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Float, Trowel, and Cure

6:38
11:06
589.9K views

At 6:38 in

DIY Concrete Countertops For DUMMIES

What happens here

After screeding, use a finishing float or trowel to smooth the concrete surface. Gently glide the float over the concrete, allowing it to move on the moisture that rises to the surface. This process helps to bring the cement paste up, fill any remaining small voids, and remove air bubbles, resulting in a smooth finish. Be careful not to press too hard or 'dig' into the concrete, as this can pull out aggregates. Once finished, leave the concrete slab to cure for at least three days. For optimal curing, cover the slab with a plastic bag or tarp to retain moisture, which helps the concrete hydrate evenly and achieve maximum strength.

Goal: Achieve a smooth concrete surface and allow for proper curing.

Tools and materials

  • Finishing Float / Trowel — Smoothing the concrete surface
  • Gloves — Hand protection
  • Plastic Bag / Tarp — Covering the slab to aid in even curing

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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