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FC - Application on Self-Leveling Screed / Concrete Floors

Craftsman Guide / Floor Systems Application: Self-Leveling Screed & Concrete. Practical guide for build-up, layer systems, and microcement application on concrete and self-leveling screed floors.. Se…

tomas martinsson
Updated by tomas martinsson
Craftsman Guide / Floor Systems

Application: Self-Leveling Screed & Concrete

Practical guide for build-up, layer systems, and microcement application on concrete and self-leveling screed floors.

Select substrate for detailed preparations and primer:
🛑 Before Starting the Project — Pre-Start Checklist:
• Sample Board: Always create a physical sample of at least 60×60 cm in the correct color and texture for customer approval.
• Substrate Inspection: Check moisture levels, cracks, and any structural movement in the substrate thoroughly.
• Underfloor Heating: Underfloor heating must be turned off completely at least 24 hours before starting work.
• Always review any substrate defects with the client prior to starting.
💡 Considerations Regarding Reinforcement Mesh:
We always recommend using mesh, but on stable substrates of high quality, application can be performed without mesh to save time and labor steps.
• Mesh reinforces the cement matrix and reduces the risk of shrinkage cracks.
• Mesh cannot prevent major settling or structural movement cracks in the underlying slab/subfloor.

1. Substrate Preparation & Crack Repair

1.
Grind the surface: Grind the substrate thoroughly with a diamond grinding disc or 40-grit sanding paper to remove laitance, loose particles, and surface unevenness. Vacuum the surface completely clean.
2.
Repair cracks: Chase and vacuum out all cracks. Fill and patch them with Forprime DPM mixed with quartz sand (embed crack bridging mesh if necessary). NOTE: When repairing cracks, the DPM primer must cure and dry until the next day before applying EPST across the surface.

2. Build-Up System Selection

Option 1: With Mesh Maximum Strength

Reinforced system. Choice of final finish (Coarse, Medium, or Smooth).

1. Mesh: Spot-glue the reinforcement mesh to the substrate using a hot melt glue gun.
2. EPST + Sand: Apply Forprime EPST and broadcast quartz sand to full saturation. Allow to cure.
3. Grinding: Sweep up and reclaim excess sand. Concrete-grind the surface smooth.
4. FL/HB + Sand: Apply Forprime FL/HB and broadcast quartz sand to full saturation. Allow to cure.
5. Sanding: Sweep up sand, sand down with 40-grit paper, and vacuum thoroughly.
6. Microquartz (Coat 1): Apply Microquartz Coarse.
7. Microquartz (Coat 2): Apply final coat of Microquartz (Coarse, Medium, or Smooth).
Option 2: Without Mesh Time-Efficient

Faster build-up on flat, stable substrates. Coarse finish only.

1. EPST + Sand: Apply Forprime EPST and broadcast quartz sand to full saturation. Allow to cure.
2. Grinding: Sweep up and reclaim excess sand. Concrete-grind the surface smooth.
3. Microbase XT: Apply one coat of pigmented Microbase XT. Allow to dry.
4. Sanding: Sand the XT coat with 24-grit or 40-grit sanding paper. Vacuum thoroughly.
5. Microquartz Coarse (Final Coat): Apply 1 coat of Microquartz Coarse. (Medium or Smooth cannot be used here as they do not sufficiently conceal the base).

3. Final Sanding & Sealing

Once the final coat of microcement has cured, sand the entire surface smooth with 50–200 grit depending on the selected finish. Vacuum and wipe down the floor with extreme care using a microfiber cloth prior to sealing:

Instructions: Sanding Guide ↗
Instructions: Sealing & Topcoat (Coming soon)

4. Workflow & Day-by-Day Schedule

Day
With Mesh (Option 1)
Without Mesh (Option 2)
Day 1
Grind substrate, repair cracks*, glue mesh, and apply Forprime EPST + sand.
Grind substrate, repair cracks*, and apply Forprime EPST + sand.
Day 2
Sweep sand, concrete-grind, and apply Forprime FL/HB + sand.
Sweep sand, concrete-grind, and apply pigmented Microbase XT.
Day 3
Sweep sand, sand down (40-grit), and apply Microquartz Coarse coat 1.
Sand XT (24/40-grit) and apply final coat of Microquartz Coarse.
Day 4
Intermediate sand Coarse coat 1 and apply final coat of Microquartz (Coarse/Med/Smooth).
Final sanding, thorough vacuuming, and sealing/topcoat.
Day 5
Final sanding, thorough vacuuming, and sealing/topcoat.
Complete (curing).

* Note: If repairing cracks with Forprime DPM, the repair must dry until the following day before applying EPST.

⏳ Curing and Traffic / Loading:
• Foot Traffic: The floor can be walked on carefully in socks after 24 hours.
• Furniture: Do not place furniture on the surface for at least 5 days. Always use protective felt pads.
• Covering & Rugs: Do not cover the floor with rugs or protective paper for at least 14 days as the sealer requires time to fully cure and breathe.
• Water & Cleaning: Do not expose the surface to water or cleaning chemicals during the first 7 days.

How did we do?

FC - Forshield Topcoat & Sealer (ENG)

FC - Mixing Instructions & Pigmentation

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