6 Concrete Mixing Mistakes

[@sssslaphie]

one time a friend builder told me: CLEAN TOOLS ARE HAPPY TOOLS! now thats always in my mind when working with concrete!

[@creatingconcrete]

So true because concrete will ruin your tools every time if you forget to clean them!

[@AlexthunderGnum]

Speaking of amount of water. When I use my mixer, there is a point when there is enough water to make the mix stick together in large lump, which revolves inside the mixer, drops down in one blob and then revolves again. It doesn't seem to be mixing anymore until some more water is added. That is my indication of how much water is enough. It is, of course, more than the "damp sand" definition you have given. So how do you mix "damp sand" mix in a mixer? Can you demonstrate?

[@cchemmes-seeseeart3948]

Great info. I can totally see people easily making these mistakes... like wanting to go ahead & premix your sand & cement, not considering the residual water. Let me please remember this advice one year from now, Lord, thank you, Amen.

[@jillpayne1952]

Excellent advice. So helpful. Many thanks mate.

[@creatingconcrete]

I am happy this was helpful for you. Cheers.

[@By_Rant_Or_Ruin]

What about premixed bags? They sit premixed on shelves in bags.

[@Yambataller]

What about cement liquefier? I saw no this product that makes concrete more liquid but it’s not water. Should I mix the co Crete with this instead of water? Is it helpful to pour cement into molds? I’m trying to find a big mold to make big planters, but can’t find any large enough online… any tips?

[@ConcreteCauldron]

Thank you

[@graceburlson1307]

Hi, how are you? When rain falls, inside floor gets wet. I need to high the floor level with 10centimetrs. After my floor is high, I place nothing. What floor should I make

[@chantell1106]

What’s the best way to clean the tools? And where do you get rid of any residue? I’ll be working from home so won’t be able to dump in the sink. Also, I plan to make small decorative items so is it ok to make a slight runnier mix in this case? Thanks

[@creatingconcrete]

You are correct that dumping in the sink is a no-go. Cleanup for tools is best completed with sponges. This allows you to use minimal water to maximum effect. Rinse everything into a water bucket to stand overnight. The silt will settle to the bottom and in the morning you pour off / siphon off the top clear liquid. Then you have semi-solid sludge at the bottom you can put in a garbage bag or throw out in a back corner of your yard. When you do a lot of work you often will have a hole for dumping the dirty water in somewhere but obviously not everyone has the same setup. As for runny mix, no you would want to explore water reducer or super plasticizer to make it more runny. If you add that much water it will compromise the strength, shrink too much and crack.

[@chantell1106]

@@creatingconcrete Thanks for the advice!