Polymer flooring: advantages and disadvantages. Do-it-yourself polymer floors

The technology for creating a polymer self-leveling floor is complex and time-consuming, especially if we are talking about 3D coverage.

Specialists involved in the creation of polymer floors must have experience not only in pouring this type of solution, but also in other related construction work.

Such a requirement is associated with the phased actions of the polymer self-leveling floor device, which also includes rough work with concrete.

A few years ago, polymer self-leveling flooring was used for pouring only in industrial buildings with high rates of mechanical or chemical stress.

Over time, the material has been upgraded.

The high quality of the coating and the outwardly attractive appearance have done their job, the polymer floor has found its application in civil engineering. More recently, an amazing technology has appeared that allows you to create a 3D coating.

Today, without resorting to the services of craftsmen, polymer self-leveling floors are created by the owners in their apartment with their own hands.

Before proceeding to the do-it-yourself self-leveling floors, it is worth getting acquainted with their types and purpose.

Types and features of self-leveling floors

On the this moment on the construction market two types of self-leveling floors are in high demand: polyurethane and epoxy.

Polyurethane bulk coating - industrial floors that are used as floor surfaces in warehouses, hangars, production facilities.

They can also be used in parking lots, in buildings Food Industry and refrigeration industrial installations.

Industrial polymer floors are endowed with a high degree wear resistance, resistant to mechanical and chemical influences.

Due to its unique structure, industrial self-leveling floors can perfectly cope with deformation loads on the base.

Epoxy polymer floors (their other name is " liquid linoleum”) - also have high strength characteristics and resistance to chemicals.

In addition, epoxy bulk coatings feature a smooth surface and a wide selection color solutions.

As part of an epoxy polymer material there are no solvents, thanks to which the coating does not emit any pungent odors.

This type of floor is used for do-it-yourself flooring in residential premises.

The 3D technology of creating a coating stands apart. So far, this innovation is affordable only for a person with an income above the average. V ordinary apartment or a simple private house, 3D coating is practically never found.

Preparation of the base for pouring the self-leveling floor

Pouring technology polymer coating provides for the following step-by-step actions:

preparation concrete base;
the device of the first - the main layer;
applying a second - decorative layer;
the third stage is the varnish layer.

If 3D creation technology is used, then such a drawing is created in a completely different way.

A properly prepared subfloor base is the key to obtaining a high-quality self-leveling surface.

As a rule, epoxy polymer coatings are applied to a concrete base, which is subject to the following requirements:

evenness of the plane, the complete absence of defects on the basis (cracks and recesses);
arrangement of waterproofing;
cleanliness of the coating, the absence of greasy oil stains;
humidity of the concrete base is not more than 4%;
the screed device is carried out on the basis of cement not lower than M 200.

Therefore, if the base of the floor leaves much to be desired, it is recommended to apply a new concrete screed, under which waterproofing material is laid with their own hands.

It will take several days for the base to ripen, after which you can proceed to its primer.

A carefully primed substrate should have a surface that visually resembles sandpaper, which will indicate its high adhesive properties and allow ease of application of the polymer solution.

Decor elements and a set of necessary tools

In addition, epoxy resin coatings are different from all other floor finishes. high level performance indicators, they are able to surprise and decorative properties.

Such floors allow you to create with your own hands an original surface that has not yet been used anywhere.

To do this, it is enough to stock up on decorative elements, which can be used as sea pebbles and small shells, coins or multi-colored buttons.

Subsequently, you can lay out a beautiful mosaic from them.

The floor covering is not limited to the above decoration method.

In some places, such a floor is designed in the form of an art system, which involves the use of stencils and the application of certain patterns with paints.

That is why the self-leveling floor can be safely called prominent representative decorative surfaces.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the 3D design technology. Of course, such a 3D coating is not cheap, but it's worth it.

Before installing a self-leveling floor, you must have the following set of tools and auxiliary materials at hand:

a container with a volume of about 30 liters for the preparation of the composition;
shoes with spikes (paint shoes), for movement on the treated surface;
a simple spatula, for use in hard-to-reach areas;
spatula squeegee, which, with the help of an adjustable gap, will evenly distribute the mixture;
whisk, drill with low speed;
aeration roller (with spikes), to rid the freshly laid layer of air bubbles.

Pouring a polymer self-leveling floor

The technology by which liquid linoleum is applied consists of two stages. At the first stage, the underlying layer is poured with their own hands, at the second, the front (finish) coating is applied.

This is how liquid linoleum is obtained.

