Liquid linoleum on a wooden floor. Liquid linoleum - we analyze all the advantages and disadvantages of the coating

Among all the options for floor coverings, there are those that are characterized by increased strength and reliability, moreover, allowing you to create very beautiful and unusual bases. Increasingly, a type of material such as liquid linoleum is used for laying coverings in apartments and houses. This coating is otherwise called self-leveling flooring. And its installation is fundamentally different from the usual polyurethane linoleum.

Liquid linoleum or is a special composition of polymer substances that is used to create floor coverings. After pouring, it dries quickly enough and turns into a very durable monolithic base, to the touch reminiscent ceramic tiles. The material does not form seams, making it possible to create a uniform and beautiful floor throughout the house or in individual rooms. It is thanks to liquid linoleum that the floor can be turned into a real work of art, creating beautiful drawings on it. Sometimes this type of coating can imitate stone and other materials.

Note! By adding decorative elements (chips, sparkles, etc.) to the mixture for filling floors, you can do without creating patterns, and the surface will still turn out beautiful and unusual.

Liquid linoleum as a material has the following characteristics and features:

There are more than 10 basic background colors of the material, which can be connected to each other and create unusual abstract designs;
the thickness of the coating formed by the material is only 1.5-2 mm in a residential building or apartment and up to 7 mm in industrial facilities ;
the cost of materials is quite high, but since their consumption is small, it makes sense to think about pouring such a coating in the house.

Liquid linoleum is the collective name for a number of mixtures that differ from each other in composition. They can be made on the basis of various components, which is why sometimes their characteristics differ significantly.

Table. The main types of liquid linoleum.

View	Brief description
	This liquid linoleum is made on the basis of methyl methacrylate resin. It is characterized by increased frost resistance and is not afraid of exposure to sunlight. Often used on industrial sites and in freezers, often on the street, where it calmly withstands the effects of all natural factors.
	Very durable and reliable look liquid floor containing cement and acrylic components. Recommended for installation inside industrial workshops where there is strong mechanical impact on the floors. Withstands changes in heat and humidity conditions well.
	Liquid linoleum based epoxy resin. It is not afraid of exposure to various chemicals, which is why it was previously often used to decorate floors in pharmaceutical workshops and laboratories. Less resistant to mechanical shocks than other types of floors.
	Most often used for residential construction a type of liquid linoleum. It is quite durable and allows you to create various types of coatings using all kinds of decorative components and materials. Its performance characteristics are quite enough to cope with the level of humidity in the kitchen or bathroom.

Purpose of liquid linoleum

Initially, this type of coating was used for finishing floors inside industrial workshops. His task was to create a durable, chemical and mechanical impact coverings. Floors in factories and inside warehouses had to be resistant to abrasion, not afraid of oil, trolleys with loads moving over them, or exposure to water. frequent washing floors These are the properties that self-leveling floors have.

However, now these types of bases are increasingly being used in household repairs. Owners of apartments and houses quickly realized that kitchen and bathroom floors should be as reliable as possible and not afraid of moisture. It is advisable that they do not leak in case of problems with the water supply and drainage system. Thus, liquid linoleum, which also has waterproofing properties, has become one of the best coating options for these premises.

Prices for self-leveling floors

Self-leveling floor Weber

Note! Over time, liquid linoleum began to be poured into other rooms - bedrooms, halls, corridors. But such a floor seems quite cold to the touch, so it is not recommended to install it in cool rooms and on the first floors of houses. An exception is the use of a base heating system.

Self-leveling floors are also often used in shopping centers, on dance and even sports grounds. Wear resistance allows them to be successfully used in car repair shops and premises where various complex technical work is carried out.

high abrasion resistance;
presence of antistatic properties;
increased level of waterproofing;
resistance to chemicals.

Advantages and disadvantages of liquid linoleum

Like any material, liquid linoleum has its advantages and disadvantages. And it is important to know them before deciding to fill such floors. The advantages of using liquid linoleum are much greater than the disadvantages. Advantages of the material:

very durable and resistant to various types impact;
practically does not scratch;
waterproof, therefore it can be safely installed in the kitchen or bathroom and will even play the role of waterproofing in case of flooding (if properly prepared and installation requirements are met);
durable - service life can be 40 years or more;
environmentally friendly and non-flammable;
easy to maintain - can be washed fairly easily using available products;
has no seams;
dries quickly after pouring;
can be decorated in a variety of ways.

