Q: Is LEVELCOATTM a self-leveling product? Will it level the wall even if the joints aren’t level
A: No. LEVELCOATTM will not level a bad joint or fill in surface imperfections. The name derives from the products ability to provide a “Level 5” finish.
Q: Will LEVELCOATTM fill in sanding marks?
A: Generally a typical application of LEVELCOATTM will fill normal sanding scratches up to 1/32″ in depth. LEVELCOATTM should not be considered as an appropriate solution to deep gouges, power sander scuffs or torn face paper.
Q: Does LEVELCOATTM have to be sprayed applied?
A: Due to the very low shrinkage nature of the product it is very difficult to get roller marks and stipples out of the end result. Premium foam rollers with concave ends manufactured by Whizz Roller SystemTM (www.whizzrollers.com) have been found to provide the smoothest finish without application marks. Backrolling with a synthetic-knap, ¼” roller can produce a unique finish IF the applicator is particularly talented with a roller; even then a single, top-to-bottom stroke is recommended.
Q: Can I thin LEVELCOATTM?
A: Yes, however we don�t recommend cutting LEVELCOATTM from its original viscosity unless you experience excessive �fingering� or fan marks while spraying.
Q: Can I over thin LEVELCOATTM?
A: Yes. Over dilution has three possible negative effects. One, it can cause the product to drape or sag. Two, it can cause the product to crack. Three, in cases of EXTREME over-dilution, it can cause LEVELCOATTM to not bond effectively to the wall. Generally 1-1 ďż˝ quarts of water per 5 gallons should be appropriate.
Q: Do I need to prime over (or under) LEVELCOATTM before I apply paint?
A: No, LEVELCOATTM eliminates the need for a paint primer. The exception would be if a sealer is needed or if using a paint that requires a very high hold out. In those cases a sealing primer should be used over LEVELCOATTM.
Q: What size pump and sprayer is needed to apply LEVELCOATTM?
A: We recommend a heavy duty pump that can spray at between 2800-3000 psi. Generally a sprayer rated at ¾ gallons per minute is the minimum that we recommend, 1 gpm or larger will generally allow a larger tip to beused and result in a more efficient job.
Q: What size hose do I need?
A: The standard ¼” hose will be adequate, however we recommend a 3/8″ hose if available.
Q: What size tip aperture should I use?
A: This will vary depending on the flow rating of your spray rig, the pump pressure and the viscosity of the LEVELCOATTM. Generally a .023-.025 (i.e. 525, 625, 1225); will be optimum on a spray rig rated above 1 gpm; however if fingering occurs a smaller aperture such as a .019 may be appropriate with the proper viscosity. If you are using a smaller sprayer, a smaller tip will probably be necessary to avoid fingering.
Q: Do I need to alter my equipment in any way to apply LEVELCOATTM?
A: No. However if you are using ready mixed LEVELCOATTM, many contractors have found that removing the filter from their pump and the small filter in the spray gun allows for a better, more even application.
Q: Is LEVELCOATTM like USG’s “First Coat”?
A: No, LEVELCOATTM is a Drywall Level 5 Completion System.
Q: How heavy of an application is necessary for LEVELCOATTM to be effective?
A: Every job is different however our experience shows us that LEVELCOATTM‘s effectiveness begins at about 10 wet mils. For best results we recommend that LEVELCOATTM be applied in multiple, cross-hatched passes to a total thickness of 15 wet mils. It can be applied as thick as 35 wet mils before it starts to sag, run or crack.
Q: What kind of coverage should I expect with LEVELCOATTM?
A: If applied at 15 wet mils, coverage should be 130-135 square feet per gallon.
Q: Can you tint LEVELCOATTM?
A: Yes. LEVELCOATTM can be tinted. Be sure to consider the viscosity of the material when tint is added to insure that LEVELCOATTM is not over-thinned.
Q: What is the drying time?
A: With a temperature of 70º F and a humidity of 60%, LEVELCOATTM will dry to the touch in 60 minutes. You must wait 24 hours before painting.
Q: What do I need to do to LEVELCOATTM prior to spraying it?
A: Make sure that LEVELCOATTM is well mixed (drilled) prior to spraying. Generally, shaking is not as effective as stirring. We recommend using a drywall-type mixing paddle keeping the blades submerged in the product to avoid air entrainment..
Q: What is the shelf life of LEVELCOATTM?
A: LEVELCOATTM has a usable shelf life of approximately fourteen months from the date of manufacture. We recommend that LEVELCOATTM inventory be rotated every 90 days.
Q: If I open a bucket of LEVELCOATTM and it has separated is it alright to use?
A: Yes. Separation is normal. The clear fluid on the top of the mixture is NOT water; DO NOT POUR IT OFF! By mixing the product, the chemical smell will be eliminated and the product will revert to its original composition and will perform as intended.
Q: Is there any special preparation that needs to be performed on the gypsum board prior to applying LEVELCOATTM?
A: Yes. For a smooth, paint finish we recommend that the drywall sanding dust be brushed off of the wall prior to applying LEVELCOATTM. Some contractors have found that a large floor mop such as those used to clean gymnasium floors are an efficient and time effective method of removing sanding dust from the walls. Make sure to wear a NIOSH approved respirator when cleaning the walls. Applying LEVELCOATTM over sanding dust will result in a rough finish.
Q: My old painted walls have joint flashing; can I use LEVELCOATTM to get rid of the stripes?
A: Yes. As with any paint or primer the surface needs to be clean and free of smoke residue, grease or nicotine. High gloss paints may need to be lightly sanded to help LEVELCOATTM adhere to the gloss finish.
Q: Can LEVELCOATTM be applied over wallpaper?
A: Since LEVELCOATTM may re-hydrate the wallpaper paste and cause it to lose it’s adhesion to the wall we recommend that wallpaper be removed prior to the application of LEVELCOATTM.
Q: Can LEVELCOATTM be applied over vinyl wallcovering?
A: Yes. If the wallcovering is lightly textured two applications of LEVELCOATTM followed by sanding has successfully produced a smooth finish.
Q: Does LEVELCOATTM require any special hazardous material handling or precautions?
A: No. LEVELCOATTM has a VOC of <2g/l and excess can be disposed of in accordance with state and local regulations for non-hazardous materials. We recommend wearing a NIOSH approved respirator when dry sanding or spraying LEVELCOATTM.
Q: What should I do if I get fan marks, or “fingers” in the spray pattern when I apply LEVELCOATTM?
A: A smooth, consistent application of LEVELCOATTM is dependant upon the combination of the correct pump pressure, tip aperture, distance between the tip and the wall surface and thinning to the correct viscosity. If fan marks persist after altering these four please call us at 1-800-255-6678. |
