SKIMCRETE® XL is a fast drying, fast cover, latex modified, blended cement patch. This trowelable product is adhesive friendly, having the lowest alkalinity of blended cement patches to meet or exceed requirements of adhesive manufacturers. It is fast drying yet it has an extra long pot life, extending your opportunities, not delaying your finish. SKIMCRETE® XL is easy to work with on virtually any interior surface.
Features and Benefits
- Long working time
- Moisture resistant to 8 lb. MVER
- Quick uniform drying time, regardless of thickness
- No additives or primers for most uses
- Featheredge to 5/8” thick – without aggregate
- Non staining
- Superior workability
- Better coverage
- Lowest alkalinity, adhesive friendly
- Creamy, grit-free application
- No dusting or cracking
- Aluminate cement promotes better flowability
- 40 lb. (18.14 kg.) Pail Plastic with handle (net)
- 25 lb. (11.25 kg.) Bag Kraft paper, double wall bag
- 10 lb. (4.5 kg.) Gable Top Box
SURFACE PREPARATION
All supporting surfaces shall be structurally sound, solid, free of movement and well bonded. Ensure underlying surface is free of excess moisture and clean of any contaminants such as dirt, wax, oil, paint, curing compounds, sealers, solvent, oil products or any gypsum materials or foreign matter that may interfere with a proper bond. When a proper bond is questionable, perform a test patch in an inconspicuous area. DO NOT PROCEED if dissatisfied with bond and contact DEPENDABLE’s Technical Services.
Concrete Floors
Remove all foreign matter by mechanical means. Floor must be free of efflorescence and excess moisture. SKIMCRETE® XL will usually accept whatever moisture level the floor covering and adhesive will safely tolerate up to 8 lb. MVER with a calcium chloride test (ASTM F1869-09) or 90% humidity with a relative humidity RH (insitu probe) test (ASTM F2170-09). To correct moisture problems, including lack of proper under slab vapor barrier, see DEPENDABLE’s moisture protection products.
Wood Floors
Ensure wood floors are free of movement and excessive moisture. Fasten any loose boards. Stripwood floors should be covered with underlayment grade quality board.
Underlayment Board Joints
To avoid “peaking,” do not butt sheets tightly. Leave a space the thickness of a matchbook cover (approx. 1/32”) between sheets. The installer may wish to seal the joints, hammer-indents and other “raw” spots with an appropriate brush coat of DEPENDABLE LATEX. This will keep the moisture in SKIMCRETE® XL and/or the adhesive from being drawn into the board, which may cause swelling and/or delamination.
Existing Ceramic Tile, Quarry Tile, etc. (Not Vinyl–VCT & VAT)
Must be well bonded. The surface must be clean and free of waxes and contaminants that might inhibit bonding. For best bond, prime with ACRYLIC EMBOSSING ADDITIVE™. Once primed, allow AREA to nearly dry and become tacky before covering with SKIMCRETE® XL.
Metal Floors
Remove any rust or contaminants. Wash and allow to dry completely. Prime with DEPENDABLE ACRYLIC EMBOSSING ADDITIVE™. Allow to nearly dry and become tacky.
Vinyl Floors
Existing resilient floors shall be single layer, fully adhered and well bonded. Thoroughly clean all foreign matter such as dirt, grease, oil, wax or any other contaminates which may inhibit bond. While floor is wet, use a cleaning pad and remove any remaining wax or dirt, while scuffing the surface. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry. New wear layers being sold can be difficult to bond to. While some wear layers may be bonded to with just a thorough cleaning, others may re- quire abrading and/or priming the surface with DEPENDABLE ACRYLIC EMBOSSING ADDITIVE™. ACRYLIC EMBOSSING ADDITIVE™ must be added to the powdered product to increase bonding characteristics. The installer is advised to always perform a test patch area over resilient goods to assure acceptable bond.
Adhesive Residue
Using mechanical means, remove loose, brittle or thick/heavy accumulations to a well-bonded residue. Sweep or vacuum area. Prime residue with DEPENDABLE ACRYLIC EMBOSSING ADDITIVE™ and allow to become nearly dry and tacky. Caution: Cutback adhesive may contain asbestos. Contact state or local authorities for proper removal and disposal procedures.
MIXING
Add 2.5 to 3 parts SKIMCRETE® XL to 1 part cool clean water or DEPENDABLE latex additives. Use clean containers and mixing implements, as leftover residue can accelerate set and/or reduce pot life of new mix. Mix thoroughly to a lump-free trowelable consistency. Mixture will remain workable for 15-20 minutes. Mix only what can be used in that time. Do not attempt to extend pot life by later adding water. Do not mix directly on floor. Use felt, scrap vinyl or mixing bucket. Over vinyl floors or whenever used as a primer, ACRYLIC EMBOSSING ADDITIVE™ must be used in place of water.
APPLICATION
Using a smooth flat trowel, force SKIMCRETE® XL into joints, cracks holes and deeper fills bearing down on the trowel. Smooth the surface to a thin covering over the prepared substrate. Build any thicker fills or transitions to 5/8” thick. Deeper fills may be achieved with multiple lifts. Always allow prior lift to dry completely. When dry, sand or scrape smooth for a perfect finish.
Vinyl Floors — When using SKIMCRETE® XL as an embossing leveler, mix approximately 2.5-3 parts SKIMCRETE® XL into 1 part ACRYLIC EMBOSSING ADDITIVE™. Mix to a lump free trowelable mix. Apply using a flat smooth steel trowel drawing material across the pattern to be filled at angles to the pattern to ensure an even and complete fill. Allow to dry completely, at least two (2) hours before covering.
Metal Floors — To assure no chemical reaction and a good bond, performing a test patch is recommended.
LIMITATIONS
Do not use…
• Where hydrostatic pressure (water) exists or moisture emissions exceed level permitted for installing floor covering.
• Where surface or ambient temperature falls to or below 50°F within 72 hours of installation
• Over presswood, particle board, masonite, chipboard, OSB, underlayment board not of APA Underlayment (exterior) grade or similar dimensionally unstable materials susceptible to movement or swelling.
• Over gypsum based patches or underlayment material due to chemical reaction.
• Single layer stripwood floors.
WARNING
CAUSES SKIN IRRITATION. INJURIOUS TO EYES.
Contains standard portland cement and silica. Do not breathe dust. Dust can cause delayed lung injury (Silicosis). Use in a well ventilated area or wear a properly fitted NIOSH/MSHA approved respirator. Avoid eye contact. In case of eye contact, flush with water a minimum of 15 minutes. Consult a physician immediately. Avoid prolonged contact with skin. Wash thoroughly after handling.

Packaging