Disadvantages of coverage:

high cost of materials;
installation is simple, but at the same time requires a lot of attention and care - it’s easy to make a mistake, but very difficult to correct.

Prices for liquid linoleum

Since we are talking about the high cost of materials, it is important to find out approximately how much this coating option costs, or rather, everything that is needed to create it. On average, the price for 1 m2 starts from 450 rubles. But the more complex and interesting the floor decor is, the more expensive it will cost. Also, the cost will depend on the thickness of the foundation being poured. For example, a self-leveling methyl methacrylate floor 3 mm thick will cost 1,500 rubles per 1 m 2.

Note! Compositions for creating domestically produced liquid linoleum are cheaper than imported ones, and the quality is not always as bad as they are said to be. But to get an ideal result, you should use components produced by trusted brands.

Features of laying liquid linoleum

Self-leveling linoleum turns out to be not the easiest coating to install if you thoroughly study the entire process of pouring it. The fact is that at first glance at such work it seems that everything is simple: pour the mixture onto the rough base, level it and the floors are ready. But in reality everything turns out to be much more complicated.

One of the main aspects of the work is proper preparation subfloor. It is important not only to clean it well from debris, but also to make it even. There should be no cracks or gaps on the floor, and there should also be no significant differences in height (the maximum permissible level is 2 mm).

Advice! A long rule will help determine the evenness of the floor. It is placed on the base different points surface, and then the width of the gaps between it and the rough base is measured. If there are gaps larger than 2 mm, the subfloor needs to be leveled. If we neglect this aspect, then the consumption of the liquid linoleum mixture will increase significantly.

It is also important to repair cracks and crevices on the floor. construction staff, and it is recommended to grind off all protrusions whose height is greater than the horizontal level of the floor. Otherwise, liquid linoleum will have to fill all the cavities, and this significantly increases consumption expensive material. Filling the screed with a self-leveling mixture will allow you to level it.

Liquid linoleum is a mixture that should be poured onto a dust-free surface. If this is neglected, then all the debris from the base will end up on the surface of the floor being poured, which will lead to a decrease in its aesthetic qualities. Therefore, the floors are not simply swept with a broom - they must be thoroughly treated with a powerful vacuum cleaner and washed with water. It is also necessary to prime the base - the procedure will remove dust from the surface and reduce its absorption of moisture. It's better to use a primer deep penetration and apply it in 2 layers with an interval of 6-8 hours.

Note! If the base cannot be repaired, it is recommended to completely remove the old screed and form a new one. However, before pouring liquid linoleum you will have to wait until it dries. Drying time cement mixture screed is 28 days.

Liquid linoleum can also be poured onto other surfaces - ceramics, wood, etc. It is only important to properly prepare the base and take care of waterproofing.

Liquid linoleum in an apartment or house must be installed under certain conditions. The optimal air temperature for this work can vary from 5 to 25 degrees, and the humidity level should be about 60%. If these values are different, the mixture will dry out too quickly, which will entail a violation of the installation technology and, accordingly, a decrease in the performance characteristics of the finished floor.

If it is planned to form a decorative layer on the floor of a room, then self-leveling floors are poured in two approaches. The first layer is a rough, base layer. A neutral white mixture is usually used to fill it. Next, you should choose a method for decorating the surface. There are several of them:

using materials of different colors;
using chips or sparkles, stones and other decorative elements;
creating a pattern on the floor. In this case, you will need a printed image.

Note! Floors can be painted by hand, but this method requires painting skills.

After this, the floors are “covered” with a transparent protective layer of liquid linoleum. It is made in the same way as the base is leveled with a self-leveling mixture. Next, the floors should dry thoroughly. Usually, only a few hours are enough for polymerization, but experts advise waiting a few days before the base is fully used. Sometimes the drying time reaches 20 days - it all depends on the mixture used and the thickness of the coating applied.

DIY liquid linoleum

This type of coating can be filled with your own hands, without the involvement of third-party specialists. To do this, you need to purchase all the materials and be sure to study the instructions for working with them in order to avoid mistakes. Tools and materials that will be useful:

construction mixer;
floor filling mixture;
material for decoration;
squeegee;
regular roller - for soil;
leveling epoxy putty;
self-leveling mixture;
needle roller;
paint shoes;
finishing varnish.

Attention! Do not mix all the mixtures at once. Their polymerization time is quite short, and therefore it is better to mix first one portion for the base layer, and then the second for the finishing layer, which will cover the decorative coating.

