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RLA TruLevel Fine Finish: A Technical Overview
RLA TruLevel Fine Finish is a cement-based, rapid-drying skim smoothing compound for internal floors. It mixes cleanly with water (approx. 1.8 L per 5 kg; 1:3 water:powder) and trowels from feather edge to 3 mm to deliver a smooth, even surface ready for resilient and carpet floor finishes. Typical installations can proceed in about 20 minutes at 20 °C, supporting quick, reliable program delivery. Suitable substrates include concrete, masonry/blocks, Masonite and select timber underlays; on non-absorbent surfaces such as existing ceramic tiles, apply a 3 mm layer to promote adhesive wet-out. Coverage is approx. 10 m² per 5 kg at 1 mm. Operating range is +5 °C to +35 °C, aligning with common Australian site conditions. For resilient installations, verify substrate RH and pH per AS 1884:2021.
Core Features & Specifications
- Rapid drying — install most floorcoverings after ~20 minutes at 20 °C.
- Application thickness: feather edge to 3 mm for precise localised smoothing.
- Easy mixing: approx. 1.8 L water per 5 kg; 3–4 minutes to a lump-free mix.
- Excellent coverage: ~10 m² per 5 kg @ 1 mm.
- Internal use on concrete, masonry/blocks, Masonite; suitable over timber underlays.
- Open time ~10 minutes; working window suited to fast patching.
- Foot traffic after full set (allow extended time in cold conditions).
- Low VOC (GEV Emicode EC1 Plus) and professional packaging in 5 kg & 20 kg.
The RLA TruLevel Fine Finish Advantage
- Program certainty: fast return to install minimises downtime and labour costs.
- Clean, predictable trowel behaviour delivers smooth finishes that reduce callbacks.
- Versatile across common internal substrates found in Australian refurb work.
- Supports compliance workflows for resilient flooring (AS 1884:2021 RH/pH checks).
Proactive Troubleshooting
Scenario: Applying over a damp or high-RH slab
Potential Outcome: Extended drying, soft spots or bond issues.
Adheseal Best Practice: Test RH/pH per AS 1884:2021. If moisture is elevated, first install a moisture vapour barrier (e.g., RLA Moisture Seal) before applying TruLevel Fine Finish.
Scenario: Over-watering during mix
Potential Outcome: Reduced bond/tensile strength and surface dusting.
Adheseal Best Practice: Hold to approx. 1.8 L per 5 kg and mix 3–4 minutes to uniform consistency; do not re-temper with water.
Scenario: Skimming non-absorbent tiles too thin
Potential Outcome: Poor wet-out for adhesives under floorcoverings.
Adheseal Best Practice: Apply a consistent 3 mm coat over ceramic tiles and ensure the surface is clean and sound.
Applications in Practice: Trade Scenarios
For Floor Layers (On-site Applicator): Fast vinyl uplift & refit
The Professional's Challenge
Tight programme: remove existing floorcoverings and hand back areas the same day with a smooth, resilient-ready surface.
The Adheseal Solution: Engineered Certainty in Practice
Vacuum and mechanically abrade as needed. Mix ~1.8 L water per 5 kg. Trowel from feather to 3 mm to remove local undulations. After ~20 minutes at 20 °C, proceed with resilient installation per adhesive manufacturer’s window.
Best Practice Note
Confirm RH/pH before resilient per AS 1884:2021. For highly porous patches, prime with RLA Universal Primer (1:2 with water).
For Builders (Business Owner/Operator): Punch-list concrete touch-ups
The Professional's Challenge
Minor defects and trowel marks are holding up handover; re-works must be fast, clean and low-VOC.
The Adheseal Solution: Engineered Certainty in Practice
Local patching from feather edge to 3 mm with TruLevel Fine Finish delivers a uniform surface. Rapid set supports same-day progress and reduces labour drag.
Best Practice Note
Keep substrate temperature within +5 °C to +35 °C; cold weather extends set — plan sequencing accordingly.
For Remedial Contractors (Specifier/Compliance): Old tiled substrates
The Professional's Challenge
Bridging grout lines and achieving adhesive wet-out over glazed tiles before resilient installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I install floorcoverings over TruLevel Fine Finish?
At ~20 °C, most floorcoverings can be installed in approximately 20 minutes once the skim can be walked on without damaging the film. Cooler conditions will extend drying; always confirm set before proceeding.
What thickness can I apply?
Apply from feather edge to 3 mm in a single coat. Over non-absorbent substrates (e.g., ceramic tiles), a consistent 3 mm layer is recommended to ensure adhesive wet-out.
Do I need a primer?
Generally no primer is required. On highly porous substrates, prime with RLA Universal Primer diluted 1:2 with clean water to uniform film before skimming.
What is the coverage?
A 5 kg bag covers approximately 10 m² @ 1 mm. Actual coverage depends on substrate profile and technique.
Can I use it externally?
No. TruLevel Fine Finish is for internal use only. Protect from water during and after cure; do not use on substrates with rising damp.
