Found a way to keep that fresh concrete edge from chipping off during the finishing pass

Been fighting with this one driveway apron for weeks. Every time I'd edge the slab and come back for the final pass, the lip would crumble. Tried waiting longer, tried less water, nothing worked. Then an old guy at the supply yard told me to spray a light mist of water on the edge tool itself before each pass. No more chipping. Anyone else run into this or is my mix just weird?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_henry1mo ago

Oh come on, that just sounds like adding more water to the mix is asking for trouble. A wetter tool means you're basically lubricating the edge, but that water's gonna weaken that thin crust of cement paste you're trying to protect. I've seen guys try that trick and end up with a fuzzy, worn-down look instead of a clean lip.

uma_lopez1mo ago

True, but I've found a barely damp sponge actually seals the edge cleaner than dry troweling ever does.