Question about a weird finish I got on a patio job in Springfield last Tuesday

I was finishing a stamped patio for a client and the top layer set up way too fast, like in 20 minutes. It was 95 degrees and I think my water mix was off. The pattern came out blotchy in spots where the concrete was already stiff. Anyone know a good way to slow the set on really hot days besides just more water?

3 comments

3 Comments

wells.brooke2mo ago

Honestly that sounds like a Tuesday in July. 95 degrees and you're surprised it flashed that fast? The real question is if the client even noticed the blotchy spots or if you're just overthinking it.

coleman.jamie2mo ago

Nah, more water can actually weaken the mix. You need a retarder or just ice in your mix water on days like that.

willowc6012d ago

Wait wait wait... you were doing stamped concrete in 95 degree heat and you didn't drop ice blocks in your mix water? I mean, that's like the first thing they teach you (or maybe they don't, judging by this post). The fact that it only took 20 minutes to flash set is actually kind of impressive in a terrible way - I've seen stuff go from wet to rock hard in 15 minutes when it's that hot and dry out. And yeah, more water is the absolute worst thing you can do, that just makes it weaker and more prone to cracking later. Those blotchy spots are probably going to be fine from 10 feet away though, most homeowners don't stare at their patio like we do.