8
Just realized I've been using the wrong trowel for stamped concrete for years
Had a big patio job in Tempe last month and had to pick between my old 16" magnesium trowel or a new 14" steel one for the final pass. I went with the steel and the finish came out way smoother, with way less drag on the pattern. Anyone else find steel makes a real difference on stamp work, or is it just me?
2 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In2 Comments
susan4243d ago
Switched to steel trowels for stamp work a couple years back after fighting with magnesium for ages. Thought the lighter weight was worth it, but the steel just glides better on that final pass. It leaves a cleaner surface for the stamps to bite into without tearing up the cream. Now my crew won't touch anything else for pattern work.
3
williamh482d ago
Yeah that "cleaner surface for the stamps to bite into" is the whole game right there. I found steel gives you that extra bit of burnish right before you stamp, which seems to lock the cream in place. Magnesium would sometimes grab and pull just enough to leave a faint line where you lifted the trowel. It's a small thing but it makes the pattern look way sharper in the end.
9