May 27, 2016
Specialization: master in construction plasterboard structures, finishing works and laying floor coverings. Installation of door and window units, finishing of facades, installation of electrical, plumbing and heating - I can give detailed advice on all types of work.

The desire to save money for many developers often results in even greater expenses: cheap laminate wears out, linoleum breaks, and ceramics crack 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, hallway, bathroom or any other room it will last longer than most other options.

Features of liquid linoleum

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

One thing worth noting important point: self-leveling polymer flooring and liquid linoleum are the same thing, and if at a retail outlet they try to convince you that it is different materials, then most likely this is due to an attempt to sell something more expensive. Do not listen to the opinions of pseudo-experts; 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 floors

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 sufficient 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 can easily 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 tolerates temperature changes well and practically does not change its properties, even if the surface becomes very hot or is exposed to frost;
Another very important factor– resistance to aggressive chemical compositions, for this reason this type of coating is very popular in industrial facilities. But even with home use this advantage is important, since you can wash the surface with the addition of detergents and don’t worry if any composition suddenly spills on the floor;

Environmental friendliness is another important criterion, which is receiving a lot of attention these days. Frozen surface does not provide negative impact on human health. In addition, the composition does not burn, which makes it possible to ensure 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, since there are no potential leak points;

You can make floors in rooms of any size and configuration; the composition easily penetrates even into hard to reach places, you don't have to cut and adjust elements. This advantage is especially important for rooms non-standard shape, because when using traditional options the amount of waste increases significantly, in our case this negative factor is excluded;

Another very important advantage– ease of surface care. 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 one cannot help but mention them:

The coating is very demanding in terms of surface preparation. To get best result, it is necessary to level the plane almost to perfect condition, since any problems lead to excessive consumption of the composition and a significant increase in project costs;
The work process requires scrupulousness and strict compliance with all the requirements given by the manufacturer of the composition. Therefore, if you doubt your capabilities, it is better to involve specialists in the work; their services are not cheap, but you are guaranteed to get an ideal result;

In order for the surface to fully gain strength and the room can be used, 5-7 days must pass. That is, if you need to carry out work urgently, this option will not work; its installation must be planned in advance;
With constant exposure to direct sun rays individual areas may fade, 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 covering, dismantling liquid linoleum will take a lot of time and effort. It’s easier to make another floor on top, since bulk option is an excellent foundation.

Types of compositions

Currently, there are four main options on sale, each of which has its own characteristics; let’s consider them in detail:

Methyl methacrylate compounds	A universal solution that does not have a very attractive appearance, but it perfectly withstands loads and is resistant to atmospheric influences. But the composition is very fast speed setting, therefore efficiency is important when working, so only professionals can do this option. Another feature is the ability to carry out work at both positive and 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 their high resistance to chemical influences and temperature changes, such solutions are especially popular in the food industry. It is worth noting that the technology for applying cement-acrylic mixtures is much more complex than other analogues
Epoxy based compounds	Epoxy resin is well known for its strength characteristics, so it is not surprising that floor coverings are also made from it. The composition fits perfectly on both concrete and even metal. Such floors can also be used on industrial enterprises, and in residential premises, since 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 in both industrial and private buildings. The only nuance that should be remembered is that when carrying out work in the room, low humidity must be maintained until the layer has completely hardened

Remember that during work a strong odor is released and inhalation of the vapors of the composition can lead to deterioration of health.
Therefore, all work should be carried out in a well-ventilated area and a respirator should be used 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 compounds, the technology involves placing a picture on a surface, which is then filled with a layer of liquid linoleum and, after drying, a composition with a volumetric effect is obtained.

One more thing interesting solution– placement of any objects on the floor, for example, coins, and 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 quite a large number of options on the market; we will tell you about the most common ones, although the list may differ in each region:

The Feidal brand is known among specialists 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 ideal for use in residential premises, the mixture consumption ranges from 2 to 4 kg per sq.m.;

Domestic products under the Praspan brand are also popular; their main advantage is their low price; a kilogram of the composition, depending on the brand, will cost you 250 rubles and more. It is important to choose best option for certain conditions;

Another budget option– “Monopol” produces several variants of products on both polyurethane and polyester bases. The cost varies from 200 rubles or more;
Another good option– self-leveling floor from the Teping company, the cost of a kilogram of the composition is from 600 rubles, while the quality and environmental friendliness correspond to the most high standards. You will be presented with a choice of different solutions For various types premises.

