VL201 Versatile Leveling

DESCRIPTION 

PrepWorx VL201 is a high-flow, self-leveling underlayment that can be reworked and refreshed for extended work time, offering flexibility for flooring projects. It smoothly levels a variety of interior substrates, even with up to 99% RH. Self-leveling up to 1 inch, it can be easily applied by pouring or pumping. With a flow time of up to 25 minutes when applied with a spiked roller, it creates a durable, flat surface, providing an ideal base for finished flooring at any grade level. 

AVAILABLE SYSTEMS 

When PrepWorx VL201 is installed as directed as part of one of the approved systems below, it qualifies for applicable system warranty coverage, making it a reliable and efficient choice for moisture control. 

APPROVED SUBSTRATES

  • Interior use only for residential and commercial applications 

  • Produces flat, smooth surfaces for installing textile, resilient, ceramic, and engineered wood floor coverings 

  • Suitable over: 

  • Structurally sound concrete 

  • Well-bonded hard surface flooring (e.g., terrazzo, ceramic tile, stone, epoxy coatings) 

  • PrepWorx moisture control systems

  • Well-bonded, non-water-soluble adhesive residues (including cutback adhesive) 

  • Do not use over chemically abated substrates. 

                              

                                                      

SUBSTRATE TESTING 

  • Refer to substrate moisture limits per flooring installation requirements. 

  • Moisture testing per ASTM F-2170 In-situ Relative Humidity: Testing must be performed per latest revision. Three tests must be conducted for the first 1000 SF and one additional test per 1000 SF. 

  • Moisture Testing per ASTM F-2170 In-situ Relative Humidity: 99%RH 

  • Vapor retarder compliant with ASTM E1745 is in place and absent of hydrostatic pressure.  

  • If RH exceeds acceptable levels, apply a moisture control system like PrepWorx MCS310 or VBS311. 

SUBSTRATE PREPARATION 

  • Substrates must be structurally sound, clean, and surface dry. 

  • Substrate must be free of dust, dirt, oil, grease, paint, curing agents, concrete sealers, loosely bonded toppings, loose particles and any other substance or condition that may prevent or reduce adhesion. 

  • Any weakly bonded or soft surface material, such as loose patching compounds, leveling compounds, floor coverings, or coatings, must be removed. 

  • Do not use sweeping compounds.  

Concrete Substrate: 

  • Concrete and cementitious substrates must be fully cured and free of hydrostatic pressure and topical moisture.  

  • Clean surfaces using mechanical methods and avoid using acid etching or sanding, which will not provide adequate bonding preparation.   

  • For dormant cracks wider than 1/32” (0.8 mm), PrepWorx CJR400 may be used to repair. 

  • It is recommended to fill dormant cracks and saw cuts deeper that 1”, using Prepworx MRS101 or QVR110. 

  • Ensure all moving joints, including expansion and isolation joints, as well as moving cracks, are properly addressed and accounted for throughout the entire flooring system, including the finish layer. No flooring material should be installed over these areas. 

  • If no moisture control system is needed, prime the clean surface with PrepWorx QBC300. 

WARNING! DO NOT SAND, DRY SWEEP, DRY SCRAPE, DRILL, SAW, BEAD BLAST OR MECHANICALLY CHIP OR PULVERISE EXISTING RESILIENT FLOORING, BACKING, LINING FELT , ASPHALTIC “ CUT BACK” ADHESIVES OR OTHER ADHESIVES. These products may contain either asbestos fibers and/or crystalline silica. Avoid creating dust. Inhalation of such dust is a cancer and respiratory tract hazard. Smoking by individuals exposed to asbestos fibers greatly increases the risk of serious bodily harm. Unless positively certain that the product is a non‐asbestos‐containing material, you must presume it contains asbestos. Regulations may require that the material be tested to determine asbestos content and may govern the removal and disposal of material. See current edition of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) publication Recommended Work Practices for Removal of Resilient Floor Coverings for detailed information and instructions on removing all resilient covering structures. For current information go to www.rfci.com.  

