Liquid linoleum: advantages and laying technology. Liquid linoleum: what is it, purpose, price and features of laying liquid linoleum Liquid linoleum

Innovative developments in the field of construction and repair have significantly expanded the design options for premises. Lately the idea of ​​liquid linoleum is spreading rapidly. Acquaintance with a new type of flooring will allow you to discover another facet in the art of design.

Purpose of liquid linoleum

A comparative characteristic between liquid linoleum and a rolled product with the same name made it possible to identify the only commonality - a solid canvas. Remotely there is a similarity in appearance, until you touch the surface. To the touch, liquid linoleum resembles ceramic tiles. Otherwise, there are differences in all areas, from the properties and materials used, to the principle of laying. A different name reflects the essence of the coating more accurately - self-leveling floors.

Initially, liquid linoleum was intended for industrial use. The developers were tasked with creating solid foundation, not subject to abrasion, for production and storage facilities. After original idea designers to decorate self-leveling floors with an individual pattern, the number of people who want to decorate their own home with liquid linoleum according to modern technologies growing exponentially.

Self-leveling floors, depending on the filler, are:

• cement-acrylic;
• based on epoxy resins;
• containing methyl methacrylic resins;
• polyurethane.

The first three compositions of self-leveling floors are more intended for production purposes, liquid bulk linoleum based on polyurethane is mainly used in residential areas. Despite the strength and wear resistance of all categories, lightness is added to the advantages of a polyurethane floor, contributing to the creation of an elegant coating. The thickness of the self-leveling floor varies in the range of 1-7 mm, according to the recommendations of experts, it is optimal for standard loads to form a layer of 1.5 mm. This will be enough to operate the self-leveling floor for the next 30 years.

Characteristics

The advantages of liquid linoleum are much greater than the disadvantages. Let us consider in more detail all the essential nuances of the coating in the form of a self-leveling floor:

Remark ! A prerequisite for waterproofing is proper manufacture waterproofing at the preparatory stage.

Three points can cloud the impression of the impeccability of liquid linoleum: the high cost of materials, a long period preparatory work and the presence of only 12 shades in the design of a plain surface.

Manufacturing process in-house

Every craftsman who owns the skills of operation is capable of mastering the technology of laying liquid linoleum with his own hands. building tools. Before proceeding to the description of the sequence installation work, one more advantage of liquid linoleum should be noted - unpretentiousness when applied to various bases. The only condition that must be met is to exclude the possibility of moisture absorption by them. This is achieved by treating concrete or cement surfaces with special primers; impregnations are provided for the wooden floor. Protective measures are aimed at preventing the absorption of expensive material, eliminating its unplanned consumption and, accordingly, reducing the total cost of manufacturing liquid linoleum.

Works on the manufacture of self-leveling floors include the following steps:

Self-leveling floors

Did you know that floors can not be laid, but poured? This coating is called “self-leveling floors”, or, as they are also called, “liquid linoleum”. It turns out that outwardly the self-leveling floor is really very similar to linoleum, and to the touch it resembles a smooth tile: monolithic, even, without seams and gaps. He happens different colors, neutral calm tones prevail among the shades - light green, gray, beige, light brown. Thickness of self-leveling floors different type– from 1 to 7 mm, but recommended by experts optimum thickness coverings for residential premises - 1.5 mm. Why? To make the floor thinner in a living room is impractical, thicker is uneconomical, as it will be required large quantity material. But more about that later.

So, from the point of view of chemists, self-leveling floor is a special seamless polymer coating. There are several types of floor coverings, which are called self-leveling or industrial:

Methyl methacrylate (from methyl methacrylic resins);

Epoxy (from epoxy resins);

Cement-acrylic (prepared from dry building mix and the so-called "liquid component");

Polyurethane (based on polyurethane).

The first three types of self-leveling floors are more suitable for industrial premises. And for residential, the fourth type is used - polyurethane floors. Why? Of course, all types of floors are safe for health, but polyurethane, in addition to being the most durable and wear-resistant, is also the lightest - the floors from it are more elegant. And besides, this floor looks very good: due to the brilliance and variety of colors. Therefore, our conversation will focus on polyurethane self-leveling floors.

