Ardex K12 Levelling and Smoothing Compound

20kg Bag

Ardex K12 Levelling and Smoothing Compound is designed for experienced commercial contractors to prepare large commercial and retail areas for carpet and vinyl installations. ARDEX K 12 New dries to a super smooth finish eliminating the need for mechanical sanding.

Ardex K12 Levelling and Smoothing Compound is an advanced cement and polymer based levelling and smoothing compound. Ardex K12 Levelling and Smoothing Compound is formulated for experienced commercial contractors to smooth and level large commercial and retail areas. Once dry it is suitable
for the application of vinyl, carpet and tile floor finishes. Unlike normal hydration levellers, ARDEX K 12 will harden and dry at temperatures down to 10°C.

• Super smooth – requires no sanding
• Versatile – apply 1.5mm to 35mm in one application
• Rapid hardening – walkable from 2 hours Superior flow – fast application
• Flexible – hand mix or pump application

SUBSTRATES

New and existing concrete, ARDEX A38, ARDEX A48, ARDEX K 900 BF

Substrates with special requirements (Contact ARDEX Technical Services or view relevant Technical Bulletin online) Moisture vulnerable concrete, compressed fibre cement flooring, terrazzo, quarry and ceramic tiles, concrete subfloors with electric under floor heating, existing epoxy coatings, lightweight autoclave concrete, primer treated metal, patching timber under underlay sheets

SURFACE PREPARATION

Concrete floors must be solid, clean and free of wax, grease, asphalt, latex compounds, curing and sealing compounds and any other surface contaminants. Mechanically prepare the floor using recommended preparation methods such as shot blasting, scarifying, diamond grinding, shaving or other suitable methods to provide a roughened, clean, sound, solid and open porous surface.

Acid etching is not an acceptable method of cleaning the subfloor. Do not use solvents or sweeping compounds.

Subfloors must be dry (AS 1884) and properly primed for successful installation. Subfloor temperatures must be a minimum of 10°C. For further information, contact ARDEX technical services.

PRIMING

Use ARDEX P 51 over standard concrete floors prior
to the installation of ARDEX levelling compounds. Mix
1 part ARDEX P 51 with 2 parts water and apply evenly using a push broom. Do not use paint rollers, mops, or spray equipment. Do not leave any bare spots. Brush off all puddles of excess primer. Allow to dry to a thin, clear film (min. 3 hours, max. 24 hours). Very absorbent concrete may require two applications of primer to avoid pinholes and bubbling in the levelling compound. In such cases, make the initial coat 1 part ARDEX P 51 diluted with 3 parts water. Allow to dry and install a second coat of 1 part ARDEX P 51 diluted with 1 part water. Allow to dry to a thin, clear film (min. 3 hours, max. 24 hours).

Use ARDEX P 82 or P9 for non-porous substrates. Mix part A (red) with part B (white) and apply with a short-nap or sponge paint roller, leaving a thin transparent pink coat of primer no heavier than a coat of paint. Do not leave any bare spots. Roll off any areas of excess primer. Allow to dry to a thin, slightly tacky film (min. 3 hours, max. 24 hours). ARDEX P 82 must be applied in a thin layer within 1 hour of mixing. Refer to the Mixing Ratio section for adjustment of mix design when using ARDEX P 82 under ARDEX K 12 new.

Note: Low subfloor temperatures and/or high ambient humidity require longer drying time for ARDEX primers. Do not install levelling compounds until primers have dried thoroughly.

MIXING RATIO

4.8 litres of water to 20kg of ARDEX K 12 new.
IMPORTANT: When used in conjunction with ARDEX P 82 and for high stress areas, mix 1 litre of ARDEX E 25 with 4.5 litres of water per 20kg bag of ARDEX K 12 new.

MIXING

ARDEX Floor levelling products react and harden very quickly when mixed with water. Thorough mixing in the shortest time is essential to ensure the powder and water are evenly dispersed throughout the mix to obtain a lump-free mortar. Always mix the powder into the water. Concrete mixers and hand mixing are not suitable methods.

The most efficient method of mixing is by using an ARDEX mixing paddle and a heavy-duty electric drill (650 rpm). Normal mixing time of a 20kg bag using an electric drill or paddle is 2 to 3 minutes.

To 4.8 litres of water, add ARDEX K 12 new powder whilst mixing thoroughly. Do not over-water. Or 1 part water to 3.5 parts of ARDEX K 12 new powder by volume.

THICKNESS

ARDEX K 12 new can be applied from 1.5mm to 35mm thickness in one application.

For areas requiring a thickness over 35mm, ARDEX K 12 new can be mixed with a well washed and dried 2–5mm aggregate. Mix ARDEX K 12 new with water (4.5L) first then add the aggregate (up to an equal weight of the powder) whilst mixing.

SHELF LIFE

ARDEX K 12 new has a shelf life of 12 months when stored in the original unopened packaging, in a dry place at 23°C and 50% relative humidity.

DRYING – HARDENING

Drying time is dependent on jobsite temperature, humidity, installation thickness & floor covering type. (Based on 23°C and 50% RH.)

ARDEX K 12 new when applied in a 3mm layer will harden after approximately 2–3 hours at 23°C and can be walked on after this time.
Suitable for tiles once walkable. (generally 2+ hours)

Ready for vinyl in 18 hours.

COVERAGE

Approximately 1.7kg powder/mm/m2

A 20kg bag will cover approximately 4m2 at 3mm thickness.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE FOLLOWING

This product is not designed as a decorative finish and may have some colour variations that will in no way adversely affect the performance of the product.

SAFETY DATA

This product may cause irritation and an allergic reaction to the skin. It may cause serious eye injury and irritation to the respiratory system. In case of contact with
the eyes rinse with running water (15 mins) including removal of contaminated clothing. Wear protective gloves, clothing, eye and face protection. Avoid inhaling dust/ fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. Ensure adequate ventilation during mixing and application. Store locked up. Check with your local Council regarding the disposal of contents. Keep out of the reach of children.
Call the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126 (AUS) and 0800 764 766 (NZ) or call a doctor if you feel unwell. Additional information is in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) at www.ardexaustralia.com

Size: 20Kg
Supplier Code: K12N