How To Fix a Self Leveling Compound Mistake

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Concrete floors often need repairs such as resurfacing. This is because concrete often becomes cracked over, has varying elevations, or turns out uneven. Self-leveling compound is the solution these issues. However, you need to follow the proper steps and guidelines for the process of it.

This compound is nothing like the cement. But mistakes can be made when you try to apply it in the same way as concrete.

If you’ve already made a mistake with self leveling compound, it is fixable, provided you follow the right steps.

How To Fix a Self Leveling Compound Mistake

How do you a fix self leveling compound mistake now? Here are the steps to make your repairs:

  • First, fully investigate and take note of all of the areas that have a mistake with the compound.
  • You need to sand the floor to get rid of the bad compound you had on the previous try.
  • After that, mix and prepare your new compound and apply it.
  • Once dry, check the entire surface for any other places that need fixing.

Lets walk through the process step by step, in detail.

Essential Tools and Materials

Hopefully, you still have the tools that you worked with when you tried to level the surface of your home before.

Even though you’re going use the self leveling compound all over again, I want to make sure that I’m doing it faster and better this time.

Here are all the things that you’ll need to get started:

  • Small Wood Hammer: If the old faulty compound is dry, you can use a small wood hammer to break it. I recommend the Mini Wooden Hammer.
  • Chisel: A chisel is a great tool to remove the compound from the surface. It’s usually used to cut and shape wooden surfaces. I recommend the Hurricane Wood Chisel.
  • Paint Scraper: A paint scraper is used for removing old painting or layers on the surface. Here, you can use it to apply the leveling compound. I recommend the Warner Stainless Steel Paint Scraper.
  • Orbital Sander: An orbital sander is an electric sander that you can use to sand the surface and make it more smooth. I recommend the TACKLIFE 5-Inch Orbit Sander.
  • New Self Leveling Compound: You’ll need new self leveling compound to undo the mess you’ve created with the older one. I recommend the Amtico Karndean Floor & Wall Roller.

Step 1: Asses the Problem

To solve any issue, you need to check it out first. If you don’™t know what you’re dealing with, how will you ever be able to solve the issue?

At first, check out if the compound is too soft or not. Can you make a fingernail mark in it?

If it seems that much soft, you should remove it all and start it all over again. You’ll have a steady surface than to work with then.

Step 2: Sand The Floor

If you have an uneven floor, you need to sand the floor. And you can use the orbital sander to sand the floor in that case.

You need to wear the mask, gloves, and goggles before you start the sanding. You see, sanding the floor will create a lot of dust. So, you need to protect yourself from inhaling those.

You can also use a simple trick like spraying some water on the floor to save yourself from the dust. Because the water makes the dust heavy and stops it to float around in the air.

Step 3: Get Rid of the Old, Bad Compound

Not-so-level parts of the compound can be a form of the self leveling compound mistake.

So, if you’™re looking to get rid of that not-so level parts of the compound, you can try chiseling them to be almost level with the ground.

Then, to get it down, you can use the orbital sander and sand it smooth.

However, if you need to remove all of the compounds, you should try breaking up as much of it as possible with a hammer.

Then, you can pick off the remains with a paint scraper. And if you need more heavy-duty tools, feel free to use them.

Your only goal right now is to get rid of as much of the compound as possible. Don’™t forget to spray water whenever it’™s about to dust.

Step 4: Prepare the New Compound

In most of the cases, people face issues because they didn’™t mix their compound properly.

Grab a 20-liter bucket first. Then, pour out the self leveling compound in the bucket.

Now pour water and keep on mixing the whole mixture. Mix it with a stick and mix till the whole mixture becomes as thin as milk.

Don’™t let it become thick under any circumstances. Keep pouring water little by little to make it thin.

You’™ll need to be ready because you’ll need to apply this compound right after the mixture is ready.

Step 5: Apply the Self-Leveling Compound

It’™s time for you to start applying the self leveling compound.

You can fill in either the valleys you made in the old compound or the spot where the compound previously was.

You’™ll need the paint scraper when you apply the compound. This will help you to apply the compound evenly on the surface. That means a leveled surface is coming up soon.

After you’re done applying the compound, you need to let it sit for some time. I’ll recommend that you wait almost a day for the product to dry completely.

Or else you might need to face the same issue that you had before with the surface.

Step 6: Check the Whole Surface

After the compound is totally set on the affected area, you need to check out the rest of the surface. Look out for any other issues on the surface.

If you notice any other issue similar to this, feel free to use these same steps to get rid of the situation. You’™ll soon have a surface that is as good as new.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you sand down self leveling concrete?

You can use an angle grinder to sand down large bumps in in self leveling concrete. Coarse sandpaper on an electric sander is effective for the smaller bumps. You need to use a trowel to level the compound as much as possible. And you need to do this while it’s still wet and pliable. Also, remember to use small amounts at a time. It’ll prevent quick drying before it’s level.

Can you put self leveling compound on top of self leveling compound?

Yes, you can put a self-leveling compound on top of existing self leveling compound. But you need to make sure that the first layer is completely dry before you apply the second layer on top of the first layer. You should use primer before you pour, just like with any concrete floor.

Why did my self leveling concrete crack?

Self leveling concrete cracks in extreme temperatures, either really hot or really cold. This might be the reason when you notice a self leveling concrete crack.

Can you mix sand with self leveling compound?

Yes, you can mix sand with self-leveling compound. When you’™re leveling a floor that is more than 1/4″- 1/2″ out of level, you can add some sharp sand to the mix.

Can you paint over self leveling compound?

Yes, you can paint over the self leveling compound. You just need the heavy-duty concrete paint for the painting.

How To Use An Angle Grinder-Angle Grinder Safety Tips

Conclusion

Now you know how to fix self leveling compound mistake with just a little effort. Follow these steps to level out your concrete once and for all.

An expert at home repair, remodel, and DIY projects for nearly 40 years. His first experience came in completely restoring an antique home. Completely redone from the inside out, and restored to its original form, the home is a featured design by renowned Southern California Architect Cliff May, considered to be the father of the California Ranch Home. Now Dennis spends his time on fine woodworking projects and tool comparisons.