There are 3 different types of floor finish.
Trowel Finish - This is made by using a floor trowel to give a smooth finish. This should only be used if the floor covering is going to be thin.
Float Finish This is made with a large float. This will big make the grains in the sand rise to the surface. This should be used if the floor covering is going to be thick like blocks.
Latex Finish - This is made using a trowel, on cement and silver sand with additives. It is applied in a thin layer onto the finished surface. It leaves the floor smooth and fills in all the small gaps.