Do-it-yourself liquid glass

Water glass is an aqueous solution of sodium silicate or potassium. The fields of application of this material are very wide - from the pulp and paper industry to construction works. Very often, this type of glass is used as an antiseptic in construction. Most of those who are puzzled by the repair have a question: how to make liquid glass with your own hands? In order to deal with this, you first need to familiarize yourself with the basic characteristics and methods of manufacturing such a material. This will be discussed in this article.

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Types of liquid glass

Since this type of glass dissolves well in water, experts distinguish two types:

• Potassium glass. Potassium water glass is part of many different construction dyes, so it does not glare after it dries. In addition, it is resistant to adverse weather conditions.

Important! Often it is used for the production of fireproof solutions and impregnations.

• Sodium glass. Sodium water glass has a more viscous and sticky texture. The material interacts well with various mineral compositions.

Important! Often this type of material is used as a reinforcing and waterproofing substance for the foundations of buildings.

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How beneficial is water glass?

Silicate glue is used in various fields of activity, most often in construction and chemical. It is used as an additive to various building materials: soil mixes, plasters and impregnating solutions.

Important! Such glass is a very good solidification accelerator for various building materials.

The following substances and compositions are made from silicate substances:

• Dyes.
• Antiseptic building mixtures.
• Refractory and waterproofing compounds.
• Glue.

If you start to use liquid glass, made by yourself, in the repair and construction work, then soon you will find a few positive points:

1. The material is durable and resistant to acid and atmospheric negative factors.
2. Moisture is not absorbed into the glass, that is, it is able to prevent damage to the processed structure.
3. The material serves as a “protective shield” for decorative elements. It covers the surface of decorating structures, creating an antiseptic protective film.

Important! The use of liquid glass in construction works is the right decision if you want to extend the life of walls, ceilings or floors.

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Methods for preparing silicate mixture

Despite the fact that the construction industry is very actively developing, the use of liquid glass is popular to this day. Making liquid glass on your own is quite difficult, but quite real. Since the material is practically not used as an independent substance, it is used in tandem with others (primer, cement). Consider several methods for preparing silicate material.

Soil mixture

It is impossible to work with the primer only with liquid glass, therefore, make the mixture. For the manufacture of the mixture requires only three constituent substances - water, cement and water glass:

1. Cement and an aqueous solution of silicate should be mixed in a ratio of 1 to 1 (i.e. 10 kg of cement + 10 kg of glass).
2. Before mixing these two substances, it is necessary to dilute the cement with water.

Important! The main thing - do not forget to constantly stir the mixture so that it does not thicken much. If the primer is thickened, you can add a little water.

Refractory coating

Such a composition is used for stoves and fireplaces in baths. A silicate solution is added at the last stage of the preparation of the refractory mixture. The mixture is made in small portions so that it does not have time to dry and thicken very much.

Waterproofing mixture:

1. Dilute silicate material adds to the dry cement in a proportion of 1 to 10 (i.e. 1 kg of silicate glue to 10 kg of dry cement).
2. The resulting mixture begins to thicken and harden in the first five minutes, so it is recommended to use it immediately.

Important! If the solution is hardened, you can add a little water to it, but it is worth remembering that the waterproofing properties are deteriorating. However, one advantage remains unchanged - the preventive effect against fungus and mold.

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How to make liquid glass with your own hands?

In order to make liquid glass at home, you do not need any special knowledge and skills. The recipe for making silicate is quite simple:

1. In a large refractory pot you need to fill one part of clean sand (without impurities) and four parts of soda.
2. Gently mix and grind.
3. Then the refractory container must be heated to such a temperature that the contents melt.
4. The resulting mixture should be washed out of the pot with hot water.
5. The resulting composition, that is, sodium silicate - this is an aqueous solution of silicate.

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Useful recommendations for the preparation of aqueous silicate:

1. An aqueous silicate solution has become an excellent solution for protection against moisture in basements and wells. For 1 kg of water silicate, 10 kg of concrete is taken, with this composition the walls of basements and wells are treated.
2. It is recommended that the aqueous silicate composition be thoroughly mixed with a brush or roller. The proportions of the components should be determined only after you determine the purpose of using such a solution.
3. If silicate is used as an additive in cement, do not forget to constantly mix the mixture. After applying the composition, wash your hands thoroughly in a soapy solution.
4. If water silicate has got on the skin, it is recommended to immediately treat the contaminated area with running water.
5. If you decide to treat the composition of the wall, you will first have to level them and degrease them. For applying the substance, an ordinary brush and airbrush are used. If you decide to make a more thorough and thicker coating, apply several layers of the solution.

Important! Regardless of how you use water silicate - in the composition with other substances or on your own, always observe safety precautions. Wear protective gloves, a mask and, if possible, special glasses.

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In this article we told you what liquid glass is, where it is used and how to make it yourself. We hope you can put this information into practice in order to make a truly durable, high-quality repair in your home.