Did you know that floors can be poured rather than laid? This coating is called "self-leveling floors", or, as they were also dubbed, "liquid linoleum". It turns out that outwardly the self-leveling floor is really very similar to linoleum, but to the touch it resembles a smooth tile: monolithic, even, without seams and gaps. It happens different colors, neutral calm tones prevail among the shades - light green, gray, beige, light brown. The thickness of the self-leveling floors different types- from 1 to 7 mm, but the optimal thickness of the coating for living quarters recommended by experts is 1.5 mm. Why? Making the floor in a living space thinner is impractical, thicker is uneconomical, as it will be required large quantity material. But more on that later.

So, from the point of view of chemists, a self-leveling floor is a special seamless polymer coatings... There are several types of floor coverings, which are called self-leveling or industrial:

Methyl methacrylate (from methyl methacrylic resins);

Epoxy (made from epoxy resins);

Cement-acrylic (prepared from dry building mixture and the so-called "liquid component");

Polyurethane (based on polyurethane).

The first three types of self-leveling floors are more suitable for industrial premises. And for residential, the fourth type is used - polyurethane floors. Why? Of course, all types of floors are safe for health, but polyurethane, in addition to being the most durable and wear-resistant, is also the lightest - floors from it are more elegant. And besides, this floor looks very good: due to the gloss and variety of colors. Therefore, our conversation will focus specifically on polyurethane self-leveling floors.

So, self-leveling seamless floors are most often used where increased requirements are imposed on the floor: chemical resistance and abrasion resistance (including under conditions high humidity), the need to provide antistatic protection or special hygiene requirements. First of all, these are, of course, production facilities and offices with high traffic, television studios. But living quarters are also suitable: kitchens, bathrooms, summer cottages, glazed balconies... Or, for example, you can "lay" such floors in the garage and workshop. It is believed that the main disadvantage when using a self-leveling floor in a residential area is a poor choice of colors. But, firstly, there are at least 12 colors of the self-leveling floor on sale, which, you see, is not so little. Secondly, manufacturers of self-leveling floors have come up with an additional and very original decorative special effect; on fresh coating so-called chips are applied; - colored particles from pieces acrylic paint, different shapes and sizes. Chips, when laid in a jar, look like large bright confetti, and when applied to the floor, they give the coating depth and resemblance to natural materials, such as marble or granite.

Self-leveling coating options: regular and with "chips". But the most interesting thing about self-leveling floors, in addition to all the above advantages and properties, is the process of their installation! And what is curious, if you wish, you can personally participate in this sacrament, which is somewhat similar to a shamanic ritual.

To become the happy owner of a self-leveling floor, you will need: two cans with components - small and large, an electric drill with a nozzle and a rule. It is clear that the most important thing is cans with components for the future self-leveling floor. In a large jar - component "A". The little one is filled with component "B". Accurate chemical composition manufacturers of self-leveling floors keep these components secret. The coating technology is the same for all types of self-leveling floors, only the components and properties are different.

So let's get started. Take a small jar and pour its contents into a large one. But this is not enough to achieve the desired result (that is, to cure the composition). All components must be thoroughly mixed with an electric drill with special nozzle... After a few minutes, the working mixture of the components is ready for application to the surface. Is that all? No. Before proceeding with the "production" of a self-leveling floor, you need to carefully prepare the surface - level it, eliminate potholes, cracks, etc., putty them, prime the base ... In general, a primed base (it can be concrete, stone, tiles , metal and even wood) should have a uniform gloss on the surface and not absorb liquid. Only then can the polyurethane "cocktail" be poured onto the coating and, using a rule and a needle roller, distribute it over the entire floor area.

With the help of a movable bar on the rule, you can adjust the thickness of the applied coating: the closer the bar is to the floor, the thinner the coating is, and vice versa. The needle roller helps to remove bubbles formed on liquid surface... We have already said that the thickness of the self-leveling floor recommended by specialists is 1.5 mm, but if desired, this figure can be increased to 5–7 mm. All these works must be carried out at a room temperature not lower than + 5 ° С and not higher than + 25 ° С and a relative humidity of about 60%. Otherwise, the self-leveling floor will "set" longer. On a fresh floor (for beauty purposes), you can apply the already known to us colored "chips", and after 12 hours top it with a transparent protective varnish. Then wait another 24 hours - and that's it. The new self-leveling floor is ready for use.

