What effect does early finishing have on surface defects in concrete?

Early finishing of concrete is the practice of beginning the finishing operations before the concrete has fully set or reached the correct stage of hardening. This is particularly critical because finishing too soon can compromise the surface integrity. When finishing begins prematurely, there is a risk of excessive moisture being drawn to the surface or bringing bleeding water to the top, which can result in issues like scaling, pop-outs, and cracking.

The surface defects occur because the concrete isn't yet strong enough to support the finishing operations. Furthermore, improper timing can interfere with the necessary chemical processes taking place within the concrete mix, ultimately affecting the overall durability and aesthetics of the finished surface. Therefore, it is important to wait until the concrete has reached the appropriate stiffness and moisture levels before starting any finishing work to minimize the risk of defects.

In contrast, improving surface texture, having no effect on the surface, or assisting in strength development are not accurate characteristics of early finishing, as they suggest positive outcomes that do not align with the potential risks involved.