So, self-leveling seamless floors are most often used where increased requirements are imposed on the floor: chemical resistance and abrasion resistance (including under conditions high humidity), the need for antistatic protection or special hygienic requirements. First of all, of course, these are industrial premises and offices with high traffic, television studios. But living quarters are also suitable: kitchens, bathrooms, cottages, glazed loggias. Or, for example, you can "lay" such floors in the garage and workshop. It is believed that the main disadvantage when using a self-leveling floor in a residential area is a poor choice of colors. But, firstly, there are at least 12 colors of self-leveling floor on sale, which, you see, is not so small. Secondly, the manufacturers of self-leveling floors have come up with an additional and very original decorative special effect; the so-called chips are applied to the fresh coating; - colored particles from pieces acrylic paint, different shapes and sizes. Chips when in a jar look like large bright confetti, and applied to the floor, they give the coating depth and resemblance to natural materials, such as marble or granite.

Bulk coating options: regular and with "chips". But the most interesting thing in self-leveling floors, in addition to all the above advantages and properties, is the process of their installation! And what is curious, if you wish, you can personally join this sacrament, which is somewhat similar to a shamanic ritual.

To become a happy owner of a self-leveling floor, you will need: two cans with components - a small one and a large one, an electric drill with a nozzle and a rule. It is clear that the most important thing is the cans with components for the future self-leveling floor. In a large bank - component "A". The small one is filled with component "B". Manufacturers of self-leveling floors keep the exact chemical composition of these components a secret. The coating technology is the same for all types of self-leveling floors, only the components and properties are different.

So let's get started. We take a small jar and pour its contents into a large one. But to achieve the desired result (that is, to cure the composition), this is not enough. All components must be thoroughly mixed with an electric drill with a special nozzle. In a few minutes working mixture components is ready for application to the surface. And all? No. Before proceeding with the "production" of the self-leveling floor, you need to carefully prepare the surface - level, eliminate potholes, cracks, etc., putty them, prime the base ... In general, a primed base (it can be concrete, stone, tile , metal and even wood) should have a uniform gloss on the surface and not absorb liquid. Only after that it is possible to pour the polyurethane "cocktail" onto the coating and distribute it over the entire floor area with a rule and a spiked roller.

With the help of a movable bar on the rule, you can adjust the thickness of the applied coating: the closer the bar to the floor, the thinner the coating is, and vice versa. The spiked roller helps remove bubbles that have formed on the liquid surface. We have already said that the thickness of the self-leveling floor recommended by experts is 1.5 mm, but if desired, this figure can be increased to 5-7 mm. All these works must be carried out at a room temperature not lower than +5°С and not higher than +25°С and relative air humidity of approximately 60%. Otherwise, the self-leveling floor will "set" longer. On a fresh floor (for beauty), you can apply the already known colored "chips", and after 12 hours cover it with a transparent protective varnish on top. Then wait another 24 hours - and that's it. The new bulk floor is ready "to the use".

By the way, the manufacturers warned me that the self-leveling floor, until it dries, is afraid of moisture: its components react with water. That is why it is important to ensure that the surface on which the bulk coating will be applied is dry (that is, the moisture content of the surface itself should not exceed 5%). Specialists in this case use a device to measure humidity. But if the surface was initially prepared in accordance with all the rules, then after 12–20 hours (after the coating has dried) and in the next four decades, no moisture self-leveling floor won't be scary. Self-leveling floor with "chips" at first glance does not differ from granite

The self-leveling floor is not afraid of blows - no matter what you drop on it, there will be no dents or cracks. He also doesn’t care about temperature changes (that’s why you can “pour” it on a balcony or on country veranda). According to experts, this is a non-toxic and "flammable" coating. And all kinds bulk coatings, both in Europe and in Russia, undergo mandatory certification. And a conscientious manufacturer will never refuse to demonstrate all the necessary certificates for their products. Imported residential flooring will cost at least $40 per sq.m if the area of ​​the premises is less than 500 sq.m. In general, the range of prices for self-leveling floors made from imported materials ranges from $8 to $100 per square meter. The cost of the work of stackers is $8–10.