By the way, the manufacturers warned me that the self-leveling floor, until it dries, is afraid of moisture: its components react with water. That is why it is important to ensure that the surface on which the self-leveling coating will be applied is dry (that is, the moisture content of the surface itself should not be higher than 5%). Specialists in this case use a moisture meter. But if initially the surface preparation was performed according to all the rules, then after 12–20 hours (after the coating has dried) and in the next four decades, there is no moisture self-leveling floor will not be scary. Self-leveling floor with "chips" at first glance does not differ from granite

The self-leveling floor is not afraid of blows - no matter what you drop on it, there will be no dents or cracks. He doesn't care about temperature changes either (that's why you can "pour" it on the balcony or on country veranda). According to experts, this is a non-toxic and "slow-burning" coating. And all types bulk coatings, both in Europe and in Russia, undergo compulsory certification. And a conscientious manufacturing company will never refuse to demonstrate all the necessary certificates for its products. An imported floor for a dwelling will cost at least $ 40 per sq. M, if the area of ​​the premises is less than 500 sq. M. In general, the range of prices for self-leveling floors made from imported materials ranges from $ 8 to $ 100 per square meter... The cost of the work of the stackers is $ 8–10.

Comparative analysis

Each flooring has its pros and cons. Let's compare a self-leveling floor with other floor coverings that have the same purpose as a polyurethane floor: PVC linoleum, laminate and tiles are also placed in the kitchen, in the bathroom or on glazed balcony... So, household PVC linoleum and self-leveling floor are very similar in appearance. In a Moscow store where self-leveling floors were made, I was told that visitors often ask: "What is this unusual linoleum you have?" But external similarity is perhaps the only thing that unites these two types of coatings. The first difference is the service life. High-quality PVC linoleum will withstand 15–20 years. And a properly made self-leveling floor will last 40 years. But, I emphasize, CORRECTLY done. (Please remember this remark, we will return to it later.) In addition, linoleum has a richer design. And yet, if necessary, linoleum can be easily removed - rolled up and replaced with a new one. With a self-leveling coating, this trick will not work. Removing such a coating is a problem. But on the other hand, why should we, if we make a good, high-quality self-leveling floor?

Now the laminate. Laminate, as we have already said more than once, is a special multi-layer board based on fiberboard that can imitate natural materials- wood, stone, marble ... Laminate is a beautiful modern floor covering, but, alas, it serves less than 12 years in comparison with a self-leveling floor. In addition, laminate, unlike a self-leveling floor, is still not recommended to be laid indoors with high humidity.

When compared with ceramic tiles, which are traditionally placed in the kitchen, bathroom and on balconies, here the self-leveling floor also has certain advantages: no seams (which means there is no place for fungus and bacteria to start) and higher durability.

So what are the main advantages and disadvantages of self-leveling floor coverings?

Pleasant appearance, shine, solidity of color;

Durability (minimum 40 years);

Moisture resistance and high chemical resistance (important when using a self-leveling floor, for example, in a garage);

Hygienic and easy to clean - washable plain water without processing with special compounds;

High adhesion (adhesion) to any substrate, no seams and gaps;

Fire safety (hardly flammable and "hardly combustible" material), non-toxic;

The simplicity of the device - the self-leveling floor can be made independently in just half a day (12 hours).

MINUSES:

Poor design compared to traditional species coatings;

Moral aging, that is, the self-leveling floor simply bothers its owner. But in this case, the coating can be renewed - apply a new layer of a different color;

Some types of self-leveling coatings turn yellow when exposed to ultraviolet rays;

Time-consuming preparation of the base for coating - careful leveling, putty is necessary;

Difficult to remove from the base when needed;

Artificial material;

Needed strict control humidity of the coating on which the floor is "poured"
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Thanks to modern solutions there are a huge number of variations in the design of the premises. Recently, the idea of ​​liquid linoleum has begun to spread at a high speed, and if you decide to get acquainted with this qualitatively new look, you will surely discover new boundaries in design skills. So, liquid linoleum is a recent novelty, which makes it possible to create the style of a room in any direction, depending on the personal preferences of the owners.

