Use a metal putty knife or scraper to gently pry baseboards off the walls. Start at one end of the baseboard and move along the entire length of the piece until the whole board is loose enough to pull off the wall.
A shop-vac is the best type of vacuum for this job. You might end up destroying your regular vacuum if you suck up too much cement and heavy debris. You can most likely rent a shop-vac at your local home improvement center by the day. It’s important that the floor receiving the cement (the stumps) is in good shape before you even start pouring the cement. [3] X Expert Source Lui ColmenaresHandyman Expert Interview. 18 August 2020.
You want to fill in any cracks before you prime the floor and pour leveler, or you will end up using much more leveler as it flows into the cracks.
Work in small sections with the carpenter’s level to ensure you sweep over the whole room. Lay the level flat on the floor and look at the bubble in the middle to see if the floor is level in each section.
You can rent a concrete grinder for the job at most home center stores. Remember that you will have to get the grinder up and down the stairs if you are working in a basement.
You can also fill a paint tray with the primer and use a long-handled paint roller to spread it over the floor. [8] X Research source 1 gallon (3. 78 l) of primer can cover up to 400 square feet (37 square meters) of floor space.
Don’t mix more than one bag of concrete leveler at a time because you only have about 15-30 minutes during which it is pourable and spreadable. Work with a partner if you can, so that one person can mix the next batch of leveler while the other pours and spreads it out. [11] X Research source If you’re using self-leveling cement, its viscosity will be quite low, about that of a milkshake. Therefore, make sure that all the sides are secured so the concrete won’t spill over to an area where you don’t want it to be. [12] X Expert Source Lui ColmenaresHandyman Expert Interview. 18 August 2020.
Concrete leveler compound is designed to spread out evenly with the force of gravity. Use the squeegee to help it out in any spots where it looks like it is pooling or not flowing on its own. You can also use a small hand trowel to help get it in the corners and along the edges of the walls.
You can install tile or other hard-surfaced flooring on top of the concrete when it is dry enough to walk on. Wait at least 16 hours before you install moisture-sensitive flooring like carpet. Drying time can vary depending on temperature and humidity. [15] X Expert Source Gerber Ortiz-VegaMasonry Specialist & Founder, GO Masonry LLC Expert Interview. 10 March 2020.
