Float the concrete when you're done grooving and edging (Photo 6). Floating removes the marks left by edging and brings the surface one step closer to a final finish. You may have to bear down on the float if the concrete is starting to harden.
Is a float the same as a trowel?
A float has a thicker base than a trowel and is usually made of plastic, sponge, rubber, wood or magnesium – a lightweight pale grey metal. It's used to even up the surface on plaster or concrete, make it firmer and give whatever texture is required. The finish will depend on the float chosen.
What happens if you dont float concrete?
More often, premature finishing or improper first (bull floating) or second floating results in trapping rising bleed water and air below the top surface of the concrete (Image 2). When this occurs, the resulting weak or soft zone below the surface causes the top surface of the concrete to flake or scale off.Apr 21, 2011
Do you have to use a bull float on concrete?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RS6425XuXA
Can you finish concrete without a bull float?
A bull float is used to level and smooth freshly poured concrete. Concrete used for visible projects, such as driveways, patios and sidewalks, often requires finishing. ... A bull float is a tool used for finishing concrete.
What is the difference between float and trowel?
STEEL TROWELS. Purpose: Used after floating to produce a smooth, hard, dense slab surface. What's available: Steel trowels look similar to hand floats, except the blades are thinner and the handles are open rather than closed. The key difference among tools is the type of steel used for the blade.
What is a float tool used for?
A concrete float is a tool used to finish a concrete surface by making it smooth. A float is used after the surface has been made level using a screed. In addition to removing surface imperfections, floating will compact the concrete as preparation for further steps.
What does a pool trowel do?
Standard Pool Trowels: These are referred to as pool or swimming pool trowels and are made for curved, smooth surfaces. They are usually used in finish coats that require minimal lines and are smooth in appearance. These have rounded ends, in order to minimize the amount of lines that each stroke of the trowel makes.
How do you float and trowel concrete?
Hold the trowel almost flat and swing it in large overlapping arcs while applying pressure. Float the concrete when you're done grooving and edging (Photo 6). Floating removes the marks left by edging and brings the surface one step closer to a final finish.