7.5.1 Cylinders—After consolidation finish the top surfaces
by striking them off with the tamping rod where the consistency
of the concrete permits, or with a wood float or trowel.
If desired, cap the top surface of freshly made cylinders with a
thin layer of stiff portland cement paste which is permitted to
harden and cure with the specimen. See the section on Capping
Materials of Practice C 617.
7.5.2 Horizontally Cast Creep Cylinders—After consolidation
strike off the specimen with a trowel or float, then trowel
the minimum amount required to form the concrete in the
opening concentrically with the rest of the specimen. Use a
screed curved to the radius of the specimen to more precisely
shape and finish the concrete in the opening