Comparative analysis

Each flooring has its pros and cons. Let's compare the self-leveling floor with other floor coverings that have the same purpose as the polyurethane floor: PVC linoleum, laminate and tiles are also laid in the kitchen, in the bathroom or on the glazed balcony. So, household PVC linoleum and self-leveling floor look very similar. In one Moscow store where self-leveling floors are made, I was told that visitors often ask: "What kind of unusual linoleum do you have?" But the external similarity is perhaps the only thing that unites these two types of coatings. The first difference is the service life. High-quality PVC linoleum will last 15–20 years. A properly made self-leveling floor will last 40 years. But, I emphasize, CORRECTLY done. (Please remember this remark, we will return to it later.) In addition, linoleum has a richer design. And yet, if necessary, linoleum can be easily removed - rolled up and replaced with a new one. With a bulk coating, such a trick will not work. Removing such a coating is a problem. But on the other hand, why, if we make a good, high-quality self-leveling floor?

Now laminate. Laminate, as we have said more than once, is a special multilayer board based on fiberboard that can imitate natural materials- wood, stone, marble ... Laminate is a beautiful modern floor covering, but, alas, it lasts less than a self-leveling floor - 12 years. In addition, a laminate, unlike a self-leveling floor, is still not recommended to be placed indoors with high humidity.

When compared with ceramic tiles, which are traditionally placed in the kitchen, bathroom and on balconies, here the self-leveling floor also has certain advantages: the absence of seams (which means there is nowhere for fungus and bacteria to start) and higher strength.

So, what are the main advantages and disadvantages of liquid floor coverings?

Pleasant appearance, gloss, solidity of color;

Durability (minimum 40 years);

Moisture resistance and high chemical resistance (important when using a self-leveling floor, for example, in a garage);

Hygienic and easy to clean - washable plain water without processing with special compounds;

High adhesion (adhesion) with any base, no seams and gaps;

Fire safety (flammable and "slow-burning" material), non-toxicity;

Simplicity of the device - a self-leveling floor can be made independently in just half a day (12 hours).

MINUSES:

Poor design compared to traditional types of coatings;

Moral obsolescence, that is, the self-leveling floor simply bothers its owner. But in this case, the coating can be updated - apply a new layer of a different color;

Some types of bulk coatings turn yellow when exposed to ultraviolet rays;

Labor-intensive preparation of the base for coating - careful leveling, puttying is necessary;

Difficult to remove from the base if necessary;

artificial material;

It is necessary to strictly control the humidity of the coating on which the floor is "poured"
www.stroyportal.ru

Hello! You have opened an article on the site site, a site about the device, installation and finishing of floors in the premises. In this article, we find out what liquid linoleum is.

What is liquid linoleum?

The concept of liquid linoleum cannot be attributed to names building material used in normative documents. Liquid linoleum is construction slang applied to various types polymer self-leveling floor used for finishing the floor surface in industrial, public and residential premises.

Why did such a concept of liquid linoleum appear

Let's remember what linoleum is. Linoleum is artificial or natural roll coating for finishing the floor in rooms for various purposes. Linoleum is distinguished by a small thickness, a variety of colors and, until recently, the artificiality of the material. It now appeared, the so-called natural linoleums, and earlier it was the most polymeric material.

class="eliadunit">

Liquid linoleum is, in fact, a thin layer of polymer self-leveling floor, designed not to level the floor, but to finish it and give this finishing layer special features. The main characteristic of liquid linoleum is its strength, an additional characteristic is its beauty.

I wrote in detail about the types of polymer self-leveling floor in the article: Types of polymer floor, briefly here. There are four types of liquid linoleum:

1. Polyurethane self-leveling floor. This type of coating is used in residential and public buildings. A kind of polyurethane self-leveling floor, liquid linoleum with 3D drawings or, more simply, 3D floors.
2. Epoxy poured floor. It is used only in industrial buildings. These floors are durable and resistant to aggressive environments;
3. Methyl methacrylic. It is used only in industrial buildings. Medium strength, but high resistance to low temperatures;
4. Cement acrylic. Used in buildings Food Industry and public buildings. Not afraid of moisture, various fats.

