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EARLY FINISHING

TROWEL FLOATING FINISHING EXPANSION JOINTS

Early Finishing 

It plays a critical role in determining surface quality, durability, and long-term performance.

Purpose and Importance

  • Consolidates the surface by eliminating voids and bringing cement paste to the top.
  • Levels and smooths the surface to prepare it for final finishing.
  • Prevents surface defects like honeycombing, segregation, and crusting.
  • Manages bleed water by allowing it to rise and evaporate before sealing the surface.
  • Prepares the slab for surface treatments such as troweling, brooming, or stamping.

Tools Commonly Used

  • Bull float for early surface smoothing and paste distribution.
  • Darby for smoothing smaller or detailed areas.
  • Edging tools for forming and strengthening slab edges.
  • Magnesium hand floats for early-stage floating without prematurely sealing the surface.
  • Power floats for efficiently working large surface areas.

Best Practices and Tips

  • Begin early finishing only after bleed water has evaporated to avoid surface defects.
  • Watch environmental conditions like temperature and wind, as they affect set time.
  • Use evaporation retarders in hot or dry conditions to slow surface drying.
  • Avoid over-finishing the surface to maintain surface strength and durability.
  • Use magnesium tools rather than steel floats in early stages to prevent premature sealing.
  • Plan and mark control joints early to manage cracking and slab movement.
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