Sika® Level-01 Primer CA

To ensure proper adhesion, apply underlayment within 24 hours of the application of the Sika® Level-01 Primer CA, but only once the primer is clear (without milky spots) and dry to the touch (typically after a minimum of 2 hours drying time under normal environmental conditions). Lower temperatures and/or humid conditions may extend the drying time between priming coats or before installation of the underlayment/overlayment.

Sika® Level-01 Primer CA penetrates substrate to reduce outgassing and formation of pinholes in the underlayment/overlayment.

Moisture Vapour Emission Rates of the substrate should comply and meet the requirements of the proposed floor covering. Please consult the manufacturer of the final floor finish for advice. Careful consideration should be given to the selection of the method of mechanical surface preparation and the timing of application of primer and underlayment. Immediately following mechanical preparation on some excessively porous substrates, outgassing will increase for a short period of time (approx. 48 hours) until an equilibrium in slab vapour pressure and the ambient environment is reached.

Ensure that both concrete/cement-based substrates and ambient temperatures are between +13 °C and +30 °C (55 °F and 86 °F) before commencing the application of Sika® Level-01 Primer CA. The stated application temperatures are to be achieved before priming and should be maintained for a period of at least three (3) days after installation of the underlayment /overlayment. Should colder conditions prevail, use indirect and vented heaters to achieve and maintain the application temperature required.

Before applying Sika® Level-01 Primer CA, thoroughly shake the container in which the material is supplied to agitate the contents, ensure all solids are distributed throughout the dispersion and a uniform consistency is achieved. Apply Sika® Level-01 Primer CA by brush or roller (long nap roller for rougher surfaces), working the material into the prepared substrate. Typically, one single application is required; however, porous substrates may require two (2) or more coats of primer to effectively seal the surface. Apply at 8–12 m2/L (325–500 ft2/US gal) per coat, depending upon the substrate, but ponding of the primer on the surface must be avoided and puddles must be removed. Where multiple applications are necessary to seal the surface, allow previous coats to become tack-free before applying further primer. When first applied, Sika® Level-01 Primer CA appears white; once dry, it is clear. This facilitates quality control in terms of complete coverage and clearly confirms when the underlayment/overlayment can be installed.

Prepare concrete and cement substrates by mechanical means, such as shot blasting, sandblasting, water-jetting, scarifying, diamond grinding or other appropriate methods, to achieve an open-textured, fine-gripping surface (ICRI / CSP 3 minimum). Weak concrete should be removed and surface defects such as blowholes and spalls fully exposed and repaired with a suitable Sika® mortar prior to priming and levelling. All cracks and holes should be similarly filled to prevent loss of coverage or seepage of the primer through to lower areas. Contact Sika Canada for recommendations. All loose, friable material, including preparation residue, must be completely removed using a vacuum utilizing a brush attachment before application of the Sika® Level01 Primer CA. The compressive strength of the concrete substrate should be at least 20 MPa (>2900 psi) at 28 days with a minimum tensile strength of 1.0 MPa (>145 psi) at the time Sika® Level-01 Primer CA is applied.

Sika® Level-01 Primer CA does not form a moisture barrier. For proper moisture mitigation material, contact Sika Canada.

Minimum: +13 °C (55 °F) / Maximum: +30 °C (86 °F).

Before overall installation begins, Sika Canada recommends the application of several small test patches to determine primer application requirements and acceptability of final product performance. In general, a one-coat application of the Sika® Level-01 Primer CA should be sufficient; however, allowance should be made for double priming on excessively porous substrates. Where multiple coats are required, do not apply excessive material.

The substrate must be dry, clean, and stable before priming and applying the underlayment/overlayment materials. Remove all existing treatments such as coatings, sealers, wax, latex compounds, impregnations and curing agents, together with all contaminants i.e., dirt, dust, laitance, grease, oils, and foreign matter, which could interfere with the penetration of a primer and the adhesion of an underlayment/overlayment..

8–12 m2/L (325–500 ft2/US gal) per coat approx. Note: Coverage figures do not include allowance for surface profile and porosity or material waste. For extremely porous surfaces, an additional coat may be required.

Low temperature or high humidity will extend the drying time and the waiting time before applying the underlayment/overlayment.