Video: Mix a Self Leveling Underlayment to the Right Consistency (Example: LevelQuik ES)
Check out our first One Project Closer video! We decided on this topic for our first video because I couldn’t find good information on this when we were considering a self leveling underlayment for our basement. The reality is that getting the right consistency from an SLU is pretty easy if you follow the instructions with the product you select.
We hope the video is helpful to folks thinking about using an self leveling product in their projects. If you like the video, consider visiting it on YouTube and rating it.
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Tools Required for Mixing Self Leveling Underlayment
The most important part of getting the right consistency in the SLU is having a good mixing paddle and a reasonably powerful electric drill. We do not recommend using a battery powered drill/driver unless you have a newer lithium ion system. Even in this case, if you’re pouring a large area and will be mixing one batch immediately after another, you should consider an electric model.
The 24″ mixing paddle shown in the video can be found at Home Depot in the drywall section (labeled as a drywall compound mixing paddle). Amazon sells Roberts #61210 Univ Heavy Duty Mixing Paddle, an 18″ alternative that will work fine for this application as well. You should not use light duty paint mixing blades or they will gum-up during mixing. With SLU running as high as $30/bag, its not worth risking.
If you don’t own an electric drill and don’t have access to borrow one, this is a good opportunity to pick up one for all your future projects. Electric drills are essential in applications that require repeated, high-intensity drilling, like drilling through studs to run Romex wires throughout a room. At OPC, we’re a big fan of Dewalt tools. Amazon also sells a DEWALT DW235G Heavy-Duty 7.8 Amp 1/2-Inch Drill for a decent price with free shipping.
What do you think? Let us know how we can improve for videos on the future… and whether this topic helped you with your project.
Thanks to Victor L., Josh V., and Brian S. for helping with the mixing, pouring, and videography.
Comments & Conversation on this Article...
7 Responses to Video: Mix a Self Leveling Underlayment to the Right Consistency (Example: LevelQuik ES)
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September 2nd, 2008 7:56 pm
Hey Guys
I will be leveling a small bathroom next week. I pretty much have everything I need, except a good electric drill. I went to my local HD and there was a Dewalt rep. in the tools section. He told me not to use this type of heavy duty drill, you described above, for these types of mixing applications; apparently, I run the risk of burning out the motor. He recommended I rent some kind of mixing drill. Does your drill still work ok, after using it in this mixing application? Thoughts? Thanks very much. Your video is fantastic, only wish there was one on spreading technique….hint hint….
September 2nd, 2008 8:35 pm
Adrian,
A 7-10 amp 1/2″ electric drill will have no problem standing up to this mixing application, at least not for the DIYer. In fact, we’ve used our very similar 1/2″ electric drill to mix drywall compound, self leveler, waterproofing sealer, and paint – all with no problems and the drill still works fine.
The reality is that self-leveling compound never develops into a very thick substance if you follow the instructions (it can’t, of course, it has to be thin to be pourable).
Now, what you SHOULDN’T do, is use a 3 Amp, 3/8″ drill designed for general home use. It’s possible that even a thin consistency product like SLU could cause this to burn up.
My opinion. Worth price charged.
Good luck with your project!
March 4th, 2009 8:19 pm
The video was helpful. I’d like to see where you’re putting a true feather-edge (i.e. 1/16th inch) on the pour with a flat trowel or float. Is feathering done while it’s still pancake batter consistency, or do you let it set up a little?
March 6th, 2009 8:56 pm
Hey Tim, I answered your question on the other article as well… you can start feather edging at any time; but for LevelQuik ES you’ll want to start no later than 10 minutes in, and for LevelQuik RS, no later than 5.
April 1st, 2009 7:20 pm
Great video and article. Where can I find the next video in the segment?
Thanks.
May 2nd, 2009 12:02 pm
I just used levelquik. It looks like it worked o.k. Two things I would add, 1) hold back a quart of water and add it as needed, my mix was watery for the top 2 inches. 2) slowly add the levelquik dry mix to the water, maybe a quarter bag at a time, I mixed for 5 minutes and still had lumps. I appreciate your site.
January 31st, 2010 10:20 pm
can you put a portland based self leveler over a gypsum based non-self leveling flooring leveler