Finishing Concrete - 8 Skills To Learn To Become A Better Finisher

#EverythingAboutConcrete #MikeDayConcrete
Finishing concrete requires some skills you need to learn before being considered a concrete finisher.
When we pour and finish concrete, there's some skills we use like mag floating, jointing, edging, and troweling to get the type of finish desired.
Most concrete finishes we do on an every day basis is smooth trowel finish and broom finishes. These two popular concrete finishes require a certain set of skills and techniques to accomplish them and get a good finished surface. This video shows how we accomplish those finishes by applying the skills correctly.
To learn more in depth skills and get more training, check out The Concrete Underground below. Inside there are more training videos that teach about pouring and finishing concrete.
LEARN FROM ME - PRIVATE MEMBERSHIP AREA:
www.theconcreteunderground.co...
MY STAMPED CONCRETE COURSE:
mike-day.mykajabi.com/offers/...
MY CONCRETE SLAB COURSE:
mike-day.mykajabi.com/pl/79570
FOUNDATION CRACK REPAIR COURSE:
mike-day.mykajabi.com/offers/...
GARAGE EPOXY FLOOR COATING COURSE:
mike-day.mykajabi.com/offers/...
VISIT MY WEBSITE:
www.everything-about-concrete...
USE THE SAME TOOLS I DO:
36" MBW POWER TROWEL:
imp.i284638.net/oeRMmn
ScreeDemon Gas Powered Vibratory Screed:
imp.i284638.net/4ZKEL
Screedemon Battery Powered Vibratory Screed:
imp.i284638.net/LzdBo
14' Screed Board for ScreeDemon:
imp.i284638.net/QOPDZM
MARSHALLTOWN SHOCKWAVE VIBRA-SCREED:
amzn.to/2tZ79ti
TOPCON LASER LEVEL:
amzn.to/2VrJ3zV
DEWALT PENCIL VIBRATOR TOOL:
amzn.to/2Km5Zis
INVERTER GENERATOR LIKE WE USE:
amzn.to/2XfWfwe
BULLFLOAT:
amzn.to/2U1Kx2F
HAND FINISHING KNEE BOARDS:
amzn.to/2TZmTUj
MAG FLOAT & STEEL TROWEL SET:
amzn.to/2IgmDOq
2" MARGIN TROWEL:
amzn.to/2G33KNn
CONCRETE PLACER OR KUMALONG:
amzn.to/2I00gxp
CONCRETE FINISHING BROOM:
amzn.to/2UytU2B
CONCRETE SCREED:
amzn.to/2WZxtwm
CONCRETE EDGER:
amzn.to/2GbGkEp
CONCRETE GROOVER:
amzn.to/2PaL414
BOSCH HAMMER DRILL:
amzn.to/31AHnaN
MY RECOMMENDED TOOLS PAGE:
www.everything-about-concrete...
SUBSCRIBE to my email list and get my FREE video guide on how to get the perfect broom finish on a concrete patio:
forms.aweber.com/form/44/2003...
Follow me on Twitter:
/ creteexpert
Follow me on Instagram:
everything_...
Follow my Facebook Page:
/ everythingaboutconcrete

[@TheyCallMeGator]

I love when people go out of their way to help others learn a new craft. Respect, brother.

[@DeterminedBeast]

As an asphalt company owner, the difference between a good concrete guy and not, is knowing when to apply finishing touches. Learning this now, and have improved leaps and bounds by just trying to understand when to apply these techniques.

[@ZachScorsone]

would love to see a tour of the trucks, what tools you keep with you all the time and how you organize them

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Noted!

[@nathanschroer8521]

I’ve always thought that

[@Concrete615]

That would be awesome as I am looking for ideas to make my work truck more functional

[@michaeldelvecchio7898]

Great request. I'd be interested as well.

[@bantambryce4858]

I want to see that little crane set up he uses for his power trowel

[@mattgee8064]

As someone who has gone through the concrete underground, it is a great resource . Always look forward to your videos. Keep it up Mike

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks Matt!