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND COVERAGE RATES 

Read and follow the product specific installation guidelines for layout, design and any special instructions for installation. 

Mixing 

  • Product strength and performance are dependent on exact mixing ratios. Mix each 50 lb. bag with 5 – 5 ¼ quarts (4.73 – 4.97 L) of clean water. 

  • Mix two bags at a time by adding the water first, then gradually incorporating the powder while mixing. 

  • Mix with a heavy-duty drill (min. 650 rpm) for 2-3 minutes to achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency.  

  • Do not overwater the mixture, as additional water weakens the material.  

Application 

  • Pour the mix onto the floor and spread with a spreader. Immediately smooth the material with a smoother or use a spiked roller. 

  • Work continuously during the entire installation. Wear plastic-cleated shoes to avoid leaving marks. 

  • Apply at a minimum thickness of 1/16'' (1.5 mm) over the highest point, with an average thickness of 1/8'' (3 mm) over the entire floor. For thin applications, taper the product to match existing elevations. 

  • Flow Time - Up to 25 minutes (spiked roller) | 10-20 minutes (smoother) ​

  • Thickness of application: 

  • When installed over PrepWorx VBS311 Moisture Control: ¼” (6mm) 

  • When installed over substrates primed with PrepWorx QBC300: ½” (12mm)  

  • When installed over PrepWorx MCS310 with Sand Broadcast: 1” (24mm) 

  • Self-leveling up to 1 inch

  • For installations over ½”, product must be mixed at low-end water ratio. 

  • Product can be pumped for higher productivity using automatic mixing pumps. 

Curing 

  • Drying times may vary based on environmental conditions and the thickness of the application. 

  • Foot traffic can begin 2-3 hours after installation. 

  • For ceramic, porcelain, or quarry tiles, allow up to 6 hours for curing. 

  • Most floor coverings can be installed after 24 hours, depending on thickness and substrate. For applications greater than 3/8” (9 mm), conduct a mat test (ASTM D4263) before installing floor coverings. 

  • Always refer to floor covering guidelines for installation over cement-based patch products. 

  • Ensure proper ventilation for sufficient curing. Do not apply fans or other forced air to surface. 

Coverage Rates 

Coverage rates are approximate values. Actual coverages may vary according to substrate conditions and thickness of the application. 

Application Depth Approximate Coverage per 50 lb bag 

1/8” (3 mm) 50 sq ft (4.65 m2) 

1/4" (6 mm) 25 sq ft (2.32 m2) 

PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS 

Weight 

50 lbs / bag 

Pallet Quantity 

48 bags / pallet 

Pallet Weight 

2484 lbs 

Physical State 

Dry Powder 

Color 

Gray 

Shelf Life 

1 year from manufacturing date (unopened package) 

Storage Conditions 

Store away from direct sunlight in a well-ventilated, cool, dry area. If storing after opening, remove all air from packaging and seal tightly. 
Freeze/Thaw Freeze thaw stable

Compressive Strength (ASTM C109) 

4700 psi 

Cleaning Instructions 

While still fresh, wash hands, tools and equipment with warm soapy water. 

Traffic / Installation

  • Traffic: 2-3 hours 

  • Installation: LVP/LVT/Sheet Goods/Other flooring: 24 hours* 

  • Installation:  

*Most floor covering can be installed after 24 hours, depending on thickness and substrate. For applications greater that 3/8” (9mm), conduct a mat test (ASTM D4263) before installing floor covering 

WARRANTY 

Standard product warranty is 1 year.  When combined with certain PrepWorx moisture management and flooring adhesive products the term of warranty is extended ranging from 10 to 20 years.  See Shaw System Warranty (Warranties) for complete details. 

Moisture Control Solution 20 Year Commercial Limited System Warranty
Vapor Barrier Solution 10 Year Commercial Limited System Warranty
PrepWorx Floor Preparation 1 Year Limited Warranty

PRECAUTIONS 

Carefully read and follow all precautions and warnings on the product label. For complete safety information, please refer to the Safety Data Sheet.

Revision: 03102026
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