As for the workflow, this is the topic of a 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 removed from the room, it must be empty;
Next, the surface is inspected for damage and cracks.. You also need to check the plane using a level, and if there are significant differences on it, then it is advisable to level it using cement mortar or self-leveling composition;
Then you need to treat the surface with a primer., it is needed in order to reduce the absorption 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 base 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 needle roller is used to remove air and distribute the composition over the surface. To move on the floor, purchase special devices - paint shoes, they allow you to walk on freshly poured compound;

Finally, a protective wear-resistant compound is applied to the top; if you want to get a design, 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 indicated in the instructions from the manufacturer.

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

Conclusion

Filling 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

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Liquid linoleum is a simplified name for compound self-leveling flooring. The composition is a multi-component mixture designed to create a strong, monolithic and durable floor covering. Depending on the main binder, it is divided into methacrylate, epoxy and polyurethane mixtures.

If we make a detailed comparison with the traditional PVC linoleum, then this technology has little in common. It received its name for its ability to create a solid canvas on the floor surface. Otherwise, liquid linoleum, including operational characteristics, preparation for the device and the pouring process, is completely different from its distant counterpart.

Scope of application and purpose

The liquid mixture dries to create a very durable coating.

Initially, self-leveling flooring was created as a durable and wear-resistant floor covering intended for production, warehouse and industrial premises. That is, where the floor surface is subject to constant load for a long time.

Over time, interior designers have adopted this technology. Before pouring the mixture, a pre-printed pattern or “print” began to be laid. This significantly increased the decorative qualities of the coating, which led to mass popularization in the field of private decor. We can say that this coating is called “liquid” linoleum for this reason.

Now the installation of polyurethane self-leveling floors has become more affordable than 5-7 years ago and is an excellent solution for tiling the floor in the kitchen, hallway, bathroom or toilet.

Characteristics and features of the technology

The liquid type of linoleum has high strength and performance characteristics. A polyurethane mixture with the addition of polymers after curing creates a very durable seamless coating. Tensile strength 14 days after application – 21 MPa.

The service life of liquid linoleum is at least 25 years

Other advantages of this linoleum include:

wear resistance - the average thickness of the poured mixture varies from 1.5-2.5 mm. For example, the front layer of ordinary linoleum is no more than 0.5 mm. Here the coating itself is a durable protective layer;
service life - most manufacturers provide a warranty of 25-30 years. Even despite its cost, this linoleum is more profitable than any floor covering, based on calculations of cost over service life;
shock load – the self-leveling layer is not afraid of shock load. You can be calm and not worry that the fall of a heavy object will cause at least some damage to the floor surface;
safety – the coating is successfully used in hospitals, hospitals and kindergartens. When burning does not emit toxic and harmful substances. Not a spreader of open fire;
color variety - the liquid mixture can be given any color and shade. If desired, you can use a textured canvas in 3D style to create unique design premises.

If visible scratches form, the floor can be easily repaired by sanding and pouring a small amount of fresh mortar. To eliminate external abrasions, a polishing method is used using special equipment.

The main disadvantage of liquid linoleum is its initial cost. Preparation, purchase of materials and payment for the work of specialists are quite high. But the consumer bears these costs only once. Further, the coating does not require periodic repairs and can serve until the first restoration for 15-20 years.

Technology of preparation and pouring onto the surface

The technology of pouring liquid linoleum can be mastered independently and done with your own hands. The work process is not particularly complicated, but it is quite labor-intensive and requires careful preparation.

To carry out the work, you will need to purchase a suitable epoxy or polyurethane mixture, epoxy primer and putty. The equipment you will need is a roller with a pile of 12-14 mm, a spatula 500-600 mm long, a squeegee, a needle aeration roller, shoe soles and a construction mixer.

The mixture is a two-component solution. It is imperative to use only mixtures from the same batch. The batch number is indicated on the packaging. Before preparing the mixture, it is advisable to set up a separate place. To do this, lay down polyethylene and place a tray under the container with the mixture.

Before pouring the mixture, you will need to apply an underlying layer.

The formation of liquid linoleum is carried out in the following sequence:

Care should be taken during the pouring process. If the mixture gets on the walls, then under no circumstances should it be scraped onto the floor. In your soles, you should move in steps, without shuffling on the surface.

Complete drying of liquid linoleum occurs within 14-18 days, depending on the air temperature. Walking load is achieved after drying for three days at an air temperature of +20°C.

Cost of material and filling

The average cost of liquid linoleum greatly depends on the chosen manufacturer and the area of the room in which it is planned to be installed. To save money, we recommend using domestic coating brands from the Elakor company. These formulations are different low price, are time-tested and have been used on many objects.