Purpose of liquid type linoleum

If we draw a parallel of comparative analogs between rolled linoleum and a liquid product, then we can conclude that they have one thing in common - the integrity of the entire canvas. There is a distant similarity in external indicators, but if you touch the surface, you can understand that this is not so. This liquid material in contact is insanely similar, if we consider the other parameters, it is worth noting that there are differences in all directions. If there is a need for a detailed reflection of the essence of this raw material for the floor, you can express yourself.

The first manufactured linoleum was applied strictly for the purposes of the industries of activity. The developers set themselves the goal of creating a solid foundation base for flooring, which would not be subject to abrasion and could easily be used in outbuildings - production, warehouse facilities. Then designers came up with the idea to decorate plain, unattractive floors with patterns, and the number of people who wanted to use the improved materials for home decoration increased significantly. Moreover, the increase in the number of consumers of this product occurred in a geometric progression.

Varieties of liquid products

The modern market space and competing manufacturers offer several forms and types of self-leveling floors, which are classified by fillers and are:

• cement-acrylic;
• polyurethane;
• resin.

Basically, liquid bulk linoleum is used for industrial purposes, although polyurethane products are used for high-quality design residential buildings. This is not surprising, because the material is durable, lightweight, thanks to which it is possible to imitate a natural coating without harming your own wallet. The thickness of the product also varies, and this indicator fluctuates in a small range of 1-7 mm, but if you follow the recommendations of the repair workers, for a traditional load it is recommended to choose a material with a layer of 1.5 mm. This value is enough for the smooth operation of the coating for the next decades.

Advantages and disadvantages of liquid linoleum material

Comparing this type of material with other elements, it is worth noting that there are colossal differences between it and other types of flooring. Let's consider its positive aspects.

1. The strength is quite high, because the products are traditionally not subject to mechanical influences. This positive feature gives the material superiority over ordinary linoleum, .
2. An important advantage that liquid linoleum has is its price. It is quite optimal for all the conveniences and advantages that can be obtained by giving preference to this particular material.
3. The first feature, as the main advantage, allows this group of products to have a virtually universal scope of use. These are personal housing, industrial facilities, warehouses, workshops, airports.
4. Waterproof - this high-quality polymer floor is distinguished by the fact that its equipment includes a layer that helps to repel water, so the product can withstand direct contact with liquid, and this property allows it to dominate over.
5. Lack of seams in the coating. Regardless of the parameters of the configuration and the area of ​​\ u200b \ u200bthe room, given view the product will provide a flat and smooth floor without joints, and this is an undoubted plus in terms of an aesthetic indicator.
6. Abundance design solutions: Compared to the classic variations, there is a large space for creative work here, because there is an opportunity to design unique individual solutions within any solution. You can choose, as well as pick up pictures of any subject.
7. Resistance to fire - this is due to the fact that the coating is related to a group of non-combustible elements, therefore, this type of finish is boldly used in social and industrial facilities.
8. The absence of toxicity is another indisputable plus. If you rationally observe the features and technologies of application, as well as the preparation of the material, it will 100% comply with all health safety standards not only for adults, but also for children.
9. The ease in care procedures makes the raw materials indispensable even for the laziest people. You can wash it with any household chemicals... The smooth surface of the material makes it easy and simple to deal with different kinds pollution.
10. Long service life - this indicator is achieved due to high strength characteristics. Plus or minus - decide for yourself, because many believe that for such a long time the floor can get bored. On the other hand, you will not have to spend a lot of time and money to transfer it.

Definitely: if you decide to buy liquid linoleum, you will not regret it. But in order not to have to deal with various pitfalls, it is necessary to consider in advance and negative points in the use of the material. This is a relatively high price and complexity that may arise during installation. Also not offered enough wide choose products within the color. Is it worth choosing linoleum, each person decides for himself, and many who have used and are using it give best reviews and recommendations.

Features of preparation and operation

Within the framework of modern home improvement stores, you can choose between two types of flooring - with one component and with two.

1. One-piece products are used for preparatory activities bases for any type of material. In another way, these elements are characterized as self-leveling screeds. They differ high rates strength, and with these products you can create a perfectly smooth type of surface.
2. Two-component compositions are used exclusively for finishing coatings. If we consider the composition, we can distinguish epoxy floors, cement-acrylic and products made on the basis of polyurethane.

