What Is a Hardwood Floor Skim Coat?

About Hardwood Floor Skim Coat

• Skim coat is a coating of cement material for skimming over a foundation or existing floor being converted to a base underneath new flooring. It provides a smooth, level surface underneath various flooring types. Hardwood floors are among the most common floor types laid on top of skim coat.

Preparation and Application

• Before application, clean the surface where you will be adding skim coat. Remove dirt, oil and other material that could interfere with contact between skim coat and the subfloor. Avoid using acidic cleaners and adhesive removers. Check the skim coat package instructions whether the manufacturer recommends prewetting the subfloor. Mix skim coat with water according to the directions. Finish by applying the mixture with a trowel and smoothing.

Click and Lock Hardwood Floor Repair

• Skim coat repairs loose or bouncing wood floor panels that result from an uneven subfloor. Without attention, trouble spots in your hardwood floor worsen and spread. Before dissembling your floor, mark the panel at the problem area’s center. Then begin removing panels from the floor’s edge, working toward the problem area. Label your panels with numbers as you remove them for proper placement when you reinstall them. Locate the subfloor’s low spot and fill it with prepared skim coat. Let skim coat dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and then reinstall the wood panels.

Skim Coat Under a New Hardwood Floor

• Hardwood floor installation begins with subfloor preparation. One of the most important preparations is ensuring it is flat. An even wood floor outperforms an uneven wood floor by lasting longer and better supporting furniture. Correct low areas and high areas by smoothing skim coat on top of the subfloor evening the surface. Let skim coat dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before installing the floor.