troweled

Troweled is a term used to describe a surface that has been finished with a trowel, typically in plastering or concrete work. A troweled finish results from smoothing, compacting, and closing the surface with a flat metal blade, yielding a dense and often uniform appearance. The resulting texture can range from very smooth to lightly brushed, depending on the technique and timing of the troweling.

In plastering and stucco, troweling is performed after the base coats set. Workers use steel or magnesium trowels to press and smooth the plaster, pushing the cement paste toward the surface and expelling excess moisture. Finish coats are troweled to achieve the desired gloss or flatness, and additional burnishing can produce a highly polished look. The process is usually controlled to avoid pulling away too much material or creating laitance on the surface.

Tools and materials involved include different types of trowels, such as steel or magnesium blades, and various widths. Notched trowels are designed for tile mortar and are not typically used for a troweled finish. In concrete work, troweling may be done by hand or with power trolleys; timing is crucial, as troweling too early or too late can affect hardness, sheen, and surface integrity.

Applications and considerations: troweled finishes are common on interior concrete floors, plaster walls, and decorative coatings. They can provide a hard, dust-resistant surface and improved appearance, but improper timing or technique can lead to laitance, microcracking, or surface defects. Proper curing and environmental conditions are important to maintain the quality of a troweled finish.