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Stesso

Float and Finish the Surface

6:39
11:06
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At 6:39 in

DIY Concrete Countertops For DUMMIES

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What happens here

Once the concrete is poured and air bubbles are removed, use a long, straight piece of wood (like a 2x4 or 1x3) to 'screed' the surface. Shimmy it from side to side, moving it across the entire mold to level the concrete. Push high spots into low spots and add more concrete to any remaining low areas, then repeat the screeding. Next, use a float and a finishing trowel to smooth the surface. Gently glide the float over the moist concrete, allowing it to move easily with the water that rises to the surface. This action helps bring the 'fines' (cement paste) to the top, fills minor imperfections, and removes any remaining water, resulting in a glazed, smooth finish. Avoid pressing too hard or digging into the concrete, as this can pull out aggregate. After achieving the desired smooth finish, leave the concrete to cure for at least three days. For optimal curing, cover the slab with a plastic bag or tarp. This helps to retain moisture, allowing the concrete to hydrate and condition evenly, preventing rapid drying and potential cracking.

Goal: Achieve a smooth, level, and properly cured concrete surface

Tools and materials

  • Concrete Float — Smoothing the concrete surface after screeding
  • Finishing Trowel — Achieving a smooth, glazed finish on the concrete
  • Long Straight Board — Screeding the concrete to level the surface
  • Plastic Sheeting / Tarp — Covering the concrete during curing to retain moisture

What they say

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about it so what I'm doing right now is as all the fluid is being written right the reason while all the food is rising up you know all the little voids are being filled in the air bubbles are coming out I'm using a float at the fishing crowd and you just you're just allowing for it to glide on the moisture if you carry it or dip it too much it will pull some rocks out so just be gentle floated you're creating a smooth surface you're getting rid of Duff excuse me you're getting rid of the water that's coming out and it's gonna give you a lot better finish here look at this other side compared look at that just glazing beautiful and these are still coarse and bumpy so we're gonna glaze that out as well to match that once you feel like you've done all the work that you can to get all the air bubbles out as well as finishing off the top of the slab what you want to do is leave it alone for three days and let the concrete cure the best thing you can actually do is put a plastic bag or a tarp over the slab to help it cure evenly it'll release moisture and at the same time absorb that same moisture to hydrate and condition the slab to be ready for use

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