When using a magnesium bull float, sealing the concrete surface is less likely if you:

When using a magnesium bull float, sealing the concrete surface is less likely if you:

• A. Increase the tilt of the head to angle the blade
• B. Control the tilt of the head to keep the blade as flat as possible
• C. Keep the blade at a steep angle
• D. Move quickly with abrupt stops

Answer: (B)

Keeping the blade flat and level is the best way to prevent sealing of the surface. A flat blade applies light, even pressure and lets the bleed water and cream come to the surface without pushing cement paste back into the surface. Tilting the head or using a steep angle increases downward pressure and drags more paste into the surface, which can seal the capillaries and form a film that hinders proper finishing. Moving quickly with abrupt stops mainly affects texture and marks rather than sealing. So, the right approach is to keep the bull float head as flat as possible and use smooth, even strokes.

Keeping the blade flat and level is the best way to prevent sealing of the surface. A flat blade applies light, even pressure and lets the bleed water and cream come to the surface without pushing cement paste back into the surface. Tilting the head or using a steep angle increases downward pressure and drags more paste into the surface, which can seal the capillaries and form a film that hinders proper finishing. Moving quickly with abrupt stops mainly affects texture and marks rather than sealing. So, the right approach is to keep the bull float head as flat as possible and use smooth, even strokes.