How to Finish Exposed Concrete

Place a 2-by-4 wood plank over the top of the surface, stretched from one end of the form to the other. Pull the plank across the surface to screed, or remove, excess material.

Smooth the surface with a bull float. A bull float is a long-handled, broad-faced float. Push the bull float across the surface with the leading edge slightly elevated. This helps to push down the aggregate materials, such as stones in the cement, while pulling up smooth cement.

Allow the surface water to disappear slightly, leaving a damp surface. Joint the material every several feet by using a hand jointer. Pull the hand jointer across the surface in a straight line to dig out a small amount of material. The joint allows the cement to avoid cracking.

Smooth the surface with a hand float, working from one edge to the other. Avoid pulling material into the joints. The float will force any residual aggregate materials below the surface and remove high and low spots. Use a hand trowel after using the hand float to properly smooth out the surface. Troweling is best done in broad, sweeping arcs to achieve a uniform finish.

Drag a wide-headed brush across the surface towards you to create small grooves in the cement. The grooves promote a skid-free environment. Trowel the area if the broom begins to pull up sections of the cement. Wait 15 minutes and try again.

Cover the material with a tarp to allow it to set up slowly. Leave the tarp in place for approximately seven days. Lightly spray the surface of the cement with water once a day while it sets.

Spray stain or sealant onto the surface with a pump sprayer. Set the nozzle to a wide spray and keep the nozzle approximately 1 foot from the surface. Spray in broad strokes to get an even coat. Brush the chemical into the cement with a wide-headed broom. Allow it to dry per manufacturer's directions.