Rubbed Finish

A rubbed finish is required when a uniform and attractive surface must be obtained. A surface of satisfactory appearance can be obtained without rubbing by using plywood or lined forms. Do the first rubbing with coarse carborundum stones as soon as the concrete has hardened so that you do not pull out the aggregate. Then cure the concrete until final rubbing. Finer carborundum stones are used for the final rubbing. The concrete should be kept damp while being rubbed. Any mortar used in this process and left on the surface should be kept damp for 1 to 2 days after it sets to cure properly. Keep the mortar layer to a minimum thickness as it is likely to scale off and mar the appearance of the surface.