Bull floating must be done after all the bleed water has evaporated from the surface. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. Depends on mix

Answer: (B)

Bull floating is used early in the surface finishing process while a thin film of bleed water is still on the surface. This moisture helps carry fines up and blends the surface cream with the concrete, allowing you to smooth and level the top without pulling a dry, powdery laitance layer to the surface. If you wait until all bleed water has evaporated, you risk creating a weak, dusty surface and a rough finish, because the paste that should rise to the surface is no longer able to come through and the surface can trap air or become overly stiff. So, you perform the bull float while there is moisture on the surface, not after it has completely dried. This is why the statement is false.