Installation Guide

SikaLevel Skim Coat
How-To-Use
Materials:
• Safety glasses and gloves
• Bag of SikaLevel Skim Coat
• Sufcient water for desired mix
• Mixing container and Mixing Paddle
• Drill and Trowel
Procedure
1. Remember to always wear waterproof gloves and safety goggles whenever mixing
or using cement-based products.
2. All concrete, cement and ceramic/quarry tile substrates must be dry, clean and
stable before applying the skim mortar compound. Remove all existing treatments
such as coatings, sealers, wax, latex compounds, impregnations and curing
agents, together with all contaminants and loose matter i.e. dirt, dust, laitance,
grease, oils, and foreign matter, which will interfere with the adhesion of Sika-
Level® SkimCoat. Prepare concrete, cement and ceramic/quarry tile substrates
by mechanical means, such as light shotblasting, sanding or other appropriate
methods, to remove weak material and achieve a matt, glaze free open textured,
ne-gripping surface (ICRI - CSP 3 minimum). Vacuum substrates thoroughly. All
suboors must be structurally stable and well bonded or fastened. Remove all
existing treatments such as coatings, sealers, wax, latex compounds, impregna-
tions and curing agents, together with all contaminants and loose matter i.e. dirt,
dust, laitance, grease, oils, and foreign matter. Plywood suboors must consist of
exterior-grade wood which complies with Group 1 CC Type, is engineer approved
and either recommended or warranted by the wood manufacturer or nal oor
covering supplier. Ensure wooden oors are well ventilated from below. Moisture
Vapor Emission Rates of the substrate should comply and meet the requirements
of the proposed oor covering. Test substrates for moisture content and consult the
manufacturer of the nal oor nish for advice.
3. As with all prebagged cement products, some settlement may have occurred dur-
ing storage and transportation and dry blending of the material is recommended.
Mix entire contents of bag (10 lb of powder) with up to 2 quarts (1.9 l) of water.
Pour cool, potable water into a suitably sized and clean mixing container, using a
calibrated measuring jug, or similar, to ensure strict control of the water content
(avoid over-watering). Cool water (70°F/21°C) serves to maximize the pot life and
working time. Slowly add SikaLevel® SkimCoat powder to the water using a high
speed electric mixer (min 600 rpm) and mortar/grout mixing paddle to blend water
and powder for 2-3 minutes. Smaller volumes can also be mixed by hand for 2-3
minutes. Mix until a uniform, lump free and smooth consistency is achieved.
4. The stated ambient and substrate application temperatures are to be achieved
before works are started. Where temperatures exceed 86°F (30°C), refer to and
follow ACI hot weather application and protection guidelines. Using a at edge
steel trowel, apply SikaLevel® SkimCoat immediately following mixing. Ensure that
the compound is tightly trowelled into all defects, seams, and non-moving joints
or across roughened surfaces as required. Where defects, details or roughened
surfaces require repair or reproling to a depth greater than 1/2” (13 mm), use
the appropriate SikaLevel® self levelling underlayment. Consult Sika Technical
Services for advice or alternative recommendations.
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