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Spray bottle trick for high humidity pours
Was finishing a slab when the air got really thick. Light misting with a spray bottle kept the surface from setting too fast. The broom finish turned out smooth.
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young.eric3mo ago
Saw a similar trick with bakers spraying bread dough in a humid kitchen. It's all about controlling moisture when the air won't cooperate, just in different trades.
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the_thea3mo ago
Works every time. Thick air can really mess with concrete setting times. A light mist slows down the drying, which is key for a smooth finish. I've used this on driveways when the weather turns muggy. Just don't overdo it, or you'll weaken the surface. It's a simple fix that saves a lot of hassle.
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blair_taylor323mo ago
How do you actually judge the humidity level before deciding to mist? Is there a rule of thumb, like a certain dew point, or is it more of a look-at-the-sky thing? I've seen guys get it wrong and end up with that chalky surface from adding water at the wrong time. Do you wait for the sheen to leave the concrete, or go by a time schedule after pouring?
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lily1672mo ago
Yeah, my buddy learned that the hard way, @blair_taylor32. He used to just watch the sheen, but on a super dry day that was already too late. Now he checks by lightly touching the surface with his palm, and if it feels cool but not wet, he starts a light mist. It stopped that chalky finish for him.
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