The components of the first coating are two components: fine quartz sand and liquid epoxy resin material.

The liquid polymer composition is distributed over the base in order to finally hide minor defects. In this case, the thickness of its layer should not exceed 1.5 mm.

Work begins to be carried out not earlier than the primer dries. It takes a day for the liquid layer to dry.

Using the level, determine the deviation of the floor plane.

If the thickness of the substrate at the highest point is about 2 mm, then an acceptable thickness of the epoxy layer at the lowest point is about 10 mm.

The finished liquid solution is distributed over the base with a metal spatula, focusing on the high point of the floor surface. The thickness in this case should not be more than declared.

The liquid solution in portions must be prepared quickly and according to the instructions, with a maximum use time of no more than 10 minutes.

It will take at least a day to polymerize the applied layer. If defects are found on the base, then the bulk linoleum is cleaned with their own hands using abrasive materials.

After that, the process of applying the facial finish is repeated again.

At the next stage, they proceed to applying the finishing polymer layer.

Polymer linoleum is poured onto the floor surface in strips, their thickness is leveled with special tool under the name of scraper.

In hard-to-reach areas in the apartment, a spatula is used to distribute the layer.

After the bulk linoleum is completely distributed over the base and covered the entire cultivated area, it is necessary to walk over the surface with a spiked roller with your own hands.

The technology involves the use of an aeration roller so that the thickness of the polymer layer gets rid of air bubbles that negatively affect the quality of the polymer floor.

For the purpose of additional protection of the polymer coating, bulk linoleum in the apartment can be treated with wear-resistant varnish. The thickness of the coating does not matter in this case.

In rooms with large area do-it-yourself technology for applying a polymer self-leveling floor is slightly different from flooring in small spaces.

Before pouring linoleum, the base is divided into several sections using expansion joints.

After the epoxy floors are poured, expansion joints close up with a sealing agent specially created for self-leveling floors.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that, in addition to decorative functions, self-leveling polymer floors in an apartment have a lot of advantages, one of which is sufficient thickness.

Therefore, such coatings are ideal for the "warm floor" system, have high strength and practicality.

In addition, they are endowed with the ability to respond to temperature changes without changing the structure.

Floors made of such materials are vapor-permeable, which means that the polymer coating breathes.

After reading the article, you have learned a lot about polymer self-leveling floors that can be found in an apartment (even in a 3D version). But often industrial enterprises also choose a self-leveling floor.

planning independent arrangement polymer floor, you need to remember that the work must be done with the highest quality so that the coating lasts as long as possible. The topic of today's article is the technology of pouring polymer floors, the procedure is complex and time-consuming.

Bulk polymer floor is the most common type of polyurethane and epoxy coatings, characterized by increased decorative properties.

The thickness of the fill in this case ranges between 2.5 mm and 5 mm. It is not advisable to make the layer thicker, because this will significantly increase costs, and the functional and decorative parameters of the floor will remain the same. Scope of application - residential and public buildings.

Types of self-leveling floors	Characteristics of self-leveling floors	Application
Thin layer floors	thickness 250-300 microns	Thin-layer coatings are used for industrial floors subjected to medium mechanical stress, protection of concrete floors from aggressive environments and dusting, giving a decorative appearance.
	thickness up to 4-5 mm, filling with sand by weight up to 50%	Self-leveling self-leveling floors are arranged in rooms with medium and high mechanical loads, where special, increased requirements are imposed on the floors. Such floors have a smooth surface (glossy or matte) with dirt-repellent properties, decorative, hygienic, easy to maintain, repairable.
Highly filled floors	thickness - 4-8 mm, filling with sand by weight - up to 85%	Highly filled floors suit in conditions with high humidity and extreme temperature conditions. These floors are characterized by particularly high impact and wear resistance. By properties they are close to polymer concretes.
Self-leveling, colorless epoxy	Density 1.10. Ratio A:B - 100:60. Life time 35 min Dry residue 100%.	A two-component, colorless, solvent-free epoxy system for high strength decorative topcoats.
General purpose epoxy filler	Density 1.50. Ratio A:B - 100:10. Lifetime 25 minutes. Min. application temperature +10. Dry residue 100%.	Two-component, colored epoxy mortar for leveling and finishing polymeric coatings on concrete, both under other ESP® coatings and as a stand-alone coating.
Conductive epoxy grout	Density 1.65. Ratio A:B -100:10. Lifetime 20 minutes. Min. application temperature +10. Dry residue 100%.	Current-carrying device protective coatings on concrete bases in warehouse, production, installation and other premises with requirements for electrical conductivity.
Polyurethane floor	Density 1.45. Ratio A:B - 100:20. Life time 30 minutes. Min. application temperature +10. Dry residue 100%.	These coatings, which are based on a heterochain polymer, are rigid-elastic, that is, at high mechanical strength they have a sufficient resource of elasticity. They arrange a polyurethane floor covering in a wide variety of premises - industrial and industrial, residential and public, in children's and educational institutions, in parking lots and in freezers, etc. According to the layer thickness, the polyurethane floor can be thin-layer (up to 1 mm), self-leveling or quartz-filled, with increased resistance to abrasion and impact loads. The polyurethane coating can be given various special properties (anti-static, anti-slip).

