How to apply
Self Levelling Screed
- Initial Set 2hrs
- Final Set 6hrs
- >20 MPa
- 3mm Thickness
How to correctly apply KWIKscreed is a cement-based, fast-setting self-levelling mortar designed to correct uneven concrete substrates and create a smooth, tile-ready surface for subsequent floor finishes. It is suitable for interior applications where a flat, wear-resistant finish is required prior to tiling, carpeting, or other floor coverings. KWIKScreed flows easily to fill low spots and minor surface irregularities, producing a level surface that supports reliable tile installation
ESSENTIAL APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Suitable Substrates
Installation Conditions
- Substrates must be sound, clean, and structurally stable
- Concrete substrates must be fully cured (minimum 28 days) and free of laitance, dust, grease, curing compounds, paint, or contaminants
- Substrate moisture content must be 5% or less before application
- Surfaces requiring priming must be correctly primed using Kwik-Key or Kwik-Key Slurry, depending on porosity and condition
- KWIKScreed is intended for interior floor applications only
- Application thickness must remain within the recommended range
- Only mix quantities that can be placed and finished within the product’s working time
- Movement joints in the substrate must be carried through the screed layer and must never be filled with screed
Incorrect surface preparation or omission of priming is the most common cause of screed failure.
Priming Requirements
- Highly absorbent surfaces: prime to regulate suction and prevent rapid moisture loss
- Dense or smooth surfaces: ensure full, even primer coverage to promote adhesion
Application Thickness
- Typical application thickness: 3-4 mm
- Do not exceed the maximum recommended thickness in a single application
- For deeper corrections, apply in multiple layers, allowing the screed to set between applications
Coverage (20KG Bag)
(Coverage depends on trowel size, conditions & application.)Â
- Approx. 4 m² at 3 mm thickness
Ready for Floor Covering
- Light foot traffic may be permitted once the screed has set sufficiently
- Tiling/carpeting may commence once the screed has hardened and residual moisture has dissipated, subject to site conditions
Screed Application Process
STEP 1
Surface Prep
Proper surface preparation is critical to achieving a flat, durable, and long-lasting levelling layer.
The Critical Step that most neglect
Correct surface preparation is critical to the performance of every KWIKtile product.
Before application, ensure the surface is:
- Clean and free of dust, dirt, grease, paint and loose material
- Sound, stable and free from movement
- Dry unless the installation method specifies otherwise
- Flat and suitable for the intended application
Different surfaces require different preparation methods. Tiling onto concrete, existing tiles, plaster, fibre cement, painted surfaces and other substrates each have their own requirements.
Find the Correct Preparation Method
Most tile installation failures occur because the surface was not prepared correctly.
Before you begin, visit our Surface Preparation Hub to view the correct preparation method for your specific substrate.
STEP 2
Priming
Correct priming is mandatory to ensure proper adhesion, flow, and curing performance of KWIKscreed.
Priming
Highly absorbent substrates:
 Prime with Kwik-Key diluted 1:1 to regulate suction
Dense, sealed, power-floated, or tiled substrates:
 Apply Kwik-Key Slurry to create a mechanical bond
Priming prevents pin-holing, rapid moisture loss, debonding, and uneven curing.
STEP 3
Mixing
Two approved mixing methods are provided. Both achieve the same performance when mixed correctly — choose the method best suited to your experience level and site conditions.
Mixing KWIKscreed
Novice Mixing Method (Controlled Mixing)
Recommended for first-time users, smaller areas, or where additional working control is required.
- Divide one 20 kg bag into three equal portions
- Use 3 clean mixing buckets
- Add approx. 1.8 L of clean water to each bucket
- Gradually add ± ⅓ of the powder to each bucket while mixing
- Mix using a drill and paddle until smooth and lump-free (pouring honey consistency)
- Mix buckets in sequence to extend working control
- Allow material to stand for ±5 minutes to de-foam and activate
- Remix briefly before pouring
- Do not add extra water once mixed
- Use mixed material within the specified working time.
Pro Mixing Method (Single-Batch Mixing)
Recommended for experienced installers and larger, continuous pours.
- Add approx. 5.5 L of clean, cool water to a mixing container
- Gradually add one full 20 kg bag of KWIKscreed while mixing
- Mix using a mechanical mixer for 2–3 minutes until smooth and lump-free (pouring honey consistency)
- Allow material to stand for ±5 minutes
- Remix briefly before pouring
- Ideal water temperature: 20–25 °C
- Do not add extra water once mixed
- Use mixed material immediately within the specified working time.
STEP 4
Application & levelling
Movement joints accommodate structural movement and thermal expansion and are essential to prevent cracking.
Apply KWIKscreed evenly to achieve a smooth, level surface ready for floor finishes.
Key Principles
- Pour screed onto the prepared surface and spread using a steel trowel, squeegee, or gauge rake
- Work material into all low spots and surface irregularities
- Use a spiked roller to release trapped air and assist flow
- Maintain a wet edge and work continuously to avoid cold joints
- Apply at the recommended thickness (3mm-4mm)
KWIKscreed is self-levelling but still requires correct placement and assistance for best results.
STEP 5
Drying
Movement joints accommodate structural movement and thermal expansion and are essential to prevent cracking.
KWIKscreed, drying & readiness for floor finishes
Allow KWIKscreed to dry and gain strength before installing floor finishes.
- Initial set: approximately 2 hours
- Ready for light foot traffic: approximately 6 hours
- Suitable for installation of tiles, vinyl, carpets, or other floor coverings once dry and moisture-safe
Drying times may vary depending on thickness, temperature, ventilation, and site conditions
Curing and Finishing
KWIKscreed is a fast-setting, high-performance cement-based self-leveller designed to provide a smooth, even surface prior to floor finishes. Offering rapid strength development and excellent flow for easier installation. Avoid traffic and loading until the screed has cured adequately.
Curing Guidelines
KWIKscreed is a cement-based self-levelling compound and must be cured correctly to prevent surface cracking, poor adhesion of final floor finishes, and delamination.
- Avoid foot traffic or surface disturbance until cured
- Protect the floor from draughts, sun, and temperature extremes
- Normal setting time: ± 4–6 hours (depending on conditions)
- Light foot traffic: After ±6–12 hours
- Final curing for floor finish application: After 24–48 hours
- Protect from early moisture loss in hot or windy conditions
Additional notes
- Cooler temperatures may extend curing times
- High temperatures will accelerate setting time
- High humidity can slow down adhesive set
- Always follow recommended application practices
When to Apply Floor Finishes
Before applying your final floor finish:
- Check that the screed is fully cured and dry
- Ensure moisture content is below 3% (if sensitive finishes are used)
- Surface should be free from laitance, dust, and contaminants