Had to pick between a magnesium and a wood float for a tricky slab

I was finishing a garage floor in Springfield last week, about 500 square feet. The mix was a bit wetter than I like, and I had to choose between hitting it with my magnesium float first or going straight to the wood one. I went with the magnesium, did two passes, and let it set up for maybe 20 minutes before switching to wood. It came out smooth with no bad marks. Anyone else have a go-to move for a soupy pour?

3 comments

3 Comments

fiona98520d ago

My old boss in Tampa always said a wet mix needs that magnesium first, no question. It pulls up just enough cream without digging in like wood can. I give it two passes exactly like you did, then wait until my boot leaves maybe a quarter-inch print before the wood float comes out. That wait time is key, rushing it makes a huge mess. Your method is spot on for a tricky pour.

taylor.sean20d ago

That "quarter-inch print" rule is like what @ray136 said about humidity, it's all about reading the conditions, not just the steps.

ray13620d ago

The quarter-inch boot print is a solid rule, but humidity can throw that timing off. On a muggy day, I've seen that same mix hold water for an extra twenty minutes before it was ready for wood. Gotta watch the sheen on the surface more than the clock.