Unpopular opinion: A pinch of sugar in the mix is a game changer

I learned this from an old timer on a job site. He told me sugar can slow down the concrete when it's hot out. I didn't believe him until I tried it myself. It gave me more time to get a smooth finish. Now I always have some on hand for tough pours.

4 comments

4 Comments

michael6691mo agoMost Upvoted

Listen to lunafox about using the proper stuff. Sugar works until it doesn't, and a bad batch from guessing the ratio will cost you more than a bottle of retarder. Consistency beats kitchen chemistry every single time.

lunafox1mo ago

Heard that trick before but man, it’s risky. Messed up a whole slab once because it set way uneven. These days I just use a proper retarder from the supply house, way more reliable.

kai4451mo ago

Works every time for me... just gotta be careful.

kimmurphy1mo ago

Wait, you're still using sugar? I can't believe that actually works for anyone more than once. The whole point is getting a consistent set time, and sugar water is the opposite of consistent. It's not just about being careful, it's about the humidity and temperature changing how it works every single day. You're basically playing Russian roulette with your materials.