Among the other advantages of polymer floors, it is worth highlighting:

wear resistance;
dustlessness;
immunity to aggressive chemical compounds;
a wide range of colors - the coating can be both colored and transparent;
no smell when laying;
the possibility of drawing 3D-drawings.

Note! The quasi-3D image is made possible by the decorative polyurethane component. In such cases, the floor is poured in two stages - first, the polymer mixture is poured, then, after it dries, it is applied top coat(More on this at the end of the article).

Due to the high aesthetic level, polymer floors allow you to create full-fledged compositions using marble chips or colored sand. The filling procedure has its own nuances, we will consider them in more detail.

Stage 1. Preparation

The arrangement of a self-leveling floor made of polymers begins with preparatory work.

wooden base

Step 1. First, the room is cleaned of debris and dust, furniture is removed, dismantled decorative elements(such as skirting boards, cornices).

Step 2. Then everything necessary for work is prepared. To remove small debris, you can use a vacuum cleaner, and to remove glue and remnants of the old coating - grinder. By the way, the reliability and durability of the future floor largely depends on the quality of cleaning.

Step 3. Next is preliminary preparation grounds. At the same time, it is very important what material was used for the previous coating, because if it is, for example, a tree, then the base should be pre-sanded, all cracks puttied, treated with a degreasing compound - all these measures will improve the adhesion of the polymer to wooden boards. For degreasing, you can use gasoline, acetone or any other organic solvent.

If there is no difficulty in disposing of solvent residues, a surfactant or KM alkali solution can be added. Although today you can buy special means for degreasing wood (for example, Mellerud), which simultaneously protect the surface from fungus formation.

Step 4. The moisture content of the floor is measured using a moisture meter. It must not exceed 10%, otherwise polymer filling come out of poor quality.

The concrete floor is prepared for pouring in a slightly different way.

Step 1. The moisture content of concrete is estimated, if it is above 4%, then the surface is dried. To determine the humidity (in the absence of a moisture meter), you can use one old method: a rubber mat is placed and pressed tightly on the floor, and if the surface under it has not changed color after 24 hours, then the base is ready for pouring.

Moisture meter for concrete floor

Step 2. The compressive strength of the floor is also checked (the norm is 20 MPa and above). To do this, a chisel installed perpendicular to the surface is struck with a hammer. If the concrete did not crumble, and the chisel left barely noticeable traces, then the strength of the base is within acceptable limits.

Step 3. The presence of waterproofing is checked. If it doesn't exist, then further work to create a self-leveling floor are impossible, because the concrete will begin to flake off, which is especially important in the bathroom or kitchen.

Moreover, with poor-quality insulation, moisture will rise through the capillaries in the concrete coating to the polymer layer and sooner or later destroy it.

Note! Otherwise preparations for a concrete base are practically no different from those for a wooden base.

If the polymer floor will be poured onto the tile, then its voidness is first checked (it may appear after the tile adhesive dries). All components that have lagged behind the surface must be removed, and the voids formed must be puttied.

After that, the surface is degreased.

Stage 2. Level difference

This concept is used to denote the difference in height between the highest and lowest points of the floor surface. If the difference is 0.5-2.5 cm, then before applying the primer, the floor is poured with a mounting leveling mixture (sand and polymer self-leveling mixture in a ratio of 1: 2). A trowel is used to apply the mixture.

If the difference exceeds 2.5 cm, then the surface will need to be filled with a corrective mixture (sand with cement in a ratio of 2: 1).

Note! In both cases, instead of building mixtures you can use a special leveling solution designed for this thickness.

Stage 3. Materials and tools

After preparing the surface, you need to take care of everything you need. For work you will need:

polymer leveling mixture;
deep penetration primer mixture;
putty knife;
building level;
doctor blade;
electric drill with mixer nozzle m;
needle roller;
container for preparing the solution.

