Python LR Self Levelling Compound – Fast Setting, Fibre Reinforced & Flexible – Pallet Deals and Bulk Buy

Python LR Self Levelling Compound extended information

Coverage: 20kg will cover 4.2m2 at 3mm thickness

Python LR is a fast setting, flexible, fibre reinforced self levelling compound. The specially formulated powder enables the product to be poured to depths between 2mm – 50mm in one application and receive foot traffic after 3 hours.

It has excellent flow and adhesion properties making it suitable for a wide range of both commercial and domestic applications. Python LR is suitable for use over a wide range of substrates including sand/cement screeds, concrete, flooring grade asphalt/bitumen, ceramic, porcelain and terrazzo tiles, epoxy damp proof membranes and plywood.

It s also ideal for encapsulating electric underfloor heating elements and for use over underfloor heated screeds.

Python LR is fast setting, meaning ceramic tiles can be installed after as little as 3 hours, and decorative floor coverings can be installed after 24 hours.

Under certain conditions, Python LR is suitable for use externally. For further information please contact the Technical Helpline on 020 8778 9000.

Python LR self levelling compound Preparation

All substrates must be thoroughly cleaned, completely dry, and robust enough to handle the weight of the leveller and the final floor covering before work can begin. Eliminate all impurities, including grease, oil, and dust, that could hinder adhesion. To receive a levelling compound, adhesive residue that is still there must be checked to make sure it has not been softened by water and is robust, sound, and properly bonded to the substrate.

Prior to beginning, the substrate must consistently register at less than 0.5% residual moisture content or 75% relative humidity (RH), whichever is lower. Before applying Python LR self levelling compound, a liquid damp proof membrane must be applied if a structural damp proof membrane is absent or if rising damp and/or residual moisture cause moisture readings up to 98% RH. Concrete and sand/cement screed surfaces should be free of surface laitance prior to application.

Before using Python LR on a surface, priming is necessary. The best flow qualities, a reduced chance of pinholes forming, and a longer product life are all benefits of priming the substrate. Prior to application, priming the substrate is regarded as “best practise”. Please see Page 3 of this data sheet for the suggested priming dilution rates.

Make sure that the timber are securely glued down and firmly anchored before levelling the substrates. Python LR can be used to level and smooth wood substrates that are suitably rigid but uneven or weathered before being over-boarded with plywood overlay or a tile backer board. Allow Python LR to cure before installing the overlay layer if using this procedure.

Python LR Mixing & Application

Always mix by adding powder to water. Python LR self levelling compound is mixed with a water content of 4.5 – 5.0 litres of water per 20kg of Python LR. In a clean mixing vessel, add the pre-measured water before adding the powder component slowly whilst mixing with an electric paddle until a smooth and lump free consistency is obtained. Once mixed, allow the product to stand for 2 minutes and stir again prior to application. Do not add further water once mixed. Exceeding 5.0 litres of water per 20kg will result in water bleed and therefore extended drying times and a weakened mix.

N.B. Once mixed, Python LR will remain workable in the bucket for 20 – 30 minutes at 20°C.

Pour a small quantity onto the prepared surface and trowel down lightly to a depth between 2mm and 50mm. The use of a spiked roller is recommended immediately in thin applications in order to remove entrapped air and smooth out flow lines. Setting time will depend on atmospheric conditions/temperatures, it will be slowed by lower temperatures and accelerated by higher temperatures. If a depth greater than 50mm is required, allow the first application to dry and prime the surface with Python PR at a 3:1 ratio before applying a subsequent coat. Clean tools immediately after use with clean water. Python LR is ideal for pump application. Mix in accordance with the pump manufacturer’s instructions and ensure that regular flow checks are carried out. Ensure the water content is correct and that there is no surface separation.

Setting & Covering

After three hours, Python LR should be suitable for light foot traffic. Before putting down the final decorative surface flooring, Python LR needs to dry. For ceramic tiles, this happens after three hours, and for decorative flooring like vinyl, it happens after twenty-four hours. However, this can change depending on the type of surface flooring you choose. Before adding floor coverings, thicker treatments may need more time to dry. The drying time may be limited if there is no air movement on the job site. It is necessary to pay attention to the flooring’s vital moisture content.

Python LR Suitable Substrates

• Sand/Cement Screed
• Concrete
• Plywood Overlay (6mm min)
• Electric Underfloor Heating
• Water/Wet System Underfloor Heating
• Tile Backer Boards
• Existing Ceramic, Porcelain and Natural Stone Tiles*
• Flooring Grade Asphalt & Bitumen*
• Anhydrite Screeds
• T & G Floorboards
• Floating Floors
• Existing Vinyl Tiles*
• Steel/Metal Surfaces*
• Epoxy DPM*
• Existing Adhesive Residues
• Fiberglass

* Prime with Python PR

Substrate Preparation Guide

Concrete: New concrete must be allowed a minimum of 6 weeks drying time. As an approximate guide for drying times, allow 1 day per mm up to an overall depth of 50mm and 2 days per mm for anything above 50mm. Ensure new concrete is confirmed dry via consistent moisture readings across the whole surface. Concrete screeds must have a reading of less than 75% relative humidity (RH) before work can commence. Remove any laitance from the surface mechanically and ensure that mould oil, curing agents and any other contaminants are removed. Remove all dust and dirt ideally by vacuum. Prime surface with Python PR diluted at a 3:1 ratio (3 parts water to 1 part Python PR) and allow to dry. Very porous substrates will require more than one coat.