[@ebk304]

Thank you 🙏🏻 I’m just getting into finishing so this helps me a lot. I’m 34 & wish I would’ve started earlier.

[@robertferguson4366]

Thanks for the video!! I learned a few tricks and tips for my concrete addition project.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Glad it was helpful!

[@LuisMartinez-tf4vm]

Mike,you are the best concrete channel in KZbin!!

[@bradhill4590]

Great video Mike! You guys always do professional work. I do the same joints in between doors. Watching your videos got me into using water reducer in almost all my concrete. I love it!

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Rocco1994]

i just recently started my apprenticeship for finishing and these are very helpful!

[@organogold8]

Thank you so much!! You're my favorite concrete guy to watch! I lied you're the Only one 😂 I needed this! Concrete Underground 😳🥰

[@delbertandrewfreelandjr4889]

King! I love this brotherhood!

[@triztimedrks7896]

For the front cut down on garages and pole barns, we measure to the end of block, cut a 2 by 4 to the length then put a nail about a half in down in one end and cut the head off the nail. Let the nail ride on the forms and you’ll have a perfect half inch cut down

[@alwaysapplypressure2477]

Excellent Video thank you I needed that learned alot in a short videos

[@samuelchristianson1592]

We typically pull the lid off the drain when we finish. If that drain allows that. I like the joint off the door. It does typically crack. Great place for zip strip. I get pretty picky on my overhead doors and check them with a strike off. Keep the videos coming. Great work.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks Samuel!

[@JayDee-xj9lu]

My concreter suggested a round drain as the square ones have more chance of cracking around the drain. Great video. What is the smoothest finish that will allow 2 pack painting on my garage floor. I'm having 300 square metres done this week. Thank you.

[@jeremyhuggins8796]

Thanks for the information Mike.

[@MikeDayConcrete]

You bet!

[@zackm3021]

Hi Mike! I always appreciate your humble and straightforward way of imparting your knowledge about concrete. Just curious what mix do you use on most of your pours? I usually use 3500 mix for flat work...

[@5graney5]

Great stuff Thx

[@jasongarza3369]

True professional Mr Day!

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks Jason!

[@rangepro]

You look like an artist at work! great information!

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks JD!

[@johnfahey7215]

Thanks for pointing out what to do around the drain. I worked with finishers who wanted to avoid those “bird baths”, and broke in any new guys about it, just as you did in this video. 👍😀 Good job!

[@johnfahey7215]

@@lydiaanderson4247 Hi. not sure who you you are?

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks

[@viankalobosvalenzuela7456]

Excelente trabajo, muy buenos videos siempre, saludos desde Chile 🇨🇱🇨🇱💯💯

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thank you!

[@biglockjoker6259]

Thanks.

[@kellyinfanger9192]

At 2:00 minutes in, you use your mag to level up those edges. For what it is worth, I often handle my mag bavkwards. Your hand is close to the backside of the mag which applies more pressure next to the wall. That makes a new guy tend to mag it in un-level. Reversing the handle away from the wall when the mud is still soft tends to help keep the outer edge higher/level.

[@carloscain6673]

Why would nu a pool trowel with round edges on a square edge ?

[@jcastro6428]

Good job guys

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thank you!

[@Skankhunt-uf4nd]

I have worked whith concrete for my self and ith is hard and dirty job, but it is good to know it

[@drocha3257]

I like to use a magnesium beveler float and a short burner for the door cutout.

[@VgniK88]

Good job boys

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks

[@shawnbalmer3712]

Mike when I pour floors like this should I cut in control joints next day? I usually do, but I am getting ready to pour a 30x23 was going to give it 4 squares next morning

[@mikeradke9786]

Where did you get that boom you used to lower your walk behind onto the floor?Great investment!

[@alexpinto3925]

Do you offer any in person training events or classes?