Stage 4. Primer

For applying the primer layer, it is better to use a roller. If the surface is porous, then the primer is applied in several layers and after each of them a short pause is made to dry the mixture.

Here are the main functions of priming:

improving the spreading of the polymer composition;
improved adhesion to the base;
preventing air bubbles.

If the floor will be poured in several layers, then the primer must be applied before each of them.

Note! In a room with a high level of humidity, the primer layer is covered with a waterproof composition.

You also need to remember that priming compounds are toxic, so you should take care of it in advance good ventilation premises. Moreover, the temperature should not be allowed to drop - if it drops below + 15ᵒС, then the adhesion efficiency of the primer will noticeably deteriorate.

A minimum of 24 hours is required for the primed surface to dry completely.

Stage 5. Thermal compensation

One of essential elements filler floor - a thermal expansion joint, which should be applied around the entire perimeter of the room. For this, they take wooden slats(required from hardwood). These seams will prevent deformation of the floor during significant temperature changes.

Stage 6. Solution preparation

The preparation of the solution must be taken seriously, since the poor quality of the fill will hopelessly ruin the polymer coating. It is characteristic that after preparation the solution must be poured as soon as possible, because it solidifies in a few minutes.

Note! Humidity in the room during pouring should be no more than 70%, otherwise moisture will condense on the surface.

All components are poured into the container in the ratio specified in the instructions for the polymer mixture. To avoid too rapid heating of the solution, the container can be placed in another, larger one, filled with cold water.

All components are mixed with an electric drill operating at low speed (no more than 400 rpm) until a homogeneous mass is obtained. To determine the readiness of the solution, you can use one simple method:

a small ring is cut out of the deodorant cap and placed on a flat surface (for example, a piece of sheet steel);
the ring is filled with a solution and rises;
with a uniform spread of the solution into a spot with a diameter of 3 cm, you can start pouring.

Note! If the mixture is too thick, then it will not be able to level out qualitatively, and if it is too liquid, then you will need to add a little more dry polymer.

Stage 7. Filling the polymer floor

Do-it-yourself polymer floors are poured in the same way as ordinary self-leveling ones.

Step 1. The first portion of the solution is poured along the wall farthest from the entrance with a strip 45 cm wide. Then, for better distribution, the solution is leveled with a spatula.

Note! The whole room is poured immediately, otherwise there will be drops.

Step 2. After leveling, the surface is rolled with a needle roller - this is necessary to remove air.

Step 3. After that, a new strip of solution is poured and leveled. The procedure is repeated until the entire room is filled.

Step 4. 48 hours after pouring, a polyurethane coating is applied. For the entire drying period, the floor must be protected from the sun, drafts and temperature fluctuations.

Note! If a "warm floor" is used to heat the room, then the first start of heating can be carried out only seven days after pouring. In doing so, you need to start with room temperature, gradually increasing it - by about 2-3ᵒС per day.

Also read the article on our website - do-it-yourself jellied floor.

There are two ways to create a decorative layer:

put the finished image in advance;
make a drawing on the cover.

In the first case, you need acrylic paints resistant to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. It's more simple and cheap way, because today you can purchase the image you like in the form of a printout on a plotter (in this case, a banner fabric is taken for the base). When arranging, the fabric is covered with a thermally insulating vinyl film to increase the service life.

The dimensions of the image should exceed the dimensions of the room, because it is always easier to cut the fabric than to glue it.

Video -

The technology for creating a 3D image is as follows.

Step 1. First, the base is carefully primed. For this, the same leveling solution is used, but diluted with water just enough so that its concentration is halved. It will take a day to polymerize the primer layer.

Step 2. The image is glued to the primer and rolled with a dry, clean roller. It is characteristic that you can only move on the floor in special studded shoes.

Step 3. A transparent polymer layer 4-5 mm thick is applied. This happens in the same way as described above. After half an hour, the fill dries up and can be treated with a transparent varnish.

The complete readiness of the polymer floor for operation is determined by the drying of the varnish.

Video - Pouring polymer floors

Construction is an important industry today. National economy. Special place in this section have work on the manufacture of the floor in a particular room. Today, for the construction of the floor, you can use a wide variety of materials: wooden boards, plywood, linoleum, concrete pavement. V last years the so-called liquid polymer floor is gaining more and more popularity. It is also called bulk. Unlike conventional materials it has a number of advantages.