Bases for liquid linoleum

Liquid linoleum can be done on the following grounds:

• Concrete is preferred;
• Wooden floor (with waterproofing);
• Ceramic tiles (with a polymer primer;
• Metal (with special priming).

Features of the installation of liquid linoleum

Liquid linoleum requires, like simple linoleum, careful preparation grounds. Special attention given to the evenness of the base for the device of liquid linoleum. Floor preparation work is costly, which affects the cost of liquid linoleum installation.

Manufacturers of liquid linoleum (finished polymer floor)

Let's single out several popular manufacturers of self-leveling polymer floor:

• German Feidal;
• Russian Praspan;
• Teping Company.

Other articles in the section: Polymer self-leveling floor

• Liquid linoleum is: what is liquid linoleum and features of its use

May 27, 2016
Specialization: master in construction drywall constructions, finishing works and installation of floor coverings. Installation of door and window blocks, facade finishing, installation of electrics, plumbing and heating - I can give detailed advice on all types of work.

The desire to save money for many developers often translates into even greater costs: cheap laminate is worn out, linoleum is torn, and ceramics are cracked from falling heavy objects. Do you want to do the job once and not have to repair the floor in a few years? Then liquid linoleum will be the best option - in the kitchen, in the hallway, bathroom or in any other premises, it will last longer than most other options.

Features of liquid linoleum

First, we will figure out what advantages this option has over other types of coatings, what disadvantages it has, and then we will talk about the main types of products and touch on the features of the workflow. This will allow you to understand all the important nuances and help you make the right decision.

It is worth noting one important point: self-leveling polymer floor and liquid linoleum are one and the same, and if in point of sale trying to convince you that different materials, then most likely this is due to an attempt to sell something more expensive. Do not listen to the opinions of pseudo-specialists, most often they claim that the types of products are different, but at the same time they cannot tell what the main differences are.

Pros and cons of self-leveling floor

As for the advantages of this type of flooring, there are a lot of them, we will list the most important and significant of them:

• The layer can be from 1 to 7 mm; for residential premises, 1.5 mm is enough to ensure high strength and reliability. That is, the consumption of the composition is quite small, which reduces the cost of purchasing the material;
• The surface is very durable and easily able to withstand the fall of heavy objects and high loads from the movement of a large number of people. It should also be noted that the material perfectly tolerates temperature changes and practically does not change its properties, even if the surface is very hot or frost affects it;
• Another very important factor- resistance to aggressive chemical compounds, for this reason this type of coating is very popular in industrial facilities. But also at home use this advantage is important, since you can wash the surface with the addition detergents and do not worry if any composition suddenly spills onto the floor;

• Environmental friendliness is another important criterion which is receiving much attention these days. The frozen surface does not have a negative impact on human health. In addition, the composition does not burn, which makes it possible to provide high level fire safety;
• The surface is resistant to moisture, so the coating is perfect for other places with constant humidity. The absence of seams on the surface provides additional reliability, as there are no potential leaks;

• You can make the floor in rooms of any size and configuration, the composition easily penetrates even into hard-to-reach places, you do not have to cut and fit elements. This advantage is especially important for rooms non-standard shape, because when using traditional options the amount of waste increases many times, in our case this negative factor is excluded;

• Another very important advantage is the ease of surface maintenance. It is enough to periodically wipe the floor with a damp cloth, no other operations are required.

Of course, liquid linoleum also has disadvantages and it is impossible not to mention them:

• The coating is very demanding on surface preparation. To get the best result, it is necessary to level the plane to an almost perfect condition, since any problems lead to excessive consumption of the composition and a significant increase in the cost of the project;
• The workflow requires scrupulousness and strict fulfillment of all the requirements that the manufacturer of the composition gives. Therefore, if you doubt your capabilities, then it is better to involve specialists in the work, their services are not cheap, but you are guaranteed to get the perfect result;

• In order for the surface to fully gain strength and the room can be used, 5-7 days should pass. That is, if you need to carry out work urgently, this option will not work, you need to plan its installation in advance;
• With constant exposure to direct sunlight, individual areas may burn out, this may worsen the appearance of the floor, although the strength characteristics will not be affected in any way;
• If you decide to lay another coating, then the dismantling of liquid linoleum will take a lot of time and effort. It is easier to make another floor from above, since the self-leveling option is an excellent base.

