Stopped using the big float for driveways last summer

I used to always grab the 3 foot magnesium float for residential driveways. Figured bigger meant faster and smoother. Then last July I was working a job in Fresno and the slab was cooking off fast in the heat. That big float was pulling too much paste to the surface and I ended up with a dusting mess that looked terrible the next morning. Neighbor on the site told me to switch to a 2 foot float and take my time. I fought him on it for a good 10 minutes but finally tried it. Now I never touch the big one for anything under 30 yards. The finish is way tighter and I don't have to worry about burn spots. Anyone else find that smaller tools save you on repairs down the road?

3 comments

3 Comments

alex_nguyen24d agoMost Upvoted

Pulling too much paste" nailed it. Had a slab turn to chalky dust because of my trowel.

perez.patricia23d ago

HAD the EXACT same thing happen on a garage slab last year! Thought I was being careful but I guess I got too aggressive with the trowel and just pulled all the cream up. Ended up with this dusty mess that wouldn't harden no matter what I did. Had to grind the whole thing down and resurface it, what a nightmare. Never making that mistake again I tell you.

verar2121d ago

Funny you mention Fresno, I was out there last May helping a buddy with a patio pour. It was so hot the mix was going off in the truck before we even got it in the forms. We ended up having to wet the whole load down with a hose just to get it workable. That big float would have been a disaster for sure. Smaller tools just let you feel the surface better.