Applications & Benefits
| Application / Use Case | Key Benefit | Primary Trades |
|---|---|---|
| Feather-edge skim to remove trowel marks | Rapid set for same-day progress | Floor layers, builders |
| Localised levelling before resilient or carpet | Smooth, uniform surface for reliable adhesion | Flooring contractors |
| Bridging grout lines over ceramic tiles | 3 mm skim promotes adhesive wet-out | Remedial contractors |
| Fast repairs in refurb programmes | Cuts downtime and labour drag | Builders, facility maintenance |
Applying RLA TruLevel Fine Finish: Enhanced Protocols & Best Practices
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Surface Preparation
Ensure internal substrates are sound, smooth, dry and clean. Remove weak layers, laitance, contaminants and sharp protrusions; repair defects flush. Verify RH/pH where resilient finishes will be installed (AS 1884:2021).
Mechanical Prep
Grind/abrade to expose a clean, stable surface. Vacuum thoroughly.
Priming (as required)
On porous substrates, roll RLA Universal Primer diluted 1:2 (primer:water) to a continuous film and allow to dry.
Timing: Allow primer to dry; cold conditions lengthen dry time.Pro Tip: Address moisture first — apply a vapour barrier where RH is elevated. -
Mixing
Add powder to water and mix to a lump-free consistency.
Measured Mix
Approx. 1.8 L clean water per 5 kg (about 1:3 water:powder). Mix 3–4 minutes until uniform. Do not over-water.
Batching Tips
Use clean pails and tools. Mix only what you can place within the ~10-minute open time.
Timing: Open time ~10 minutes at 20 °C.Pro Tip: Avoid re-tempering with water; this reduces bond strength. -
Application
Trowel from feather edge to 3 mm in a single coat.
Standard Skim
Apply to required height or incline for localised smoothing. Keep edges tight to blend with adjacent surfaces.
Over Non-Absorbent Tiles
Place a uniform 3 mm layer to achieve adhesive wet-out for subsequent floorcoverings.
Timing: Set in ~20 minutes at 20 °C; cooler weather extends set.Pro Tip: Protect from water during and after curing; internal use only. -
Ready for Floorcoverings
Install most floorcoverings once the skim can be walked on without damage (typically ~20 minutes at 20 °C). Follow adhesive manufacturer’s guidelines.
Foot Traffic
Allow adequate time before general foot traffic; more time in cold conditions.
Timing: Cool temperatures and high humidity extend all times.Pro Tip: Avoid spanning movement or expansion joints; reflective cracking can occur.
Limitations & Safety
Product Limitations
Internal use only; protect from water during and after cure.
Do not apply on substrates with rising damp; treat moisture first with an appropriate moisture vapour barrier.
Do not bridge expansion/movement joints to avoid reflective cracking.
Cold weather extends drying/setting times; plan sequencing accordingly.
Safety & Handling Requirements
Personal Protective Equipment
Avoid dust inhalation; wear a suitable respirator during mixing. Use safety glasses and chemical-resistant gloves; wear protective clothing.
Ventilation Requirements
Use in well-ventilated areas. Avoid creating airborne dust; keep containers closed when not in use.
Fire & Handling Precautions
Do not eat, drink or smoke while using. Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Emergency First Aid
Eyes:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes; remove contact lenses; continue rinsing. Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Skin:
Wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing.
Inhaled:
Move to fresh air and rest comfortably.
Swallowed:
Do not induce vomiting; give water and contact a doctor or Poisons Information Centre (AU 13 11 26; NZ 0800 764 766).
Seek medical attention immediately in all cases of serious exposure.
RLA TruLevel Fine Finish Application Guide
Concrete
Surface Preparation
Minimum 14 days old, sound, smooth, dry and clean. Remove laitance, curing agents, contaminants and weak layers by grinding or equivalent. Verify RH/pH per AS 1884:2021.
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended for porous slabs
Prime highly porous concrete with RLA Universal Primer diluted 1:2 (primer:water). Allow to dry to a uniform film.
RLA Universal PrimerMasonry & Concrete Blocks
Surface Preparation
Point flush; repair voids. Ensure surface is clean, stable and free of dust or efflorescence.
Primer Requirements
Primer recommended if very absorbent
Use RLA Universal Primer 1:2 with water to control suction and improve workability.
RLA Universal PrimerMasonite / Hardboard
Surface Preparation
Ensure sheets are structurally fixed, flat and dry. Clean surface; sand lightly to de-gloss if required.
Primer Requirements
Primer optional based on porosity
Prime if suction is high or uniformity is required before skimming.
RLA Universal PrimerTimber Underlays (internal)
Surface Preparation
Securely fasten underlay; sand joints/ridges; vacuum thoroughly. Ensure dry and clean.
Primer Requirements
Primer optional
Prime where needed to control suction and improve trowel glide.
RLA Universal PrimerNon-Absorbent Surfaces (e.g., Ceramic Tiles)
Surface Preparation
Degrease, clean and abrade glazed surfaces; vacuum dust. Ensure firm adhesion of tiles.
Primer Requirements
Primer not typically required
Apply a uniform 3 mm TruLevel Fine Finish layer to ensure adhesive wet-out for subsequent floorcoverings.
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