TIL my 2 year old aluminum float was the reason for my finish problems, not my technique | Concrete Finishers - Freelance Forum - The Community for Independent Professionals
Did you notice the finish getting worse over time or was it bad from the start? I read somewhere that aluminum floats can get tiny pits and scratches from normal use and those hold onto cleaning stuff or old finish. Then when you put it back in the tank it slowly leaches that junk out. I think someone on a detailing forum said they swap theirs out every year or so just to be safe. Could be total overkill though. Your mileage may vary but it's worth checking your float for any rough spots or discoloration.
Mine got gradually worse over a few months and I kept chasing my spray technique thinking I was losing it. Swapped the float and the problem vanished overnight, so yeah check it for rough spots before you go crazy adjusting your gun.