[@donaldcurtis9229]

Nice tricks to the trade I poured floors for 37 years

[@joshramey6633]

Got alot of experience in what I did lot of hand finishing used to half popeye for arms lol probably know what I mean real works the forearm muscles and willing to learn new things we finished floors called it burnt in looked like a mirror

[@thedailyright5430]

Hey mike! I was wondering if you need any sort of training or certificate to be in this kind of work? I was thinking about getting into it and not sure where to start

[@anthony6298]

Hi Mike, thankyou for these informative videos. I have a question. In Nebraska, contractors will often ask for a mix with 10% limestone. Unless I missed it somewhere in your numerous videos, I have not heard you mention anything about the addition of limestone. Could it be that adding it would be similar to adding fiber mesh?

[@MikeDayConcrete]

No, not like fibermesh. We don't use Limestone here in Maine but I found this good answer on the web. Crushed limestone has several important advantages over river gravel as an aggregate for concrete. First, for a given amount of cement in the mix, crushed limestone concrete will have an approximately 10% strength advantage. This strength advantage comes from the fact that cement bonds tighter to limestone than to a slick/smooth gravel and the strength that is derived from the sharp angular faces of the crushed aggregate. Second, because crushed limestone has a lighter unit weight than gravel, it will require about 12% less crushed limestone than gravel to mix a cubic yard of concrete. Additionally, crushed limestone concrete is easier to saw through than gravel concrete. This is because most gravel is silica. Silica is almost impossible to cut with a steel saw. Crushed limestone concrete also has a lower thermal coefficient of expansion than gravel concrete. This means that slabs poured with limestone concrete will expand and contract less than gravel concrete for a given change in temperature. Studies have shown that this thermal stability coupled with limestone’s superior curing properties results in greater crack spacing, and less crack width in limestone concrete slabs.

[@SportsHandicappingService]

As far as cutting the pitch in front of the garage door, try screwing in a screw a half inch down from the edge of a wood stake the mark a line 6” or whatever the distance is from he form to the garage door then screed the width of the door having the screw slide across the 2x4 form👍

[@jmconcretecoloradosprings]

Some great advice. The joint on the doorways is really something I wish more people knew. And the drain advice is something I will apply to my jobs. We usually get close. But I like the idea of going through again to make sure it's perfect. Great video!

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bobcroes5423]

Bob C. I can relate I worked in concrete work for 45 years. Used many of same techniques you use. Forced into retirement last year with kidney transplant. Enjoying retirement.

[@rollen901]

Why the pool trowel on flat floors? Just curious. We use the straight ones unless we are stamping they are good

[@manoweb1]

Hey Mike, where you guys located? I I'm a new subscriber, I'm in East Texas (almost on the n.w. Louisiana state line), just trying to figure out how much different a concrete poured would be here than where you are. I'm planning on pouring a 30x30 for a post frame covered patio area on the side of my existing shop. Over the years, we've (family/friends) poured a few small slabs and sidewalks, but nothing this wide. Needing all the help I can get :). Thanks!

[@SeaDooEric]

Nice video

[@MikeDayConcrete]

Thanks

[@gethnoble4316]

Great video! I would add the skill of working in a more ergonomic position, specifically incorporating the deep squat position instead of bending only at the waist like a westerner. I know plenty guys in Indo that can work in a deep squat for hours, even in old age, then pop up like teenagers, no sore back!😃

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

So that 1st skill, the cutout has no air in it? I've replaced countless and not a fan, I would rather box it out personally, it's Def easier to do that your way but what are your pros and cons to your way. Do u add half air?

[@MikeDayConcrete]

All our garage mixes have air in them.

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

That is what I wanted to know, then yeah I am a fan of that way! U know what I mean though, sometime I will have the truck put air in the last 1 yard of concrete if I am doing an apron, but I usually just put half air in the whole slab

[@rlutzmec4290]

@@MikeDayConcrete i have always been tought that concrete with air had to be broom finished or maged, and that steel trawled smooth couldn't? Whats your take mike?

[@rolling_hills_landscapes]

Do you ever leave a mag float finish for outdoor pours? That seems standard in Pittsburgh. I would love a video on that!

[@MikeDayConcrete]

No, we usually either broom finish or stamp.

