neat PVA and then apply the SLC whilst it is still tacky. Is this right? Walking about on a tacky floor is going to be great fun!
Please help as I am against the clock on this one!
Jim

If you poured water on to it it would soak in,that means it's porous unlike say a glazed tile. I would use the 5-1 ratio and leave it to dry. I'm sure someone will tell you if i'm wrong.

Originally Posted by Rad2474

If you poured water on to it it would soak in,that means it's porous unlike say a glazed tile. I would use the 5-1 ratio and leave it to dry. I'm sure someone will tell you if i'm wrong.

Yes, I tried that. Water dripped onto the surface of the (now dry) SLC does not soak in but just spreads out.

My plan right now is to go with the SLC manufacturers guidelines (for a non-porous surface) and spread neat PVA all over and then apply another layer of SLC whilst the PVA is still tacky.

It's going to be messy but hopefully level and smooth!

I guess you can't just apply a light skim of SLC over existing SLC as it doesn't adhere to itself.

no no no!
http://www.tilersforums.co.uk/tile-a...ght=primer+pva

Originally Posted by david campbell

no no no!
http://www.tilersforums.co.uk/tile-a...ght=primer+pva

I saw that thread, but the manufacturer of my SLC specifically suggests using it - confused!!!

An update!
For those who may find this useful. I researched SLC and it does seem that one can be applied on top of another without PVA or a primer in between*.
Today I used Ball & Co Green Bag and 114 liquid and everything went smoothly (no pun intended). The floor is now drying and looks completely level and even. The proof I guess will be in the pudding - when it is completely cured and hopefully does not crack or break apart.
Fingers crossed!
* Ball Technical Sheet:
"Use STOPGAP GREEN BAG with STOPGAP 114 Liquid over most absorbent and non-absorbent surfaces without the need to prime".