In this video, we cover how to finish the mortar repair of a crack in the floor using a rubber grout trowel. We tried several other approaches including a steel trowel, a mag (magnesium) float, etc. The specifics of these repairs make it hard to use some of the tools meant for finishing or "floating" a full, fresh slab. The rubber trowel is helpful for a general smoothing of the top surface over the crack and also for cleaning up the edges.
Tools and Supplies
- Rubber grout trowel - smooth
- Steel trowel - for cleaning the rubber trowel as you go
- Bucket - for collecting excess mortar / water slurry
- Wet/dry Vac for cleaning up the edges where there is surplus water / mortar slurry.
Funding for this statement, publication, press release, etc. was made possible, in part, by the Food and Drug Administration through grant PAR-16-137, by grant number 2020-70020-33003 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number LNE-19-375. It is offered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category legally protected by federal or state law. The views expressed in the written materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or the U.S. Department of Agriculture; nor does any mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organization imply endorsement by the United States Government.