Such distinctive features testify only to the fact that in the course of making a choice, it is necessary to have the most attentive attitude to the composition and type of material. Before creating the conditions for the formation of a quality foundation, it is necessary to carry out a number of activities.

Liquid linoleum is a name that has recently come into use. But only the integrity of the canvas makes it related to classical coatings. According to its characteristics and method of installation, it is a completely different material. Its second name is bulk (polymer) floor. What is remarkable about this finish and the features of its device will be considered in more detail.

Self-leveling floors differ from other types of coatings in the maximum number of advantages:

1. Strength. Not subject to mechanical stress, abrasion. For this characteristic, they surpass floor tiles, linoleum, parquet board and laminate. Scope of application: individual housing, industrial facilities (workshops, warehouses), airports. All this is due to the increased strength of the resulting surfaces.
2. Waterproof. The polymer floor is characterized by a monolithic durable water-repellent layer. Withstands direct contact with liquid. This property is superior to tiles. Most relevant for the bathroom.
3. Seamlessness of the coating. Regardless of the configuration and area of ​​the room, this coating will provide a smooth and even surface without joints. Which is an undoubted aesthetic plus.
4. Design solutions. Liquid bulk linoleum, in contrast to the classic roll materials opens up a wide space for the design of individual unique projects. This and 3D - drawings or photographs, just hand-painted using natural materials(shells, leaves) or sequins, coins and other things.
5. Resistant to combustion. The coating is a non-combustible material. Therefore, this finish is widely used in social and industrial facilities.
6. Non-toxic. At the right technology the application and preparation of the material meets the safety standards for human health.
7. Easy to care for. Resistant to a wide range of household chemicals. Due to the smooth surface, it will be easy to remove dirt.
8. Durability. This property is achieved due to the strength characteristics. This characteristic can be attributed to negative side... Over a long period of service, the coating can become boring. You will want to change the interior, and dismantling will be quite difficult due to the increased strength of the coating. Even liquid linoleum is resistant to temperature extremes.

The disadvantages of such coverage include the high price, complexity correct installation, a small assortment of colors. Given the advantages of liquid linoleum coating, its popularity becomes clear.

There are two types of self-leveling floors in the store:

1. One-component. They are used for pre-finishing preparation of the base for any type of coating. They are also called self-leveling screeds. They have increased strength and allow you to create perfectly flat surfaces without flaws.
2. Two-component. Such liquid linoleum products are used for finishing floors. According to their composition, they are distinguished: methyl methacrylate, epoxy, cement-acrylic, polyurethane. The latter type is used for interior decoration in residential premises. The other three are used as industrial flooring.

Therefore, when choosing a material, you should carefully consider the composition and type. To prepare a quality foundation, you need to perform a number of actions:

Leveling the surface. A one-component polymer compound can be used. It will allow you to achieve an ideal plane with high quality, in a short period. To do this, the rough base is cleaned, primed, poured with a quick-hardening solution. The period of complete solidification is up to 7 days. Concrete screed you will have to wait 28 days.

Padding. For reliability and quality, the composition is chosen deep penetration... The primer is applied in a large number, in two passes. The first layer dries up, proceed to the second.

Specially primed. It is carried out using a two-component polymer composition. Apply in a thin layer. Allow to dry for two days. In this way, the most flat plane is achieved, which is required by laying liquid linoleum.

When working with polymer coatings, personal respiratory protection means - respirators are required. The vapors released at the moment of solidification are harmful to humans.

Floor laying technology with liquid linoleum

Pouring liquid linoleum with your own hands is not difficult. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and choose the right materials and tools. Consider the most time consuming installation option - 3D linoleum.

For work, you need to prepare:

• perforator with a whisk for kneading;
• masking tape;
• nozzles for the sole of shoes with needles (will allow you to move around the flooded surface);
• wide spatula, needle roller,
• regular roller.

Of the materials you will need:

• two-component polymer composition;
• banner fabric with UV printing;
• polymer varnish.

Why is it better to apply large format printing? It will allow to convey to a greater extent the naturalness of color and volume of a picture, photograph. Such canvases have increased resistance to fading under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. It is better to order a banner larger than the area of ​​the room. Before gluing, the fabric is tried on and trimmed to the required size.