Types of compositions

At the moment, there are four main options on sale, each of which has features, we will consider them in detail:

Methyl methacrylate formulations	A universal solution that does not have a very attractive appearance, but it perfectly resists loads and is resistant to weathering. But the composition has a very fast setting speed, so efficiency is important when working, so only professionals can do this option. Another feature is the ability to work both at positive and at negative temperatures.
Cement-acrylic compositions	This group of compositions is made on the basis of high-grade cement and acrylic copolymer with the addition of high-strength fillers. Due to the high resistance to chemical influences and temperature extremes similar solutions especially popular in the food industry. It should be noted that the technology of applying cement-acrylic mixtures is much more complicated than other analogues.
Epoxy Based Compounds	Epoxy resin is well known for its strength characteristics, so it is not surprising that flooring is also made from it. The composition fits perfectly both on concrete and on and even on metal. These floors can also be used industrial enterprises, and in residential areas, as they are environmentally friendly, in addition, they can be used to create decorative coatings
Polyurethane liquid floors	This option is the most popular today, as it combines such properties as strength, elasticity and wear resistance. Polyurethane-based compounds are used both in industrial and private buildings. The only caveat to remember is that when working in the room, low humidity should be maintained until the layer is completely solidified.

Remember that during the work it is allocated strong smell and inhalation of the vapors of the composition can lead to a deterioration in well-being.
Therefore, all work should be carried out in a well-ventilated area and use a respirator to protect the respiratory system.

A separate option that should be discussed is floors with a 3D effect. To create them, transparent polyurethane or epoxy compositions are used, the technology provides for the location of the picture on the surface, which is then filled with a layer of liquid linoleum and, after drying, a composition with a three-dimensional effect is obtained.

One more interesting solution- the location on the floor of any objects, for example, coins, and the subsequent filling of the surface. This way you can get very interesting compositions that you create yourself, this option provides a unique result, since each specific case is unique.

As for manufacturers, there are a fairly large number of options on the market, we will talk about the most common of them, although the list may differ in each region:

• The Feidal brand is known to professionals for its quality and reliability. The company produces a wide range of products, the cost of which varies from 15,000 to 20,000 per 24 kg package. Polyurethane-based compositions are excellent for use in residential premises, the mixture consumption is from 2 to 4 kg per sq.m.;

• Products under the brand name "Praspan" domestic production is also popular, its main advantage is its low price, a kilogram of composition, depending on the brand, will cost you from 250 rubles and more. It is important to choose best option for certain conditions;

• Another a budget option- "Monopol", several variants of products are produced on both polyurethane and polyester bases. The cost varies from 200 rubles or more;
• Another a good option- self-leveling floor of the Teping company, the cost of a kilogram of the composition is from 600 rubles, while the quality and environmental friendliness meet the highest standards. You will be presented with a choice different solutions for various types premises.

As for the workflow, this is the topic separate review, so here we will talk about the main stages and their features:

• First of all, the base is cleaned of all contaminants., the remnants of old coatings are removed from it. All furniture is taken out of the room, it must be empty;
• Next, the surface is inspected for damage and cracks.. You also need to check the plane with a level, and if there are significant differences on it, then it is advisable to align with cement mortar or self-leveling composition;
• Then it is necessary to treat the surface with a primer., it is needed in order to reduce the absorbency of the surface and improve the adhesion of the composition to the base. Work can be continued only after the soil has completely dried;
• The application of the main layer is carried out starting from the highest point in the room, if the level is the same, then you can start from one side and go to the exit. When working, a spiked roller is used to remove air and distribute the composition over the surface. To move around the floor, purchase special devices- paint shoes, they allow you to walk on a freshly poured composition;

• Finally, a protective wear-resistant composition is applied on top, if you want to get a drawing, then paint is applied before that. It all depends on the project, we have described the simplest option, all the features of the work will be prompted by the instructions from the manufacturer.

Do not forget that it is undesirable to move on the surface until completely dry, even if it seems strong and reliable.

