Products
Exterior Stucco
| Name | LevelX | |
| Type | Polymer-modified leveling and base coat for stucco finishes | |
| Application Method | Hand applied with embedded fiberglass mesh | |
| Product Overview |  Merlex LEVELX is specifically designed to level walls and provide a crack- resistant base coat. LEVELX contains a high percentage of polymer for flexibility and bond strength, and additives for workability and working time. The product has suction to ensure good bond between the finish plaster and base coat. LEVELX can also be used on rescrubs directly over structurally sound existing plaster, eliminating the need for sandblasting. When mesh is embedded in LEVELX, cracking is reduced significantly, which allows for higher-quality smooth- troweled finishes, or for any finish when crack tolerances are low. | |
| Benefits |
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| Textures & Substrates | LEVELX is suitable for application over standard Portland cement brown coat, concrete masonry units, existing stucco, and poured-in-place concrete. | |
| Components & Storage | Merlex LEVELX is packaged in 50 lb. bags, 56 bags per pallet. Product must be kept dry at all times. | |
| Coverage | Coverage depends on texture of substrate and thickness of mesh used. One 50 lb. sack will cover approximately 50 to 70 square feet at 1/8" thickness over 4 ounce mesh. | |
| Mixing | Merlex LEVELX should be mixed with clean water to a consistency of pancake batter. This can be accomplished one bag at a time in a bucket with a suitable drill and mixing paddle, or in a mechanical mixer. Do not entrain air by overmixing or using excessive mixer speed. After mixing, allow material to sit for approximately 5 minutes, and then re-temper by mixing for a short period of time. | |
| Application | Merlex LEVELX must be used in conjunction with alkali-resistant mesh (4 ounce/square yard mesh is available from your Merlex distributor) to achieve its full crack-resistance. Apply 1/8" of LEVELX over the substrate and then immediately embed mesh in LEVELX. An additional coat of LEVELX may be needed to fully bury the mesh. Leave LEVELX rough or use a sponge float in order to achieve mechanical bond when the finish plaster is applied. Wet the LEVELX before applying any cement finish coat. Allow LEVELX to dry at least 24 hours. No bonding agent is needed if finish coat is applied before LEVELX has fully cured (28 days). | |
| Clean-up | Immediately clean all tools and mixing equipment with water after use. | |
| Limitations | Merlex LEVELX should not be expected to eliminate all cracking, and is most effective for controlling one-time minor structural cracks, including door and window cracks. A surface bonder, such as Merlex Superhold, should be used when applying LEVELX over painted surfaces and smooth surfaces with minimal suction. LEVELX should not be used when temperature exceeds 110°F (43°C) or will fall below 40°F (4°C) within 48 hours of application. | |
| Warranty | Merlex LEVELX is warranted to perform in accordance with the product specification when used according to application instructions. This warranty is limited to and shall not exceed the total amount paid by the buyer for the product. In no event will Merlex Stucco, Inc. be liable for loss of profits, labor, or special or consequential damages in respect to any claim. The foregoing warranties are in lieu of all other warranties express or implied including those concerning fitness for a particular use. | |
| Environmental & Safety | Merlex LEVELX contains Portland cement and is alkaline on contact with water. May be irritating to eyes and skin. Wear appropriate dust, skin, and eye protection. In case of eye contact, flush immediately with water, and consult a physician. Wash hands with soap and water after use and before eating. Keep out of reach of children. | |
| Material Standards | Portlandcement:ASTMC-150 Silica sand: ASTM C-144 Hydrated lime: ASTM C-206 |