What’s the best product to use for a skim coat on a slab that set up too fast. It all got bull floated and half of it is good but half of it is too rough for the client’s taste.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
![](https://images.finehomebuilding.com/app/uploads/2024/08/15131650/FHB-645-Pod-Feature-thumb-16x9.jpg)
Listeners write in about condensing dryers, giant gears, and saggy doors and ask questions about chimney safety, black windows, and rot-resistant assemblies.
Featured Video
Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by BrickHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
A jackhammer
Just this summer we put on an addition for a print shop where the presses were moved and the old area was to be used for storage and new shipping space. The floor was so rough it was like 5/8 gravel in spots. We first had the floor shot with a machine that used 1/16th steel balls to strip the top layer and remove any contaminate. Then we mixed up Top and Bond ( a top patch premix cement for drives and walks) to the consistency of thick paint. We tried it drier but couldn't get the polish we wanted and the instructions on the bag said that this was an acceptable mix. Concrete usually weakens when it is too wet. We also wet moped the floor just prior to placement as per instructions on the bag. The finish was great compared to what we started with but some small trowel lines did stay. We just waited until there was some set to walk on and not leave a footprint and sanded off any ridges with a pole sander and 120 grit. The only down side is the cost per bag. In Canada it was about $17 for a bag that covered 10' X 15' at about 1/4 " thickness. This may vary for you if your floor is smoother to begin.
We did try another brand at the vary start and found it couldn't take the high water content to spread without poor cure strength. This floor takes 1000 lb rolls of paper on it and over 3 mts has stood up.
P.S. I would not recommend the shot use on a floor that is made of fiber cement. The fibers will become exposed and make it almost impossible to finish again smooth. Etch with muriatic acid mix ( with all the proper safety equip) instead.