If trowel drag occurs due to moisture, what is the recommended correction?

• A. Re-wet the surface and use a float or steel trowel with light pressure.
• B. Add more water and press harder with trowel.
• C. Wait until next day.
• D. Switch to a rougher trowel with heavy pressure.

Answer: (A)

The surface is too slick from moisture, causing the trowel to skid rather than cut cleanly. The way to fix this is to restore a workable moisture level and use a light touch. Lightly re-wetting the surface helps break up the slick film and keeps the concrete plastic enough to finish, while a float or steel trowel with light pressure allows you to smooth and level without sealing the surface or creating gouges.

Adding more water and pressing harder will make the surface even slicker and increase drag. Waiting until tomorrow delays finishing, and switching to a rougher trowel with heavy pressure would damage the surface and worsen the drag.