Polymer floors are divided into such types as: epoxy, polyurethane, methyl ethacrylate.

Polymer self-leveling floors are synthetic coating. Most often it is used in large retail premises, garages, exhibition halls, etc. Very often, polymer self-leveling floors are used in production due to their strength and durability. It is easy to make such floors with your own hands. In addition, there are 3D floors. They differ from the previous coating in the presence of complex drawings, which not everyone can do with their own hands. Let us consider in more detail how to pour polymer floors, the main stages of work, positive and negative sides this coverage.

Read also:

: preparation, process and features.

About, how to glue non-woven meter wallpaper, read.

Advantages and disadvantages of self-leveling floor

Polymer self-leveling floors have a number of positive qualities which is why they are in high demand.
First, polymer floors are different types(epoxy, polyurethane, methyl ethacrylate), depending on this, they can withstand high temperatures, do not leak water.

Second, despite the use polymer base, they are hygienic, easy to process and wash. Thirdly, this coating is resistant to various chemical agents.
Fourthly, polymer floors can be glossy or matte, so you can choose the desired design in accordance with the interior of the room. Fifthly, polymer floors contain a liquid component that quickly hardens. This contributes to better adhesion of the liquid to any surface, be it wood or concrete. Unlike a wooden and concrete base, this coating is done quickly and without much effort.

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Preparatory work

The complexity of the construction of self-leveling floors is that they require a perfectly flat surface. In the event that the base is represented by tiles or tiles, you will have to create some roughness. This can be done with a skin or sandpaper. Often there are problems when leveling the base if it is made of wooden planks. To do this, first close up all the bumps. The unevenness of the base of the floor can be well manifested when disassembling the log and removing the old coating.

The permissible difference in the height of the self-leveling floor surface is 4 mm. If possible, then you can make a screed of concrete. If it is not done, then irregularities and defects are removed with a grinder or grindstone. To determine the evenness of the coating, it is recommended to use a water or building level. It is also advisable to carry out surface priming. The primer prevents the penetration of moisture and increases the adhesion of the self-leveling floor to the base. After the base is made, along the perimeter of the room it is necessary to nail the slats like a plinth. This is necessary so that the liquid polymer mixture does not spread into the voids between the floor and the wall. The slats are fixed with self-tapping screws, nails (if the wall is wooden) or dowels (if the wall is concrete).

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Preparation of the mixture and pouring technology

In order to make polymer floors with your own hands, you will need to prepare a working solution. You can buy a polymer mixture at any hardware store. After that, it must be diluted in water. This is one of the most important stages of the whole work, since the result of pouring largely depends on the quality of the solution. It is necessary to prepare the mixture only according to the instructions attached to the product. The mixing process is of great importance. This should be done slowly so that not a single lump remains. In addition, there should be no air bubbles in the solution.

Mixing can be done using a special mixer or improvised means. The next stage of the repair is pouring the solution. Liquid polymer must be applied to the surface from the most distant part of the room from the doors and gradually move towards the exit. The optimal floor layer should be about 4 mm. If you make it thinner, then it will not have high strength and reliability. This option is suitable as an addition to the main coating. It is best to fill the mixture with two people with an assistant. One person holds a container with a polymer liquid and gradually applies it to the floor, while the second person levels the surface. For alignment, you can use a wooden lath.

After the polymer self-leveling floor dries, you can start applying varnish. Varnish is needed to give the coating a certain sheen. In addition, the varnish increases the wear resistance of the material and makes it smoother. The drying time of the polymer mixture is on average about half an hour. But it is best to read the instructions on the package. The varnish is applied only on a hard surface. It is recommended to paint the floor in two or even three layers. It is not possible to walk on a new self-leveling floor immediately, otherwise traces may remain on it.

Floor coverings in this design are becoming increasingly common in civil and industrial construction. The reason for this is factors such as their exceptional strength and durability. In addition, polymer self-leveling floors are distinguished by an extremely simple execution technology, which allows you to make them yourself.

The combination of the words “self-leveling floor” or 3D floor is familiar to many, but few know what these terms mean. How to arrange such coatings, how environmentally friendly and durable they are, and how to make them yourself. These and many more questions would like to be clarified by those who wish to acquire such a progressive floor covering.

On the advantages and disadvantages of polymer self-leveling floors

Like everything engineering solution, flooring made of polymeric materials has a number of advantages, but it is also endowed with certain disadvantages.

