Old timer told me to stop using a broom on fresh concrete. Tried a magnesium float instead and wow.

Was finishing a driveway in Phoenix last month, maybe 60 yards. Guy who taught me 20 years ago came by, watched me brush finish it, just laughed. Said I was making it rougher than it needed to be for residential. Handed me his old magnesium float, told me to go over it one more time while it was still setting. The color evened out, no drag marks. Felt like I been doing it wrong my whole career. Anyone else switch tools late in the game and regret not doing it sooner?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_elizabeth1mo ago

@ryan_nelson nailed it with the timing thing. That moment when bleed water is gone is everything. Hit it too early and you're just smearing mud around.

ryan_nelson1mo ago

Honestly, how long did it take before you stopped fighting the float and just let it do the work? That first pass with a magnesium float feels weirdly light compared to a broom, but man does it ever clean up the surface. Ngl, I was still using a wooden float for years, thinking the grain helped, but switching to mag was like night and day - way less friction and way more control over the finish. The trick I learned is to hit it right when the bleed water disappears, then let it sit a few minutes before you even touch it. Once you get the timing down, you'll never go back to brushing unless it's for a pool deck or something.