IN general cases only an epoxy coating with a thickness of 2-3 mm will cost 1000 rubles/m2. Polyurethane mixture is somewhat more affordable - from 800 rubles/m2.

The table shows the cost of materials and equipment that will be required to prepare and pour the mixture onto the floor. Prices are averaged and based on what popular online stores and suppliers offer.

In pursuit of modern materials and new ideas for interior decoration can be found. But the flooring should not only be modern, but also practical. Liquid linoleum is one of the most popular coatings now. In the article we will figure out what it is, what it costs, what are the advantages and disadvantages of this coating.

What is liquid linoleum

It consists of polymer, hardener and resins. Depending on what resin is used in production, the following types of bulk liquid linoleum are distinguished:

polyurethane;
epoxy;
methyl methacrylic;
cement-acrylic.

For household premises, in particular, for apartments, polyurethane liquid floors are the most suitable in terms of their properties. But the cost of liquid linoleum of this type is much higher due to its thermally efficient properties. The remaining types are used mainly in commercial and production premises.

Polyurethane liquid floor
Methyl methacrylic liquid floor

Epoxy self-leveling floor
Cement acrylic floor

Advantages of liquid (polyurethane) flooring

Compared to many other floor coverings, polyurethane liquid linoleum has a number of advantages. Let's take a closer look at the advantages of this material.

High strength. Optimal thickness self-leveling floor is 1.5 cm. This is several times thicker than ordinary linoleum. This determines the high strength of the liquid floor.
Durability. Subject to the right technology Once installed, self-leveling flooring can last up to 50 years.
The surface of this coating is perfectly flat and smooth, there are no joints or seams.
Good anti-slip properties.
Hygienic coating and antibacterial effect. The self-leveling floor is not susceptible to the development of fungi and mold (like, say, tiles, or more precisely, the seams between them).
Safe for health as it does not contain toxic substances.
Excellent impact resistance. Liquid self-leveling linoleum will survive in any conditions and will not deform. Heavy furniture, falling dishes, sharp heels - all this is not scary for self-leveling linoleum.
Not afraid of temperature changes. Well compatible with warm floors, can be laid on an unheated balcony.
Waterproof. Even a significant amount of water will not damage this coating. This is ensured, first of all, by the composition of the self-leveling floor, as well as the solidity of its surface.
It has antistatic properties, so it does not attract dust.
Easy to care for. Polymer flooring of the “liquid linoleum” type does not require maintenance. There is no need to varnish it, rub it, or sand it - it just serves you and that’s all.
You can renew the coating and repaint it in other colors.

It is also necessary to take into account that it is possible to do exclusive design self-leveling floor. For example, decorate the surface with some kind of drawing or photograph. True, here you will most likely need the help of professionals.

Cons of liquid linoleum

Anyone building material there are disadvantages. And if they are not there, then it is very expensive, which is automatically its disadvantage. Price per square meter liquid linoleum may not please everyone. But it is much cheaper than parquet and many other floor coverings. The disadvantages of liquid linoleum relate more to its installation.

Installation of liquid linoleum requires strict adherence to process technology, accuracy and speed of action. In addition, before pouring the floor, it is necessary to level the surface (wooden, metal or concrete screed) as much as possible.
It is very difficult to dismantle the self-leveling floor. Therefore, if you really want to get rid of it, it will be easier to put another floor covering on top of the self-leveling one.
Polyurethane flooring can fade in the sun over the years. But this problem can be solved by updating the floor with paint. In addition, there are special varnishes on sale that protect against exposure to sunlight.

The disadvantages of liquid linoleum are not so significant and, in general, it has excellent characteristics. Of course, there is no particular point in making a self-leveling floor in a bedroom or children's room. For these rooms, you can choose something more comfortable and soft. But for the kitchen, bathroom and corridor it will be great option, good alternative ceramic tiles.

Liquid floor installation
Liquid linoleum in the kitchen

In addition, the use of liquid linoleum is relevant if the room has complex shape(rounded, with columns, etc.). In this case, there is no need to adjust or trim anything. Consequently, there will be no unnecessary consumption of materials and effort.

Which will satisfy every member of a family living in a private house or apartment quite often becomes very difficult. Given the modern range of materials on our shelves, this is natural. But, as it turned out, there is the possibility of a compromise between lovers of exclusivity and supporters of conservatism. We are talking about liquid linoleum. Many have now asked themselves the question: what is this? Today our editors decided to answer this question and, together with the reader, try to figure out whether such flooring should be considered a priority.

