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Just realized a wet sponge trowel can save a hot pour
Had a driveway job in Tempe last week where the mix was setting up way too fast in the sun. My usual timing was off by a full hour. On a whim, I grabbed a clean sponge, soaked it, and ran it over the back of my steel trowel before each pass. It added just enough moisture to the surface to get a slick finish without pulling up fines. I was sweating bullets but it worked. Anyone got other tricks for a fast-setting slab in direct heat?
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oliviac225mo ago
Remember using a spray bottle with a tiny bit of vinegar in it, like @dylanbell mentioned with soap.
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dylanbell6mo ago
Man, that's a slick move with the sponge. I read a forum post once where a guy swore by keeping a spray bottle with just plain water and a tiny bit of liquid soap mixed in. He'd give the surface a super light mist right before the final trowel pass. Said the soap helped it spread without marking up the cream. Another old timer told me he'd have his helper lightly sprinkle a fine mist from a garden hose over the slab while he worked behind them, but you gotta be SO careful not to overdo it and wash out the surface.
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