Red Seal Concrete Finisher Practice Exam

Which type of finish can be achieved using a trowel?

1. A rough finish

2. A textured finish

3. A smooth finish

4. An exposed aggregate finish

The correct answer is: A smooth finish

A trowel is a primary tool used in concrete finishing, and it is particularly effective in achieving a smooth finish. When concrete is poured and leveled, a trowel can be employed to refine the surface. This requires skill and timing; as the concrete begins to set, the finisher uses the trowel to make long, even strokes across the surface. This compacts the surface layer of the concrete and helps eliminate any imperfections, creating a densely packed, smooth finish. Achieving a smooth finish with a trowel may involve multiple passes and can be improved by using float trowels or finishing trowels specifically designed for this purpose. The use of a trowel allows for precise control over the surface texture, essential for applications requiring a refined look or functionality, such as flooring or decorative surfaces. Other types of finishes, such as rough or textured finishes, typically involve different techniques or tools that do not result from trowel usage alone, while an exposed aggregate finish is created by intentionally removing the top layer of cement paste to reveal the aggregate beneath, a process that doesn't involve the type of finishing work a trowel provides.