Sika® Level-03 Primer CA

Sika® Level-03 PrimerCA is suitable for interior use only.

To ensure proper adhesion, apply underlayment within six (6) hours of the application of the Sika® Level-03 PrimerCA, but only once the primer is translucent (without opaque spots) and tacky without any transfer on fingers (typically after a minimum of one (1) hour drying time under normal environmental conditions). Lower temperatures and/or humid conditions may extend the drying time between priming coats or before the installation of the underlayment.

When first applied, Sika® Level-03 PrimerCA appears as a green tinted solution; once dry, it is translucent with the substrate being visible through the primer. When touching with fingers, primer should be tacky but must not transfer to fingers. This facilitates quality control in terms of complete coverage and clearly confirms when the underlayment can be installed.

Apply Sika® Level-03 Primer CA as one coat, by brush or roller (long nap roller for rougher surfaces), working the material into the prepared surface. Apply at 4.2 m2/L (170 ft2/US gal.) on concrete and 5.6 m2/L (230 ft2/US gal) on plywood but avoiding ponding of the primer on the surface and removing any puddles which may form. 

In circumstances involving the installation of an underlayment over plywood subfloors, ensure that the subfloor consists of at least 2 layers of exterior grade plywood (CANPLY compliant), a minimum of 32 mm (1.25 in) in thickness and meets, as a minimum, the deflection parameters of L/360 (live and dead loads taken into consideration. The plywood must then be suitably secured, bonded, and prepared to a contaminant free and sound condition. Refer to the manufacturer of the final floor covering regarding the deflection requirements of the floor finish system.

The compressive strength of the concrete substrate should be at least 20 MPa (> 2900 lb/po2) at 28 days with a minimum tensile strength of 1.0 MPa (> 145 lb/po2) at the time Sika® Level-03 PrimerCA is applied. 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.

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. All loose friable material, including preparation residue,must be completely removed using an appropriate vacuum cleaner before application of the Sika® Level-03 PrimerCA.

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). 

Moisture content of concrete substrate must be ≤ 5 % by mass (p.b.w. – part by weight) as measured with a Tramex® CME/CMExpert type concrete moisture meter on mechanically prepared surface . If moisture content of concrete substrate exceeds 5 % by mass, contact Sika Canada.

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. Before overall installation begins, Sika recommends the application of several small test patches to determine primer application requirements and acceptability of final product performance.

4.2 m2/L (170 ft2/US gal) approximately on concrete  and 5.6 m2/L (230 ft2/US gal) approximately on plywood. Also, coverage figures do not include allowance for surface profile and porosity or material waste. 

Should colder conditions prevail, make allowance for the use of indirect and vented heaters to achieve and maintain the application temperature required.

Where temperatures exceed +30 °C (86 °F), refer to and follow ACI hot weather application and protection guidelines.

Ensure that both substrate and ambient temperatures are between +10 °C and +35 °C (50 °F and 95 °F) before commencing the application of Sika® Level-03 PrimerCA. 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.