Conclusion

Pouring liquid linoleum with your own hands is not the easiest task, but the result will be much better than most other options. The video in this article will tell and clearly show some important nuances, and if something is not clear to you - ask questions in the comments, and we will be happy to answer them.

May 27, 2016

If you want to express gratitude, add a clarification or objection, ask the author something - add a comment or say thanks!

The technological development of mankind does not stand still and is periodically replenished with new discoveries and scientific research. This development applies to all industries, including manufacturers of flooring materials. A striking example of new technologies in the production of flooring is liquid linoleum, which is better known to the layman as a polymer-based self-leveling floor.

What is liquid linoleum?

Liquid linoleum or self-leveling floor is a synthetic multi-component mixture that is produced in liquid form and is designed to cover any type of base. Depending on the components used, liquid bulk linoleum is of three types:

• methacrylate;
• Epoxy;
• Polyurethane.

By appearance, the finished coating is practically no different from ordinary linoleum, but gives much more opportunities for designers. According to physical indicators, a self-leveling polymer floor can be compared with ceramic tiles.

For your information. In production and storage areas, methacrylate and epoxy coatings are commonly used. Bulk mixtures based on polyurethane used in residential and public buildings.

Features of laying liquid linoleum

The standard procedure for laying the material is very simple and can be done independently without the involvement of outside experts. Laying can be done on any type of surface, wood, concrete or ceramic tiles, it is enough just to properly prepare the base and follow the laying technology.

Bulk linoleum makes it possible to make a unique design by installing a printed image, which is placed on the surface of the base and filled with a transparent polymer composition. It is better to involve competent specialists in this type of decoration, which is why the price of the floor increases significantly.

For your information. The most popular types of transparent polymer coatings are the brands EpoxyFlooring, GlassFloor, Zemezit UR 35 and Polymerstone.

Prices for liquid linoleum

thin layer epoxy coating will cost about 450-500 rubles / m2.

A thin-layer polyurethane coating will cost a little less, about 300-400 rubles per meter / m2.

The cost of a full-fledged epoxy floor with a thickness of 2-3 mm will cost 1000-1200 rubles. per meter/m2.

The cost of installing a self-leveling polyurethane floor with a thickness of 2-3 mm will cost a little cheaper - 800-900 rubles.

The most expensive option would be a self-leveling methyl methacrylate floor with a thickness of 3 mm, about 1500 rubles.

Also, highly filled polymer floors will cost 1100-1500 rubles, depending on the components and layer thickness.

Prices are indicated at the rate of 1 $ = 66 rubles.

Advantages of liquid linoleum coating

The liquid type of linoleum has a number of significant advantages over many other types of coatings, which include:

• No seams. The polymer composition forms a perfectly even monolithic coating, which does not need joints, as it fills the entire room.
• Ease of installation. It is known that laying ordinary linoleum in a non-standard room with irregular geometries is very difficult. WITH liquid material there are no such problems and you do not need to spend a lot of time cutting the canvas and adjusting the pattern.
• Color options. Resin floors do not limit your choice of color in any way, since there are more than 200 shades of dyes for it, which can be added to the composition before pouring. It is also possible to create unique images with a 3D effect. The coating can be glossy or matte, smooth or rough, depending on personal preferences and the style of the room.
• Wear resistance. The thickness of the protective layer of ordinary linoleum is no more than 0.3 mm, and liquid linoleum itself is protective layer and can reach up to 1.5 cm in thickness, which makes it an almost eternal coating.
• Impact strength. Using a self-leveling floor - liquid linoleum in an apartment or a private house, you can be sure that the coating will not have any damage throughout the entire period of operation. Even if you drop a hammer, a sharp object on its surface, or move heavy furniture, no marks will remain on the floor surface.
• Safety. The bulk coating does not burn and does not support combustion, and also does not emit toxic components under high temperature exposure, which makes this coating environmentally friendly. The coating can be safely used in medical institutions and children's rooms.

Even if somehow damage has appeared on the coating in the form of a scratch or dent, it is very easy to repair it. It is enough to fill the dent with a new layer and align with common plane polishing method. Scratches are also eliminated by polishing with special machines. To consolidate the material, we recommend watching the video on laying the polymer floor.