Sand/Cement Screed: New sand/cement screed must be left for a minimum of 4 weeks to dry sufficiently. Ensure new sand/cement screed is confirmed dry via consistent moisture readings across the whole surface. Sand/cement screeds must have a reading of less than 75% relative humidity (RH) before work can commence. Remove any laitance from the surface mechanically and ensure that mould oil, curing agents and any other contaminants are removed. Remove all dust and dirt ideally by vacuum. Prime surface with Python PR diluted at a 3:1 ratio (3 parts water to 1 part Python PR) and allow to dry. Very porous substrates will require more than one coat.

Flooring Grade Asphalt/Bitumen: Prior to applying Python LR self levelling compound ensure that the flooring grade asphalt/bitumen is in good condition and that there are no signs of debonding and/or hollowness. Make sure the surface is dry and free of any contaminants, loose dust or dirt. Prime the surface with one coat of Python PR and allow to dry.

Existing Ceramic, Porcelain & Natural Stone Tiles: Prior to applying Python LR ensure the surface is dry and free of any contaminants, loose dust or dirt. Existing tiles that have been previously treated with sealer must be sufficiently cleaned in order to remove any surface treatments by de-greasing. Prime the surface with one coat of Python PR and allow to dry.

Plywood Overlay: Prior to applying Python LR, ensure that new or existing boards are dry, i.e. conditioned to the environment in which they will be used. Plywood sheets must be a thickness of 6mm (minimum), flooring grade, screwed (not nailed) to substrate at 6 inch/150mm centres. Ensure there is sufficient ventilation beneath substrate and that the plywood has been fitted competently and will take the weight of the leveller, adhesive and the final floor covering being applied. Make sure the surface is dry and free of any contaminants, loose dust or dirt.

Existing and/or lightly contaminated plywood requires priming with Python PR diluted 3 parts water to 1 part Python PR. New, uncontaminated plywood does not require priming prior to tiling.

Underfloor Heating Systems: When applying Python LR onto existing underfloor heating you must switch the heating off 48 hours prior to application to allow the substrate to cool sufficiently. Once the self levelling and the flooring installation has been completed allow 1 week for full cure of Python LR before switching the heating on. When doing so, start with a low temperature and gradually increase the temperature on a daily basis by no more than 2°C per day.

When tiling or applying soft flooring on to a new electric element underfloor heating system, Python Adhesives strongly recommend embedding the electric underfloor heating mat/element into a self levelling compound such as Python LR in order to protect the heating element and to leave a perfect surface on which to apply the flooring finish. Allow one week for full cure before switching the heating on, start with a low temperature and gradually increase the temperature on a daily basis by no more than 2°C per day.

NB When installing soft flooring above an electric underfloor heating element, Python LR must be applied to allow for 5mm of Python LR above the element.

Underfloor Heated Screeds should be commissioned prior to tiling or applying a soft flooring finish. Turn on the heating system at a low temperature and heat the screed gradually by no more than 5°C per day until a maximum temperature of 25°C is achieved. Maintain this temperature for 3 days and then switch the heating off 48 hours prior to applying the flooring finish to allow the substrate to cool sufficiently. Alternatively, in cold conditions, reduce the temperature of the screed to below 15°C.

Once the self levelling and the flooring installation has been completed allow 1 week for full cure of Python LR before switching the heating on. When doing so, start with a low temperature and gradually increase the temperature on a daily basis by no more than 2°C per day.

Anhydrite/Gypsum Screed: Anhydrite/Gypsum screeds must be confirmed dry via consistent moisture readings across the whole floor. The residual moisture content of the screed must be less than 0.5%. Alternatively, the relative humidity must be 75% or below. As an approximate guide for drying times, allow 1 day per mm up to an overall depth of 40mm and 2 days per mm for anything above 40mm. The drying of anhydrite/gypsum screeds can be assisted by commissioning the underfloor heating system, for further information, please contact our Technical Helpline. All anhydrite/gypsum screeds must be mechanically sanded/abraded in order to remove the laitance from the surface of the screed.

The surface of the anhydrite screed must be primed with 2 coats of Python PR. The first coat must be diluted 3:1 (3 parts water to 1 part Python PR) and allowed to dry. Once dry, a second, neat coat of Python PR must be applied to the surface and allowed to dry.

Tile Backer Board: Prior to applying Python LR ensure the surface is dry and free of any contaminants, loose dust or dirt. Prime surface with Python PR diluted at a 3:1 ratio (3 parts water to 1 part Python PR) and allow to dry. Very porous substrates will require more than one coat.

Existing Vinyl Tiles/Sheet Vinyl: Prior to applying Python LR, make sure the existing vinyl tiles/sheet vinyl is firm, stable and well adhered to the substrate to which the vinyl was originally applied to. Ensure the surface is dry and free of any contaminants, loose dust and dirt. Existing vinyl that has been previously treated with sealer must be sufficiently cleaned in order to remove any surface treatments. Prime the surface with one coat of Python PR and allow to dry.

Power Floated Concrete: Ensure the surface has been allowed 7 days to cure. Ensure new concrete is confirmed dry via consistent moisture readings across the whole surface. Concrete screeds must have a reading of less than 75% relative humidity (RH) before work can commence. Power floated concrete can leave a loose top layer and/or laitance once it has cured. Remove the loose top layer and any laitance from the surface mechanically or by acid etching and remove all dust and particles ideally by vacuum. Prime surface with Python PR diluted at a 3:1 ratio (3 parts water to 1 part Python PR) and allow to dry. Very porous substrates will require more than one coat.

Epoxy Damp Proof Membrane: Ensure the surface is dry and free of any contaminants, loose dust or dirt. Prime the surface with one coat of Python PR and allow to dry.

Python LR technical data