Warning: I changed my bull float technique on a big pour last month and the finish was way better.

I was doing a 30x40 slab for a shop in Bend. Usually I'd make two passes with the float, maybe three if it was being stubborn. This time I waited an extra 15 minutes after the bleed water was gone and did four lighter passes, lifting the leading edge just a bit more. The surface tightened up so much nicer and we had way less pitting to deal with before the final trowel. It added maybe 20 minutes to the whole process but saved us time later. Has anyone else found that more, gentler passes work better than fewer heavy ones?

3 comments

3 Comments

matthewharris23d ago

That "more, gentler passes" idea totally matches what my old foreman always said.

kevin_west21d ago

But sometimes you just need to get the job done fast, right? A single, firm pass can save a ton of time if you know what you're doing. All those extra light passes can turn a quick task into a whole afternoon project. Maybe the old way isn't always the best way for every situation.

joel_hall1723d ago

My grandpa taught me the same thing with wood.