The process of fixing the banner begins with applying to the surface polymer varnish... The canvas is rolled out on the base. It is important to carefully smooth out the pattern so that the surface is flat, without bubbles or folds. Time is given to solidify.

The process of making a solution is not difficult. Both compositions are thoroughly mixed with a perforator with a whisk. The pot life of the solution is 30 to 50 minutes. Therefore, you will have to work continuously and quickly.

The fill starts from the far corner towards the exit. Part of the solution is poured out, spread over the floor with a wide spatula. The recommended layer is 1.5–3 mm. Then the entrance is a needle trowel. With its help, the final distribution of the solution over the surface is carried out, the expelling of air bubbles from the batch. The next part is poured a little away from the border of the first, the procedure is repeated with alignment. The solidification process takes two days.

After drying, some manufacturers suggest applying a layer of a special protective varnish. Contact with water is not recommended until the complete curing cycle.

If the installation of the floor covering is planned to be performed using glitter, natural materials, coins and other small objects, then they are glued using a two-component composition. It should not be forgotten that installation requires respiratory protection.

You can do this at home yourself if you are confident in your abilities. This finish, despite its advantages, also has disadvantages, including complex installation. But we can say with confidence where liquid linoleum is most relevant: in the kitchen, bathroom, toilet, hallway. These premises are distinguished by the greatest number of aggressive factors of influence. And given the strength, water-repellent characteristics liquid coating, the application will be justified.

Useful video: Liquid linoleum at home

Where to buy and price overview

There are several ways to purchase polymer coatings:

• through online stores;
• from dealers from manufacturers;
• in large chain stores of building materials;
• from firms that install coatings.

In the regions, polymer solutions are carried on order. Delivery time can be 7 to 14 days. Depends on the required volume.

The price per square meter starts from 350 rubles and above. On the domestic market, there are imported and Russian compositions. Due to the complexity of installation, in most cases they turn to professionals. Therefore, the cost of floors, taking into account all materials and work, costs from 5,000 to 10,000 on average. And if hand-painted, then the question “ how much does liquid linoleum cost?”Remains open.

Would you like to have liquid linoleum in your bathroom?

Hello! You have opened an article on the site, site, site about the device, installation and finishing of floors in the premises. In this article, we find out what liquid linoleum is.

What is liquid linoleum?

The concept of liquid linoleum cannot be attributed to names building material used in regulatory documents... Liquid linoleum is a construction slang applied to different types polymer self-leveling floor used for finishing the floor surface in industrial, public and residential premises.

Why did the concept of liquid linoleum appear?

Let's remember what linoleum is. Linoleum is an artificial or natural roll coating for indoor flooring for various purposes... Linoleum is distinguished by its small thickness, a variety of colors and, until recently, the artificiality of the material. It is now that the so-called natural linoleums have appeared, and earlier it was the most polymer material.

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Liquid linoleum is, in fact, a thin layer of polymer self-leveling floor, intended not for leveling the floor, but for finishing it and giving this finishing layer special characteristics. The main characteristic of liquid linoleum is its strength, additional characteristic this is his beauty.

I wrote in detail about the types of polymer self-leveling floor in the article: Types of polymer floor, here briefly. There are four types of liquid linoleum:

1. Polyurethane self-leveling floor... This type of coating is used in residential and public buildings... A type of polyurethane self-leveling floor, liquid linoleum with 3D drawings or, more simply, 3D floors.
2. Epoxy self-leveling floor. Applicable only in industrial buildings... These floors are durable and resistant to aggressive environments;
3. Methyl methacrylic. It is used only in industrial buildings. Average strength but high resistance to low temperatures;
4. Cement acrylic. Used in buildings Food Industry and public buildings. They are not afraid of moisture, various fats.

Bases for liquid linoleum

Liquid linoleum can be done on the following grounds:

• Concrete is preferred;
• Wooden floor (waterproofed);
• Ceramic tile (with polymer primer;
• Metal (with special primer).

Features of installing liquid linoleum

Liquid linoleum requires, like simple linoleum, careful preparation of the base. Special attention the evenness of the base is paid to the device of liquid linoleum. Floor preparation work is costly, which affects the cost of work on the installation of liquid linoleum.