The advantages include their properties:

the elasticity of the coating, which determines their ability to endure building vibrations, both seismic and seasonal;
resistance of the polymer coating to any reagents and high humidity;
Fire safety;
simplicity of manufacturing technology, allowing you to make the coating yourself;
ease of maintenance and care;
long life cycle polymer coating;
despite the very smooth surface, such coatings are non-slip;
many options for execution, including original drawings and patterns.

The disadvantages include the following points:

A high-quality polymer floor is really expensive, but it has no equal in terms of reliability and durability. There are no full-fledged statistics on their operation yet, but the practice of application speaks of their high performance. Of course, if the installer does not chase cheapness and does not purchase low-quality material that is exposed to harsh ultraviolet radiation. As a result, clouding of the composition, the appearance of yellowness and loss of visual perception are possible;
for the installation of a polymer floor, a very even and solid base is required;
there are problems when you want to replace flooring to another. The high adhesion of the material and its strength characteristics make it almost impossible to dismantle it, the next coating will have to be arranged on top of the polymer;
the polymer layer is very sensitive to the humidity of the base, which should not exceed 4%. During installation, the temperature in the room should not change by more than two degrees.

Classification of polymer floors

Separation of materials can be carried out according to various criteria. The most used is the classification according to the materials used:

Self-leveling floors made of epoxy materials are the most popular due to their high elasticity and strength characteristics of the composition.
Bulk floors from polyurethane, differ in the increased durability.
Methyl methacrylate coatings are characterized by fast curing and increased coating strength. Most often used in industrial premises.
Floors for the same purpose are made from urea, and there is no need to stop production, since they are applied by spraying.
Polyester-based mortars are the cheapest and most unreliable way to install self-leveling floors, which cannot guarantee a positive result.

How much does a self-leveling floor device cost

The technology by which the polymer flooring is arranged is simple. The main labor costs in this case fall on the implementation of preparatory work. The final success of all work depends on the quality of preparation. Therefore, the price in each case depends on the amount of training and its content.

Therefore, in the market of services for pouring polymer floors, the price per square meter floor varies between 350 - 600 rubles and is determined after a thorough inspection of the object.

Self-leveling flooring technology

Before purchasing materials, you should decide on a number of points:

type and purpose of the premises;
the magnitude of the possible loads on the floor;
the need to introduce decorative elements into the composition of the coating;
the desire to give the floor certain properties - antistatic, anti-slip and others;
optimization of costs, taking into account the price-quality ratio.

Self-leveling floor tools

During the work you will need:

a container for the preparation of plastic mass with a capacity of at least 20 liters;
drill with adjustable speed and a special nozzle for mixing the components of the self-leveling floor. It is necessary to choose a nozzle along the length - it should provide mixing of the mass to the bottom;
a spatula designed to distribute the mixture in hard-to-reach places;
spatula in the form of a doctor blade for uniform distribution plastic mass on the supporting surface;
needle roller - to remove air bubbles from the plastic layer;
studded soles - for moving around the filled space with the least impact on the filling layer.
a solvent used to clean the tool from the remnants of the plastic mass. It must be selected, following the instructions on the packaging of the base material.

In addition to the above, you need to stock up on household rubber gloves to protect the skin.

Calculation of the amount of materials

Self-leveling floor is arranged different thickness, the average value is 1.5 - 3.0 mm. Also, the amount of material depends on the use of the filler, or what the quartz sand is used for.

The calculation is simple: for 1 square meter of the floor surface, 1 liter of polymer mixture is required with a layer thickness of 1 mm. Accordingly, the need is recalculated at the planned thickness. The result must be multiplied by the density of the composition, which is indicated by the manufacturer on the package. Usually it is 1.25 - 1.40 kg / liter. Wanting to reduce consumption, the manufacturer often includes a filler in the composition, achieving a density of up to 1.70 kg / liter.

With a filler in the composition, the consumption of plastic is halved.

Preparing the base for the 3D floor

The main requirements for the supporting surface on which polymer floors are installed are their strict horizontality and humidity level. Therefore, for a concrete floor, it is better to use a semi-dry screed, on top of which you need to make a leveling layer up to 5 mm thick. This will allow you to get a fairly even horizontal surface. In the material of the leveling screed, fiber chips should be used as a reinforcing additive. The finished floor must be thoroughly dried. Further:

surface concrete screed must be cleaned of dust with an industrial vacuum cleaner;
remove grease stains and dirt, using solvents if necessary;
when working with an old concrete base, it is necessary to cut the detected cracks and fill them with epoxy, and only after that do a leveling screed;
the porous surface must be treated with sealing - this is a solution with strong penetrating properties.

