What should be done if water appears on the surface during finishing?

When water appears on the surface during the finishing of concrete, stopping the finishing process and allowing the surface to dry is essential. This is because the presence of water can lead to a variety of issues, including surface defects such as delamination, scaling, or even a compromised bond between layers if finishing is continued while water is present.

Allowing the concrete to dry ensures that the finishing operations can be conducted on a suitable substrate. It promotes better adhesion and reduces the likelihood of issues arising from excess moisture, which can negatively impact the final appearance and durability of the concrete surface.

In contrast, applying a curing compound immediately may not be appropriate as curing compounds are typically used after finishing is complete and the surface is no longer wet. Continuing the finishing process while water is present can introduce complications with the finish quality, and adding more water to the mixture would further exacerbate the moisture problem, potentially leading to segregation of the mix and other performance issues.