Manufacturers of liquid linoleum (finished polymer flooring)

Let's highlight several popular manufacturers of self-leveling polymer floors:

• German Feidal;
• Russian Praspan;
• Teping company.

Other articles in the section: Polymer self-leveling floor

• Liquid linoleum is: what is liquid linoleum and features of its use

In pursuit of modern materials and new ideas for interior decoration can be found a lot. But the flooring should not only be modern, but also practical. Liquid linoleum is one of the most popular coatings today. In the article we will figure out what it is, what it costs, what are the advantages and disadvantages of this coverage.

What is liquid linoleum

It contains polymer, hardener and resins. Depending on which resin is used in the manufacture, the following types of bulk liquid linoleum are distinguished:

• polyurethane;
• epoxy;
• methyl methacrylic;
• cement-acrylic.

For domestic premises, in particular for apartments, polyurethane liquid floors are the most suitable in terms of their properties. But the cost of this type of liquid linoleum is much higher due to its heat-efficient properties. The rest of the types are used mainly in commercial and industrial premises.

Polyurethane liquid floor
Methyl methacrylic liquid floor

Epoxy self-leveling floor
Cement acrylic floor

Advantages of a liquid (polyurethane) floor

Compared to many other floor coverings, liquid polyurethane linoleum has a number of advantages. Let's take a closer look at the advantages of this material.

• High strength. The optimum thickness of the self-leveling floor is 1.5 cm. It is several times thicker than ordinary linoleum. This determines the high strength of the liquid floor.
• Durability. Subject to the correct installation technology, the self-leveling floor can last up to 50 years.
• The surface of this coating is perfectly flat and smooth, there are no joints or seams.
• Good anti-slip properties.
• Hygienic coating and antibacterial effect. The self-leveling floor is not susceptible to the development of fungi and mold (like, say, tiles, more precisely, the seams between them).
• Safe for health, as it does not contain toxic substances.
• Excellent shock resistance. Liquid bulk linoleum will survive in any conditions and will not deform. Heavy furniture, falling dishes, sharp heels - all this is not scary to bulk linoleum.
• Not afraid of temperature changes. Well compatible with underfloor heating, can be laid on an unheated balcony.
• Waterproof. Even a significant amount of water will not spoil this coating. This is ensured, first of all, by the composition of the self-leveling floor, as well as by the solidity of its surface.
• It has antistatic properties and therefore does not attract dust.
• Easy to clean. Polymer floor like "liquid linoleum" does not need maintenance. It does not need to be varnished, rubbed, sanded - it just serves you and that's it.
• You can update the coating, as well as repaint in other colors.

It should also be taken into account that it is possible to make an exclusive design of the self-leveling floor. For example, decorate the surface with some kind of drawing or photograph. True, here you will most likely need the help of professionals.

Cons of liquid linoleum

Any building material has its drawbacks. And if they are not there, then it is very expensive, which is already automatically its disadvantage. The price per square meter of liquid linoleum may not please everyone. But it is much cheaper than parquet and many other floor coverings. The disadvantages of liquid linoleum relate more to its installation.

1. Installation of liquid linoleum requires strict adherence to the process technology, accuracy and speed of action. In addition, before pouring the floor, it is necessary to level the surface as much as possible (wood, metal or concrete screed).
2. It is very difficult to dismantle the self-leveling floor. Therefore, if you really want to get rid of it, then it will be easier to put another floor covering on top of the self-leveling one.
3. Polyurethane floors can fade in the sun over the years. But this problem can be solved by renovating the floor with paint. In addition, there are special varnishes on sale that protect against exposure to sunlight.

The disadvantages of liquid linoleum are not so significant and in general it has excellent characteristics... Of course, in the bedroom or children's room there is no particular point in making a self-leveling floor. For these rooms, you can choose something more cozy and soft. But for the kitchen, bathroom and corridor it will be great option, a good alternative to ceramic tiles.

Installation of a liquid floor
Liquid linoleum in the kitchen

In addition, the use of liquid linoleum is relevant if the room has complex shape(rounded, with columns, etc.). In this case, you do not need to adjust or cut anything. Therefore, there will be no waste of materials and forces.