Read in the article

What is liquid linoleum: main characteristics of the material

Speaking specifically in terms of composition, liquid linoleum can be compared with self-leveling floors, which have been presented at the Russian market. The main difference between similar materials is only that it serves as a roughing material, which is intended for leveling the surface. It turns out that in appearance these compositions are identical, but, in fact, they are intended for different purposes, which means that the methods of their use, as well as surface preparation, are strikingly different.

The characteristics of this material are truly amazing. The name here is completely inappropriate, especially when we are talking about more expensive mixtures. The only parameter by which these two materials can be compared is the need to level the surface before laying (application).

Features of laying the mixture: possible difficulties

Laying liquid linoleum cannot be called elementary. The main difficulty lies in preparation. rough coating to filling. It's not enough to just sweep. Experts also recommend that you then wash it with water and any soapy mixture. The fact is that the slightest debris that remains on the rough fill will subsequently float to the surface. This will lead to unevenness and roughness on the finishing surface. The last stage is to apply 2 layers of floors with intervals of 6-7 hours between applications.

Useful information! It is quite possible to lay liquid linoleum on wooden surfaces. However, here you will need to pay special attention to the quality of waterproofing.

Nuances of decorating self-leveling coatings

Often liquid linoleum is laid in office premises, at the same time, special attention No one pays attention to decoration. Simply adding a certain color is enough. But this question is more important. In these cases, after laying the main layer, they begin to apply a decorative one, which can be ordinary glitter. desired color. But the most complex (at the same time, the most beautiful) will be the option in which a colored or monochromatic pattern serves as such a layer. It is printed on a printer.

After the decorative layer is applied, a transparent layer is laid, consisting of quick-drying, which gives gloss and strength to the floor covering. Despite the fact that the resin mixed with the hardener dries in a few hours, it is not recommended to use the surface for several more days. Depending on the composition and thickness of the layer, this period can reach 20-25 days.

Interesting to know! Quite often the method used for decoration is self-application drawing. In this case, you can get an exclusive coating, but this method requires skill. Professional artists are often hired for such purposes.

Possible mistakes made by novice craftsmen when pouring

Very often on the Internet you can find negative reviews about one or another composition of liquid linoleum. Such problems arise not through the fault of the manufacturer, but only due to non-compliance with the technology of pouring or drying the coating. It makes sense to consider in more detail the main mistakes that can be made when carrying out such work.

Failure to comply with the proportions and method of mixing the mixture

The packaging of the composition must indicate the exact proportions of the components used in the preparation of the composition. If they are not met, you don’t have to think about any quality of the final result. But, even if everything is done in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations, the composition can be spoiled if the mixing speed is too high or, conversely, slow. This parameter is also indicated on the packaging (if it matters for a specific composition).

Incorrectly prepared surface, or incorrect assessment of one’s capabilities

The need for thorough preparation of the subfloor has already been mentioned, but labor productivity is also worth noting. The fact is that the finished composition polymerizes quite quickly. Therefore, when mixing an excess amount of it, the master may simply not have time to work it out or even it out. But correcting a mistake is much more difficult than preventing it.

This kind of mistake is made most often. Typically, such mixtures are recommended to be dried at temperatures from 5ºC to 25ºC and humidity 60-65%. If the percentage is less than 50%, drying will occur much faster, which will lead to cracking of the surface. Increased temperature will lead to the same result.

Separately, it is worth noting the presence of drafts in the room. They will lead to unevenness and fragility of the finishing floor covering.

Low quality rough floor screed in terms of strength

Such an omission will not allow liquid linoleum to withstand mechanical damage. As a result, this will lead to the floor covering becoming unusable long before the expiration date guaranteed by the manufacturer. That is why experts recommend completely removing and replacing it if its strength does not inspire confidence.

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Advantages and disadvantages of liquid linoleum over regular

To make it easier for the reader to navigate the difference between floor coverings, let's look at their pros and cons in tabular form. Let's start with the positive aspects.

How can you be sure positive qualities liquid linoleum has much more. Its only disadvantage is the high cost of the material, which often scares away the consumer.

Let's sum it up

Despite the many nuances and rather high complexity of laying liquid linoleum, such material is becoming increasingly in demand among Russian consumers. This is due not only to high performance characteristics modern compositions, but also aesthetic appearance final result. We can only hope that in the near future the cost of liquid linoleum will gradually decrease.