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.
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.
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.
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.
RLA TruLevel TuffTop can be applied from 3 mm to 30 mm in a single coat. For thicknesses greater than 30 mm, contact RLA technical staff directly.
Yes, priming is essential for proper adhesion. Always prime substrates with RLA Universal Primer, following dilution instructions specific to porous or non-porous surfaces.
Yes, this product is formulated for both internal and external concrete substrates. It is suitable for wear surfaces outdoors when a compatible coating is applied after curing.
Foot traffic is generally allowed after 3-4 hours. For subsequent floor coverings like vinyl or carpet, wait 18 hours. For coatings or heavy commercial traffic, allow 48 to 72 hours, depending on conditions and application type.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Levelling concrete subfloors (3-30mm) for commercial and industrial use | Achieves CT-C40-F8 classification, providing high compressive strength (>40 N/mm²) and flexural strength (>8 N/mm²) for demanding environments. | Builders, Concreters, Commercial Flooring Installers |
| Creating a hard-wearing surface for internal/external areas (min. 5mm) | Delivers durable abrasion resistance (≤ 150 g at 28 days) when sealed with an appropriate coating, reducing wear in high-traffic zones. | Concreters, Commercial Flooring Installers, General Builders |
| Preparing concrete for floor coverings like vinyl, timber, carpet, and tiles | Rapid drying allows floor coverings after 18 hours, speeding up project schedules and reducing delays for follow-on trades. | Tilers, Timber Flooring Installers, Resilient Flooring Installers |
| Levelling over underfloor heating systems | Ensures an even and stable substrate for efficient heat transfer without compromising structural integrity or floor covering performance. | Underfloor Heating Installers, Tilers, General Builders |
All substrates must be clean, dry, sound, and compliant with Australian Standards. Remove all contaminants including oils, wax, curing compounds, and adhesive residues.
Dilute RLA Universal Primer 1:2 with clean water. Apply one or two coats as needed. Allow to dry tack-free.
Mechanically abrade if necessary. Apply neat RLA Universal Primer. Let dry completely before proceeding.
Mix 20kg of RLA TruLevel TuffTop with 3.8–4.0L of clean water using a low-speed mechanical mixer. Add powder to water slowly.
Mix for 3 minutes to achieve a lump-free consistency. Avoid overwatering to maintain strength.
For large areas, use a continuous mixing pump suited to self-levelling compounds.
Pour or pump the compound onto the primed substrate. Spread evenly using a gauge rake, screed bar, or trowel to required thickness.
Use a stand-up spreader or trowel to move product quickly. Maintain continuous wet edge for large areas.
Use suitable pumping equipment for areas over 50m². Ensure team coordination to avoid material setting mid-flow.
Allow to set and harden before foot traffic. Proceed with coatings or floor coverings after appropriate cure time based on site temperature.
Allow minimum 3–4 hours at 23°C before walking on surface.
Vinyl, carpet, and tiles: after 18–24 hours. Timber: after 24 hours. Epoxy coatings: after 48 hours.
Danger: May cause an allergic skin reaction. Causes serious eye damage. May cause respiratory irritation. Causes skin irritation. May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure.
Wear safety glasses with side shields or chemical goggles, protective gloves (polychloroprene, nitrile rubber, or butyl rubber), protective clothing, and protective footwear. In dusty conditions, use a particulate respirator (P1, P2, or P3).
Use in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors. Prevent dust concentration.
Store in original, securely sealed containers in a cool, dry area off the ground, protected from environmental extremes. Keep away from incompatible materials. Shelf life is 12 months when stored correctly. Dispose of contents/container to an authorised hazardous waste collection point; do not allow wash water to enter drains.
Proper substrate preparation and priming are critical for the bond strength and performance of any levelling compound.
Surface prep: Substrates must be dry, sound, and clean, free of wax, grease, oil, old adhesive, or curing compounds. Mechanically prepare the surface by shot blasting or diamond grinding to achieve a roughened, porous profile. Thoroughly vacuum all loose material and dust. The subfloor temperature must be at least 10°C. Do not use solvents or acid etching. For high moisture, apply RLA Moisture Seal beforehand.
Primer: Required. Use RLA Universal Primer. For porous concrete, mix one part primer with two parts clean water. For non-porous concrete (e.g., burnished), apply RLA Universal Primer neat. Allow primer to dry to a tack-free, transparent film (approx. 2 hours at 23°C) before applying TruLevel TuffTop.
Surface prep: These are non-porous surfaces. Mechanically remove any existing coatings or sealing compounds. A light grind or sand is recommended to enhance adhesion on extremely non-porous substrates. Ensure the surface is clean and dry.
Primer: Required. Apply RLA Universal Primer neat (undiluted). Allow primer to dry until it forms a tack-free, transparent film (approx. 2 hours at 23°C) before proceeding with TruLevel TuffTop application.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Colour | Grey |
| Bulk Density | 1.2 kg/dm³ |
| Wet Density | 2.0 kg/dm³ |
| Shelf life | 12 months |
| Packaging | 20kg |
| Coverage – 20kg Bag | Approx. 2.4 m² at 5mm |
| Mixing Ratio | 3.8-4.0 litres of water per 20kg bag |
| Open Time | 30 minutes |
| Setting Time | 3 hours |
| Temperature Range | From +5°C to +35°C |
| Maximum Thickness | 30 mm |
| Foot traffic | 3-4 hours |
| Waiting time before subsequent bonding | 18-72 hours |
| pH of Mix | Approximately pH 12 |
| Flexural Strength 1 day | > 3 N/mm² |
| Flexural Strength 3 days | > 5 N/mm² |
| Flexural Strength 7 days | > 6 N/mm² |
| Flexural Strength 28 days | > 8 N/mm² |
| Compressive Strength 1 day | > 13 N/mm² |
| Compressive Strength 3 days | > 15 N/mm² |
| Compressive Strength 7 days | > 35 N/mm² |
| Compressive Strength 28 days | > 40 N/mm² |
| Abrasion Resistance 28 days | ≤ 150 g (EN 12808-2) |
| Surface Hardness 28 days | > 50 N/mm² (EN 13892-6) |
| Classification | CT-C40-F8 (EN 13813) |
Here are some common examples on where RLA TruLevel TuffTop used by our customers.
