How long does it take for a self-leveling floor under linoleum to dry?

When carrying out repairs, before moving on to the stage of laying linoleum, it is worth asking how long it takes for the self-leveling floor under linoleum to dry. After all, all your further actions will depend on this parameter. There are a number of factors that determine the drying period of liquid surfaces. 

What determines the drying time? 

The liquid base gradually begins to dry out within an hour after you apply it to the surface. The final time required for complete drying will depend on some features, we list the main ones: 

• Type of mixture used. 
• Number of layers applied. 
• Use of various additives. 
• Thickness of each layer. 
• Type of finish protection. 

REFERENCE. In most cases, within an hour after completing the work of applying the liquid base, it begins to gradually dry out. On average, it will take at least 5 hours to dry completely. 

Polymerization period of various coatings

Each manufacturer indicates on the packaging of the self-leveling floor mixture the approximate time required for its polymerization. Let's consider the main types of compositions for self-leveling floors and, accordingly, the required time for them to dry: 

1. Polymer surfaces.It may take from 2 to 6 days for them to dry, and in each individual case this period will be individual, depending on the presence of additives in the composition, special additional components, thickness and number of layers. 
2. Cement based coatings. When choosing this type of base, be prepared for the fact that you will need to allocate a sufficient amount of time for drying. Most often, this type of mixture is used in private construction. Polymerization will take from 7 to 14 days. 
3. Gypsum mixtures. By choosing this mixture, you will be able to enter the room within two days, but you can install furniture or some equipment no earlier than after 10 days. 
4. Quick-drying surface. Everything is pretty fast here. For such a mixture to dry completely it will take about 2–5 hours. 
5. Polyurethane surface. By choosing this composition, you will be able to walk on the finished surface within 10–15 hours, but complete polymerization occurs only after the third day. 

Having familiarized yourself with the polymerization period of the main compositions, you will be able to rationally distribute the schedule for repair work.