It is traditionally believed that the surface of an old wooden floor is not suitable for polymer self-leveling floors. However, with some preparation, in a residential environment, this is quite possible. For this you need:

open the floor, inspect the logs, if necessary, replace or repair the unusable ones;
close the floor, additionally strengthen the fastening of the boards;
remove old paint;
close cracks in the boards and the gaps between them with putty on wood, dry, sand the repair sites with sandpaper;
remove dust from the surface, arrange a leveling self-leveling screed.

Further actions are the same for both concrete and wooden bases.

Surface primer

What kind of primer is needed for a specific floor material is always indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging of the base material. These recommendations must be followed carefully. The primer is applied to the surface with a fine-haired roller or, for small areas, with a paint brush. Quartz sand is added to the composition of the soil. This increases the adhesion surface of the main floor and the base. After the primed surface has dried, a second coat of primer must be applied.

Polymer coating

Stir the finishing composition in accordance with the instructions on the package. In this case, it is imperative to achieve the highest possible uniform mixing using a drill with a nozzle.

At the end of mixing, the resulting mass must be poured onto the floor and dispersed along the supporting surface with the rule. After that, the applied layer is carefully rolled with a spiked roller. This operation is needed to remove air bubbles and evenly distribute the plastic mass over the floor surface. Moving along the floor during the pouring process is possible only on needle soles.

If there are signs of thickening of the composition, work with it must be suspended. On the surface of the layer, you need to place decorative elements of the 3D floor: shells, coins, pebbles, and other things that the performer wants to see on his floor.

The final transparent layer of the coating is applied after the previous one has cured. Moving on the newly created surface is possible on the second day after pouring, full operation - on the eighth day.

Application area

Self-leveling polymer floors can be used in premises of any purpose, both domestic or industrial, and office.

The main limiting parameter for 3D floors is their high cost. But at the same time, there are such positive aspects as high strength, durability, as well as beauty of execution.

The simple technology of the device allows you to do them yourself. I wish you success!

It is quite difficult and time-consuming to equip polymer floors with your own hands. Many craftsmen recommend laying this type of floor, as it is considered environmentally friendly, shiny and durable. The composition of the mixture used contains several components, the main one, of course, is a polymer, along with which hardeners, dyes and granite chips are used.

More recently, a polymer self-leveling floor was used for pouring only in industrial buildings that had high rates of mechanical or chemical impacts. Over time, this material has been modernized. The excellent quality of the flooring and the attractive appearance played a role, now the polymer floor has become more and more popular. Many people do not use the services of specialists and prefer to create polymer self-leveling floors in their apartments on their own.

Varieties and features of self-leveling floors

Today, two types of self-leveling floors are in demand in the construction market: polyurethane and epoxy.

Industrial floors made of polyurethane self-leveling coating are used as floor surfaces in warehouses, hangars and production facilities. Also sometimes this species floors are used in parking lots or in buildings of the food industry or a refrigeration industrial site.

Industrial polymer floors are distinguished by their high wear resistance, mechanical and chemical resistance. Due to their properties, industrial self-leveling floors perfectly cope with deformations from loads on their base.

Epoxy resin floors, which have a different name: "liquid linoleum", are also very durable and resistant to chemicals. Epoxy bulk coatings have a smooth surface and a wide choice of colors. The composition of the epoxy polymer material does not include solvents, so the coating does not have any strong odors.

Training

Like any other building process, pouring a polymer self-leveling floor has several milestones, each of which must be performed with the highest quality, which in the end will be reflected in the effectiveness of the work performed.

The process of preparing the base for pouring

This stage is one of the most important, because the pouring of the polymer floor can only be carried out on a smooth and even surface, without any flaws and defects. This implies that before starting work, you need to make sure that there are no defects.

To do this, the surface is cleaned of dirt and dust while using a broom, but it is best to use a construction vacuum cleaner. If gaps and cracks were found during cleaning, it is necessary to repair them. concrete mortar. If these defects are small size, then for sealing you can use putty. Complete alignment of the sexual base is carried out in several ways: in this case, either use grinder or make a new concrete screed.

After you have processed the base, it must be thoroughly dried and then treated with a primer. For this, only a special primer is used, with which a surface with good properties adhesion. Also, when using a primer, small cracks and cracks can be sealed. For greater efficiency and reliability, it is recommended to prime the base in two layers.

After the priming process is over, it is necessary to lay wooden slats around the entire perimeter in order to create an expansion joint.

