Sika® Level-01 Primer Plus
Sika® Level-01 Primer Plus is a one-part, water-dispersed, solvent-free, acrylic based solution used to prime and seal floor surfaces prior to the application of SikaLevel® products.
- Interior and exterior use
- Low VOC and low odor
- Penetrates substrate to reduce outgassing and formation of bubbles in the underlayment
- Effectively seals concrete surfaces in a single, economic operation
- Prevents water loss from the underlayment into the substrate
Usage
- For absorbent substrates
- Suitable on concrete, cementitious screed/mortar, plywood, OSB and gypsum based substrates
- Particularly suitable as an adhesion promoter and surface sealer beneath SikaLevel® products, enhancing the bond and integrity of the underlayment when applied onto porous substrates
Advantages
- Interior and exterior use
- Low VOC and low odor
- Penetrates substrate to reduce outgassing and formation of bubbles in the underlayment
- Effectively seals concrete surfaces in a single, economic operation
- Prevents water loss from the underlayment into the substrate
Packaging
1 gal. (3.79 L) jerrycan
Color
White
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 77°F (5°C and 25°C). If frozen, discard.
Condition material between 65°F and 75°F (18°C and 24°C) before using.
Density
~8.35 lbs/gal (~1 kg/L) at 68°F (20°C)
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-01 Primer Plus has fully cured, the substrate temperature must be between 50°F and 95°F (10°C and 35°C).
Drying Time
| Substrate | Dilution | No. of coat | Time |
| Concrete and cementitious screed/mortar | 1:3 | 1 | ~10 minutes |
| Extremely porous concrete and cementitious screed/mortar | 1:3 then 1:1 | 2 | ~30 minutes |
| Plywood and OSB | Undiluted | 1 | ~2 hours |
| Cement based underlayment over gypsum substrate | 1:1 | 1 | ~16 hours |
| Gypsum based underlayment over gypsum substrate | 1:3 | 1 | ~10 minutes |
- To ensure proper adhesion, SikaLevel® products have to be applied within 24 hours of the application of the Sika® Level-01 Primer Plus, but only once the primer is clear (without milky spots) and tack-free.
- Lower temperatures and/or humid conditions may extend the drying time between priming coats or before installation of the underlayment.
Coverage
| Dilution | Coverage per jerrycan |
| Undiluted | ~500 sq.ft. (~46.45 m2) |
| 1:1 (Primer:Water) | 600–700 sq.ft. (55.74–65.03 m2) |
| 1:3 (Primer:Water) | 700–1,000 sq.ft. (65.03–92.90 m2) |
These are estimated coverages 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 and of sufficient compressive strength (minimum 2,900 psi (20 MPa)) with a minimum pull-off strength of 200 psi (1.38 MPa).
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-01 Primer Plus 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
- Prepare concrete and cement substrates by mechanical means, such as blast cleaning, water-jetting, scarifying, grinding or other appropriate methods, to achieve an open-textured, fine-gripping surface.
- Immediately following mechanical preparation on some excessively porous substrates, outgassing will increase for a short period of time (around 48 hours) until equilibrium in slab vapor pressure and the ambient environment is reached. Two days should be given to the substrate after mechanical preparation before the application of the primer.
- Weak surfaces must be removed. All cracks and holes must be similarly filled to prevent seepage. Repair with SikaLevel® SkimCoat before priming.
- Plywood/OSB must be stable, suitably secured and/or bonded and prepared to a contaminant free and sound condition.
- 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-01 Primer Plus, thoroughly stir or shake the container in which the material is supplied in to agitate the contents and to ensure all solids are distributed throughout the dispersion and a uniform consistency is achieved.
- For dilution, mix Sika® Level-01 Primer Plus with clean water (approx. 68°F (20°C)) into a suitable sized and clean mixing container. Mix for ~1 minute with a low-speed drill (300 rpm) and a mixing paddle.
- Diluted primer must be used within 24 hours of mixing.
CLEANING OF TOOLS
Clean all tools and application equipment with water immediately after use. Dried material can only be removed mechanically.
FAQ
Sika® offers high-quality products such as Sika® Level-325, a cementitious self-leveling underlayment, and Sika® Level SkimCoat, ideal for minor surface imperfections. For improved adhesion, Sika® Level-01 Primer Plus helps ensure a strong bond, while Sika® MB acts as a moisture barrier in high-humidity environments.
Failures often result from improper mixing, inadequate priming, excessive moisture, or application in extreme temperatures. Using Sika® Level-01 Primer Plus, following correct mixing ratios, and applying in recommended conditions (41–86°F) help prevent these issues.
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.