How to Install SPC Flooring: A Complete Guide from Subfloor Preparation to Maintenance

If you’re wondering how to install SPC or LVT flooring, which products to use, and how to choose the right adhesive, this guide walks you through every step: from subfloor preparation to surface cleaning and maintenance 

The quality of an SPC or LVT floor depends not only on the flooring material itself but on the entire installation system. Proper subfloor preparation, a professional adhesive, and the right maintenance products are essential to achieve a stable, durable, and long-lasting floor.

With the Chimiver SPC LINE, every stage is supported by products specifically designed to work together, providing a complete system for subfloor preparation, leveling, installation, and maintenance of SPC, LVT, and other resilient flooring.
In this guide, you’ll learn:

• how to properly prepare the subfloor;
• which products to use for patching and leveling;
• which adhesive to choose for installing SPC and LVT flooring;
• how to perform routine and deep maintenance correctly.

Step 1 – Preparing the Subfloor

An improperly prepared subfloor can compromise the adhesion of SPC or LVT flooring, leading over time to debonding, surface irregularities, or aesthetic defects. The subfloor must be solid, level, clean, and free from visible grout joints. Only under these conditions can the adhesive achieve its full bonding performance and ensure a durable installation.

To prepare the subfloor correctly, Chimiver offers:

• PRYMER SF 1105:A two-component water-based epoxy primer designed to block residual moisture in absorbent substrates and consolidate dusty subfloors.
• PRYMER EPOX WETT: PA three-component primer suitable for blocking residual moisture in both absorbent and non-absorbent substrates (such as smooth cement screeds, marble, porcelain tiles, ceramic, etc.) prior to the installation of resilient flooring.
• RASAFUGA PERFETTO: When installing SPC flooring over existing ceramic tiles, it is essential to prevent the grout joints from showing through the new flooring. RASAFUGA PERFETTO is a ready-to-use smoothing compound designed to fill grout joints, create a perfectly even surface, and prepare the substrate for SPC and LVT installation. Watch the tutorial on how to use RASAFUGA PERFETTO before installing SPC and LVT flooring: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fvj8IEff0AQ

Step 2 – Leveling the Substrate

Whenever the substrate has irregularities, self-leveling compounds or smoothing products should be used to create a perfectly flat surface.

The Chimiver system includes both primers and leveling compounds:

• CHIMIGRIP:A water-based acrylic primer that improves adhesion on both absorbent and non-absorbent substrates. It is particularly suitable for creating a uniform surface before subsequent applications.
• PRYMER W: A water-based consolidating primer ideal for dusty substrates, absorbent screeds, and surfaces requiring superficial consolidation.
• RASOCHIM PRO, a cement-based self-leveling compound for thicknesses up to 20 mm.
• RASOCHIM MICRO, a thixotropic cement-based smoothing compound designed to level both horizontal and vertical surfaces.

Learn more about the RASOCHIM range of self-leveling and cement-based smoothing compounds: https://chimiver.com/autolivellanti-rasanti-cementizi-rasochim-nuova-linea/

Step 3 – Installing SPC and LVT Flooring

The adhesive must provide a secure and long-lasting bond.

Which Adhesive Should You Use for SPC and LVT Flooring?

Choosing the right adhesive is one of the most important aspects of the entire installation process. To achieve a secure, stable, and durable bond, the first consideration should always be the type of substrate, distinguishing between absorbent and non-absorbent surfaces.

Next-generation silane adhesives provide:

• excellent adhesion;
• permanent elasticity;
• long-lasting performance;
• moisture resistance;
• outstanding dimensional stability.

Absorbent Substrates

For full-surface installations, Chimiver recommends ADESIVER RE MS, a one-component silane-based adhesive, ideal for installing medium and large SPC, LVT, and PVC flooring and wall coverings.

For localized repairs, skirting boards, stairs, thresholds, or small installation areas, ATTAKKO PRO MAXoffers a practical and fast solution.
Its cartridge packaging allows precise application with no waste, making it ideal whenever a full-spread adhesive applied with a trowel is unnecessary. SDiscover all the features of ATTAKKO PRO MAX in the dedicated article: https://chimiver.com/attakko-pro-max-adesivo-presa-rapida-battiscopa/
It can also be used as an effective alternative to ADESIVER RE MS for localized applications requiring a high-performance adhesive.

Non-Absorbent Substrates

For non-absorbent substrates, Chimiver recommends ADESIVER RE MS or ADESIVER RE 702, a two-component polyurethane adhesive suitable for installing resilient flooring in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing SPC and LVT Flooring

The most common installation mistakes include:

• installing over damp subfloors;
• failing to consolidate dusty surfaces;
• leaving grout joints from old tiles untreated;
• using unsuitable adhesives;
• ignoring product drying times;
• failing to check the flatness of the substrate.

Proper preparation significantly reduces the risk of debonding, swelling, and aesthetic defects over time.

Step 4 – Cleaning and Maintaining SPC and LVT Flooring

Proper maintenance helps preserve both the appearance and performance of your flooring over time.

Routine Cleaning

For everyday cleaning, Chimiver recommends Velurex Cleaner SPC/LVT, an antistatic cleaner specifically formulated for the routine maintenance of resilient and vinyl flooring.

Removing Stubborn Dirt

For grease, heavy soiling, or stubborn residues, use Velurex Sgrassatore. It provides deeper cleaning without damaging the floor when used according to the instructions.

Repairing Minor Damage

Light scratches, small chips, or surface imperfections can be repaired with Velurex Re-pair, a specialized solution designed for localized repairs, helping maintain the floor’s original appearance over time.

Why Choose a Complete Installation System?

Choosing a complete system means using products specifically developed to be fully compatible with one another, reducing installation errors and improving the long-term performance of the flooring.

Whether you’re carrying out a new installation or renovating an existing floor, the Chimiver SPC LINE supports every stage of the project: ubfloor preparation, leveling, installation, and maintenance.

The Complete Chimiver System for SPC and LVT Flooring

The result: a stable, durable, and easy-to-maintain flooring system.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the best adhesive for SPC flooring?

For full-surface installations, ADESIVER RE MS is recommended. For small repairs or localized applications, ATTAKKO PRO MAX is the ideal solution.

• Can SPC flooring be installed over existing ceramic tiles?

Yes, provided the existing substrate is stable and the grout joints are filled beforehand using a suitable product such as RASAFUGA PERFETTO.

• Is it necessary to fill the grout joints of old tiles?

Yes. If grout joints remain visible, they may eventually telegraph through the new flooring. RASAFUGA PERFETTO has been specifically developed for this application.

• How should the subfloor be prepared before installing SPC flooring?

The substrate must be clean, stable, and level. Depending on its condition, you can use CHIMIGRIP, PRYMER W, RASAFUGA PERFETTO, and, if required, RASOCHIM PRO or RASOCHIM MICRO.

• How can minor scratches on SPC or LVT flooring be repaired?

For localized touch-ups and minor repairs, use Velurex Re-Pair.

Further Information and Support

For tutorials, installation guides, and practical tips, visit the Chimiver Academy, or watch our videos on the Chimiver YouTube Channel.

Need more information? The Chimiver team is ready to help you choose the professional adhesive and installation system that best suits your project.