Preparation of the polymer mixture

A mixture of self-leveling polymer floor is made from several components, which are usually found in two cans. For mixing them, it is better to take a separate container. But some people pour components from one jar to another. But still, it is recommended to mix all the components in a separate container.

We must not forget that in the process of mixing the components in the solution, chemical reaction, which results in the release of thermal energy. In order for the high temperature not to affect the quality of the polymer, it is necessary to place the container in which the components are mixed in another container, into which cold water must be poured in advance.

For mixing the components, it is recommended to use construction mixer or a special nozzle for a drill. Since the mixture tends to harden quickly, the mixing process should take no more than a few minutes. After thorough mixing, this solution must be applied to the floor.

Main stages, materials and tools

The process of pouring polymer self-leveling floors with your own hands consists of several steps:

Preparation of the concrete base;
Arrangement of the first - main layer;
Creation of the second, decorative layer;
Application varnish coating.

Basically, epoxy polymer coatings are applied to a concrete base, to which there are a number of certain requirements:

Be sure to have a flat plane, there should be no defects, in the form of cracks, etc.
There must be a waterproofing arrangement;
Be sure to have a clean surface, there should be no oil stains;
The moisture content of the concrete should not exceed 4%;
The screed must be made of M200 concrete at least.

Before you start working with a self-leveling floor, you must have the following set of tools and auxiliary materials with you:

A container that has a volume of about 30 liters in order to prepare the composition;
The presence of shoes with spikes (paint shoes), in order to be able to easily move around the treated surface;
The presence of a simple spatula for use in hard-to-reach areas;
The presence of a squeegee spatula, which is used to evenly distribute the solution;
The presence of a whisk, a drill with low speed;
The presence of an aeration roller (with spikes) to remove bubbles on a freshly laid coating.

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Decor elements

Almost all epoxy polymer coatings have good performance, and their decorative properties can surprise everyone.

This type of floor allows you to create a unique, beautiful and individual surface on your own. To do this, you need to buy decorative elements in advance, which can be taken as sea pebbles or small shells, coins or buttons various shapes and colors.

In some places, this floor is made in the form of an artistic system, using stencils and applying certain patterns with paints, which allows you to create polymer self-leveling floors with your own hands, truly unique and unrepeatable.

In the process of all this, you can lay out a beautiful stained glass window. Such flooring has a huge number of ways to decorate.

The process of pouring a polymer self-leveling floor

To equip polymer floors with their own hands, they use mixtures of industrial and own cooking. For self-preparation of the solution, it is necessary to pour cement, sand and crushed stone into a previously prepared container in accordance with the proportions provided for in the instructions, then mix them thoroughly in a dry form, and then add water and then mix again until a homogeneous mass is obtained.

In order for the surface to be as even as possible, a special technological technique is used. This process involves the use of slats that are installed around the entire perimeter of the room. With this method, you can achieve an almost perfect surface. For lighthouses, T-shaped steel slats are taken, which are installed on quick-drying mixtures. Laser devices or hydraulic levels are used to determine and mark the surface. Visually, you can see the highest point at which an approximate mark is made. The floor level can be set with an excess of the total thickness of all layers, and it is also necessary to take into account the fact that for a screed it should not be more than 40 millimeters and less than 20 millimeters.

In order to make the process faster, you can use threads that must be pulled between the walls along the marks that were set when setting the required floor level.

Filling the floor is best done in stripes. When carrying out work, you need to take an assistant with you who will supply the solution. The filling process itself is carried out in this way: ready solution and is flooded with stripes between the lighthouses. After that, the rules are taken and the poured mixture is evenly distributed with them. The tool must be moved along the beacon rails, moving the mixture in waves. Thus, the distribution of the solution is carried out with the least resistance and most evenly.

After that, remove air bubbles from the polymer coating that appear when mixing the components. Usually a needle roller is used for this. Before pouring the floor, you can watch numerous videos about the correct sequence of work.

In the process of smoothing the mixture, it is necessary to carefully monitor that there are no defects, or rather, voids and depressions. It is necessary to start pouring from the far corner with a consistent movement towards the exit. The process itself is carried out in strips along the lighthouses until the entire surface in the room is filled. After the preparatory layer has dried, if necessary, the resulting surface is decorated, after which the second layer of the mixture is poured in a similar way, followed by the application of a varnish coating. Of course, for the implementation of the work, the supervision of a specialist is desirable, who represents what it is and how it is all done, but we hope that with the help of our instructions you will be able to carry out all the necessary work yourself.