RLA TruLevel TuffTop

For leveling differences from 3mm to 30mm on new or existing concrete substrates, RLA TruLevel TuffTop provides a rapid-drying surface with high mechanical resistance. Formulated with setting and hydrating cement, graded silica sand, and resins, it prepares subfloors for commercial, industrial, and residential floor coverings, underfloor heating systems, and high-point loading environments.

High mechanical resistance for heavy traffic

TruLevel TuffTop achieves a compressive strength of over 40 N/mm² and a surface hardness exceeding 50 N/mm² after 28 days. This mechanical profile allows the compound to withstand heavy traffic, wheelchair use, and high-point loads. When used as a direct wear surface in commercial applications, it must receive a protective floor coating such as an epoxy, acrylic, or urethane. Its self-smoothing flow properties quickly establish a level finish, allowing subsequent flooring installations to proceed without surface irregularities.

Numbers that matter

• 3mm to 30mm application thickness: Allows single-coat leveling of minor deviations up to deep fills. Note that a minimum thickness of 5mm is required when installing timber flooring or when applying protective floor coatings. For heavy traffic and high-point loading, the minimum application thickness is 15mm.
• 5-minute pot life (at 23°C): A brief working window requiring rapid, continuous mixing and pouring to maintain a wet edge and prevent cold joints.
• 3 to 4 hours walk-on time: Hardens quickly at 23°C to allow light foot traffic and minimise site downtime.
• 18-hour tile, vinyl, and carpet window: Receives textile, resilient, and ceramic finishes fixed with adhesives after 18 hours at 23°C (when applied at a minimum of 3mm).
• 24-hour timber window: Ready for timber floorcovering installations 24 hours after application.
• 48-hour coating window: Safe to overcoat with epoxy or acrylic wear surface coatings after 48 hours at 23°C.
• 72-hour heavy traffic window: Reaches the necessary strength to accept commercial, industrial, and heavy-point loads 72 hours after application.
• 2.4m² coverage per bag: Yields approximately 2.4m² per 20kg bag when applied at a thickness of 5mm.

Where to use it

TruLevel TuffTop is suitable for internal and external concrete substrates. Compatible substrates include porous and non-porous surfaces such as burnished concrete, ceramic tiles, and liquid waterproofing membranes, provided they are primed correctly.

Installation and priming

Substrates must be clean, sound, dry, and free of wax, grease, oil, polishes, old adhesive, curing compounds, and moisture. Clean subfloors mechanically via shot blasting or diamond grinding to achieve a clean, open porous surface. Do not use solvents or acid etching.

Determine substrate porosity by pouring a coin-sized water puddle on the surface. If water absorbs in less than 1 minute, the surface is porous; if the puddle remains, it is non-porous.

• Porous substrates: Prime with RLA Universal Primer diluted 1:2 with clean water. Apply evenly and allow to cure. Highly absorbent surfaces may require a second coat to prevent pinholes in the underlayment.
• Non-Porous substrates: Ensure no coatings or sealers remain on ceramic tiles or burnished concrete. Apply RLA Universal Primer neat (undiluted) and allow to dry to a tack-free, transparent film (approximately 2 hours at 23°C). A light grind or sand is recommended on extremely non-porous surfaces to assist adhesion.
• Mixing: Mix one 20kg bag with 3.8 to 4.0 litres of clean water. Slowly add the powder to the water while mixing with a drill and paddle at low speed for 3 minutes until lump-free. Do not overwater, as this causes bleeding, segregation, and reduced tensile strength.

Limitations

• Do not rework or retemper partially set product.
• Do not allow TruLevel TuffTop to come into contact with water during or after the curing process.
• Do not apply to substrates subject to rising dampness. For concrete substrates with high moisture levels, RLA Moisture Seal must be applied prior to installing the leveling compound.
• Do not apply over expansion joints, as reflective cracking may occur.
• The minimum subfloor temperature during application must be 10°C. For installations below 5°C or above 35°C, contact RLA technical support.
• Drying times will be extended in cold ambient temperatures.