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Warned: switched from a wood float to a magnesium float on my last 30x30 garage slab in Bend and I'm not going back
A finisher named Ray told me at the Redmond supply yard that mag floats pull less water to the surface, and after fighting a crusty finish for years he was right. Anyone else made the switch, or do you still keep the wood float around for certain pours?
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the_daniel26d ago
Mag floats don't actually pull less water to the surface, they just push the bleed water around differently than wood does. A wood float soaks up some of that water and leaves a rougher, more open texture, while mag seals the top a bit more and lets the cream sit there. That's why it feels like less water, but really you're just moving it instead of pulling it. Where mag bites you is on a hot windy day, that sealed surface can crust over fast and you'll get a slick, weak top if you're not careful with your timing. Wood still has its place on flatwork in the sun or when you want a rougher finish for grip. Mag is great, just don't blame the wood float for the crust, that's usually a timing and weather thing.
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