remove the excess paste at the top of the mold. Holding the
trowel at about a 30° incline with the leading edge raised and
starting near the center of the mold, level the paste by drawing
the trowel across the top of the mold using a sawing motion;
repeat the procedure for the other half of the surface. Then
smooth the surface level to the top of the mold making steady
and complete strokes across the entire surface with the trailing
edge of the trowel. Repeat the cutting and smoothing steps but
at 90° from the previous cut. Repeat the steps as required to
produce a surface level with the top of the mold. Usually the
paste is level within two cycles, but occasionally three will be
required. Avoid excessive strokes and compaction. Since the
automatic Vicat device references to the top edge of the mold,
it is imperative that the top surface of the paste be uniform and
level with the top of the mold