Sika® Level-02 EZ Primer
Sika® Level-02 EZ Primer is a special one-component, solvent-free, acrylic primer applied on difficult substrates prior to the application of SikaLevel® products.
- Interior and exterior use
- Suitable for use on floors with radiant heating
- Ready-to-use, no dilution required
- Low VOC
- Provides optimum adhesion
- Quick dry time
Usage
Sika® Level-02 EZ Primer is suitable as a primer on:- Epoxy based sealers and coatings
- Old substrates with water-resistant adhesive residues
- Old vinyl (LVT/VCT), linoleum and rubber coverings
- Metal, terrazzo, ceramic tiles, natural stone, plywood and OSB substrates
Advantages
- Interior and exterior use
- Suitable for use on floors with radiant heating
- Ready-to-use, no dilution required
- Low VOC
- Provides optimum adhesion
- Quick dry time
Packaging
1 gal. (3.79 L) pail
Color
Light green
Product Details
ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
LEED v4.1 & LEED v5 California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Standard Method v1.2
Chemical Base
Acrylic
Shelf Life
12 months from the date of production if stored properly
Storage Conditions
The product must be stored in original, unopened and undamaged sealed packaging in dry conditions and protected from direct sunlight and freezing at temperatures between 41°F and 95°F (5°C and 35°C). If frozen, discard.
Condition material between 65°F and 86°F (18°C and 30°C) before using.
Density
~11.52 lbs/gal (~1.38 kg/L) at 68°F (20°C)
Tensile Adhesion Strength
| ≥ 217 psi (≥ 1.50 MPa) or substrate failure | (ASTM C882 modified*) |
* Mortar scrubbed into substrate at 73°F (23°C) and 50% RH
Application
Ambient Air Temperature
50°F to 95°F (10°C to 35°C)
Relative Air Humidity
75% RH max.
Substrate Temperature
During laying and until Sika® Level-02 EZ Primer has fully cured, the substrate temperature must be between 50°F and 95°F (10°C and 35°C).
Drying Time
30–60 minutes (depending on environmental and subfloor conditions)
Coverage
325–500 sq.ft. (30.19–46.45 m2) per pail
This is an estimated coverage and additional material may be required based on substrate porosity/profile, material wastage or any other variations. Apply material to a test area to calculate the exact coverage for the specific substrate conditions.
SUBSTRATE QUALITY
The substrate must be sound, meet the requirements of national standards and must have good compressive and tensile strength.
Substrate must be clean, dry, stable, homogeneous and even, free of all contaminants such as oil, grease, dust and loose or friable particles. Paint, wax, curing and sealing compounds, laitance and other poorly adhering contents that will interfere with the adhesion of Sika® Level-02 EZ Primer must be mechanically removed.
Note: Before overall installation begins, Sika recommends the application of several small test patches to determine primer application requirements and acceptability of final product performance.
SUBSTRATE PREPARATION
- All substrate must be stable, suitably secured and/or bonded and prepared to a contaminant free and sound condition.
- Epoxy based sealer/coating, vinyl/linoleum/rubber covering, metal, terrazzo, ceramic tile and natural stone surfaces must be mechanically prepared and thoroughly cleaned. Failure to do this, may result in adhesion problems. For detailed instruction contact our Technical Service.
- Old water-soluble adhesive must be removed completely.
- Old water-resistant adhesive must be mechanically removed as far as possible. All friable areas, loose materials and ridges must be mechanically removed.
- Cutback adhesive: layers of water soluble/resitant adhesives have to be mechanically removed. Old cutback can contain asbestos which is dangerous for the health so do not grind, sand or blast. Refer to the Resilient Floor Covering Institute’s publication “recommended work practice for removal of resilient floor coverings” for instruction.
- Moisture vapor emission rate (MVER) of the substrate must comply and meet the requirements of the proposed floor covering. Please consult the manufacturer of the final floor finish for recommendations.
- All dust, loose and friable material must be completely removed and cleaned with an industrial vacuum from all surfaces before application of the product.
MIXING
Before applying Sika® Level-02 EZ Primer, thoroughly stir the material in the container in which it is supplied to agitate the contents, ensure all solids are distributed throughout the dispersion and a uniform consistency is achieved.
CLEANING OF TOOLS
Clean all tools and application equipment with water immediately after use. Hardened/cured material can only be removed mechanically.
FAQ
No, they are not. For standard-size tile < 15”, the substrate flatness tolerance is no more than ¼” variance in 10”. For tile > 15”, the substrate flatness tolerance is no more than 1/8” variance in 10’. This applies to any substrate whether it is a wall, floor, ceiling etc.
No. Thinset is an adhesive, not a patching or leveling compound. Thinsets are
designed to be a certain thickness and when that thickness is greater than what the thinset can handle, shrinking will occur. Use a product that is designed for patching or leveling.
Almost all self-leveling underlayments require a primer. A primer helps with drying, flowability and bonding. Check with the manufacturer to see if the selected SLU needs a primer. For SikaLevel® SLUs, a primer is required for each pour.
Some old “cutback” black residues may contain asbestos. If the residue has asbestos, a professional will need to remove it. If the black residue does not contain asbestos, it may be removed by mechanical means such as sand blasting or grinding. Some products can encapsulate the black residue, preventing mechanical removal. Check Technical Services to find the correct products.
In most cases, flat is better than level. For example, an exterior deck needs to be flat and not level. Building codes require the deck to be pitched away from the building, which would make the deck not level. But, to install tile the deck must be flat. So, it all depends on the application.
When a flooring substrate does not meet industry flatness tolerances or when a substrate needs to be raised/lifted. Every self-leveling underlayment has a thickness threshold it can be used for. Speak with a SikaTile® Technical Representative for assistance.
No, they are not. For standard-size tile < 15”, the substrate flatness tolerance is no more than ¼” variance in 10”. For tile > 15”, the substrate flatness tolerance is no more than 1/8” variance in 10’. This applies to any substrate whether it is a wall, floor, ceiling etc.
No. Thinset is an adhesive, not a patching or leveling compound. Thinsets are
designed to be a certain thickness and when that thickness is greater than what the thinset can handle, shrinking will occur. Use a product that is designed for patching or leveling.
Almost all self-leveling underlayments require a primer. A primer helps with drying, flowability and bonding. Check with the manufacturer to see if the selected SLU needs a primer. For SikaLevel® SLUs, a primer is required for each pour.
Some old “cutback” black residues may contain asbestos. If the residue has asbestos, a professional will need to remove it. If the black residue does not contain asbestos, it may be removed by mechanical means such as sand blasting or grinding. Some products can encapsulate the black residue, preventing mechanical removal. Check Technical Services to find the correct products.
In most cases, flat is better than level. For example, an exterior deck needs to be flat and not level. Building codes require the deck to be pitched away from the building, which would make the deck not level. But, to install tile the deck must be flat. So, it all depends on the application.
When a flooring substrate does not meet industry flatness tolerances or when a substrate needs to be raised/lifted. Every self-leveling underlayment has a thickness threshold it can be used for. Speak with a SikaTile® Technical Representative for assistance.