[@mario378378]

nice... I start like this in 28 years ago

[@JD-xm3mg]

I love concrete

[@perceleonolopez2088]

i can't seem to fit in on the crews i work on i feel like they don't want me there or im in the way.. any pointers or insight for me to be accepted

[@GRUBB-MUDD]

Or does your guys garrage doors cover that?

[@dboyz31]

The music at the end

[@joshramey6633]

Hey man were you located I've done concrete in my twenties and thirties I learned from the best around we used to do big floors I miss doing it I can finish stamp run growl machines even little bit if riders used allen riders

[@wolfman1549]

I’ll give you a hint look at the license plate on his truck

[@joshramey6633]

@@wolfman1549 lol didn't think of that

[@boobacockaa]

The only question anybody has is, “When do I start finishing the surface?” The rest of this stuff is somewhat less than helpful. I really wish I could drag you guys down here for a couple projects, you guys are excellent.

[@volleydave2012]

Why do you broom the edge? 4 Generations of concrete finishers in the family and we don’t do that. Always make it smooth so water flows out.

[@keithgeorge2541]

Hi Mike! Hey I contacted you last fall about doing a small pour in front of m6 garage at my place on ThreeMilePond in Windsor. We chatted back then and you said you’d reach out to me in the spring. Could you look through your web contacts and find my info and get back to me. I no your probably super busy but I’m hoping you can stop by sometime when your out this way to look at what I want poured and get it scheduled. Thanks!

[@MikeDayConcrete]

I'll look. Or just text me.

[@verndetta8315]

Gotta say, those seem more like tasks then skills, maybe it's just cause I have to do them everyday. I have a suggestion I would love to see if you're up for the challenge. As a finisher myself "2 years now" I would love to see a video detailing & explaining the difference skills it takes between a regular basic finisher & an advanced finisher say journeyman skill level.

[@dalefrank4149]

Why do you use swimming pool trowel instead of regular trowel?

[@gibbyx2inc]

Marshalltown now makes double round nose trowels for finishing . There just like a square trowel not flimsy like the pool trowels your refering to !

[@MikeDayConcrete]

It doesn't leave as many lines as square edges.

[@fernandoflores6492]

Instead of cutting a join try putting expansion then all u have to do is edge it.

[@rollen901]

The door will be covering that spot though. So if it did crack you wouldn’t see it

[@Ericbjohnston5150]

People should go the extra mile and have floor polished.

[@carloscain6673]

Why u put a lip on the door

[@tjcosta2286]

Listen. He explains..

[@carloscain6673]

I did listen I don’t think he knows how put on there. Do u?

[@tjcosta2286]

@@carloscain6673 yupp i sure do

[@donaldcurtis9229]

First thing why are your guys using pool trowels what's a matter didn't know how to use a square trout as far as showing the edge on a threshold that garage broom finish is much cleaner

[@MikeDayConcrete]

My first day

[@danilejes8371]

Power trowler just created more work

[@mansnothawt1758]

You lost me when I saw you hitting the edges with a pool towel in the beginning. It’s a basic thing to hit the edges with a square trowel.

[@kellyinfanger9192]

I think you saw him using a magnesium hand float - maybe that looked like a pool trowel. I was taught to not use any steel trowel early - square or rounded edge. The thing he should mention, and I think he does in other videos, is to use no air-entrainment on inside power trowelled or inside steel trowelled concrete. That steel trowel seals the surface, and the air-entrainment then causes the surface to separate. The magnesium, and in the old days, wood float doesn't seal the surface, and of course, the broom leaves the surface open somewhat too.

[@derekowens2249]

Dude your using a pool trowel we call those sissy trowels

[@matthewedward2176]

For a start use a proper Marshall town finishing trowel the it will finish proper and brushing edges with a wet brush wtf ?? Come to the UK we will show ya a proper finishing 🤣🤣

[@joshramey6633]

Sorry trowel machines

[@injusticeanywherethreatens4810]

who the hell is this fiend who thinks that he can just touch concrete like that...WITHOUT GLOVES?!!? WOT!? You two do know about cement poisoning right? Come on dude , this is a TUTOR IAL video. Teach the youngins about using gloves and cement poisoning.