Is it possible to make liquid glass with your own hands. Liquid glass - application in construction: recommendations for coating with liquid glass Ordinary liquid glass

Liquid glass processing of concrete and wood products has been used for a long time. This substance is added to cement, which allows you to speed up the process of rising the mixture, it is used for waterproofing basements, for treating swimming pools and other hydraulic structures. Liquid glass in its original state resembles transparent or whitish crystals obtained by melting soda and silicon dioxide in certain proportions under pressure. This material was invented in the 19th century and is currently actively used in construction and repair work, due to its unique properties.

To perform construction work, the crystals are diluted with water, but most often the material is supplied in industrial packaging. When exposed to open air, ZhS dries up instantly, forming a protective film, which allows it to be used for impregnating products and structures in order to provide protection from moisture, fire and decay.

Kinds

There are several types of liquid glass. They are subdivided depending on the main substance used in the mixture.

sodium

Formation based on sodium salts is characterized by a viscous structure, high strength and penetrating ability. It perfectly resists open fire, high temperatures, and the composition is also able to retain its shape even when the base on which it was applied is deformed.

potassium

This material contains potassium salts in its composition. The structure of the mixture is loose, the composition has an increased hygroscopicity, forms a matte surface. Potassium compounds resist excessive heat and deformation well.

Lithium

It is applied to giving to the processed surface of protection against thermal influence. Produced in small batches. For some works, combined mixtures are used.

Compound

Glass is produced by mixing fine-grained silicon raw materials and sodium hydroxide under pressure using high temperatures, or by dissolving sand in an alkaline medium. Potassium silicate and fine sand are also used for production.

Despite the long life of this material, nothing new has been introduced into the manufacturing process over the years.

Characteristics

ZhS is a material of viscous, viscous consistency, which dries quickly in air and forms a monolithic, durable, water-resistant base.

Liquid glass, sodium and potassium, have the following characteristics:

  • Does not allow penetration of water through the surface processed by solution.
  • Protects wooden and concrete surfaces from the penetration of fungus and pathogens.
  • Prevents the accumulation of static electricity.
  • Protects the treated surface from fire.
  • Protects the base impregnated with a solution from the effects of acidic compounds.
  • Contributes to the acceleration of the drying process and curing of cement mortars.

Advantages and disadvantages

When working with ZhS in construction or during repairs, the following advantages are revealed:

  • this material helps to quickly eliminate small cracks in concrete products and building structures made of wood;
  • coating with liquid glass makes it possible to obtain a durable film that helps to waterproof any surfaces;
  • material consumption is low, while the cost of liquid glass is available to most categories of the population, so it can be used for work at home;
  • with the correct use of ZhS, the service life of the coating will be at least five years;
  • liquid glass for waterproofing can be used in places with an unstable degree of humidity.

There are also negative features of the LS. The disadvantages include:

  • this material is not used for processing brick buildings;
  • ZhS cannot be the only material for obtaining reliable waterproofing; it is usually used together with other materials;
  • for the processing of structures and products of ZhS, it is desirable to have certain skills, since such solutions instantly dry and harden;
  • to obtain a better coating and protect the base, it is necessary to apply a primer before the ZhS.

Applications of liquid glass

ZhS is involved in general construction work and for solving problems of the domestic order. It is usually used to provide the following types of work:

  • in order to ensure waterproofing of pools, concrete screeds, foundations, basements, sewer pipes and wells;
  • to enhance the refractory properties of mortars for laying furnaces;
  • in order to protect products made of concrete and wood from the processes of decay and mold formation;
  • used as an additive in coloring compositions to obtain increased strength and refractory characteristics;
  • for sticking PVC boards and linoleum;
  • for clogging the open pores of damaged trees;
  • in order to restore glass, wood and plastic products;
  • for processing the car body;
  • for the organization of self-leveling floors.

Preparation of solutions with liquid glass

It is advisable to purchase ready-made impregnations and mixtures that are designed for specific tasks, but self-mixing of the components will be cheaper, so often the necessary solutions are prepared at the construction site.

Proportions

To prepare a special solution using this substance for various purposes, certain proportions must be observed. How much to add each substance to a particular solution depends on the scope of the mixture.

Compositions for coloring

The peculiarity of the impact of silicate compounds on pigments limits the number of color options. For the preparation of paints, potassium silicate is used, which, unlike sodium silicate, allows you to get a more uniform mixture.

Similar formulations are sold ready-made (you only need to mix the two components).

Compositions for priming

To obtain a high-quality primer for concrete, you need to combine cement and glass in a ratio of 1 to 1, which can significantly strengthen the base. If the surface of the screed is planned to be covered with tiles, the solution is made lighter.

Surface impregnation

To increase the service life of structures and individual products, an aqueous solution of liquid glass is used in a ratio of 1:5. Apply impregnation with a brush, roller or spray gun. Individual small elements can be completely immersed in the finished solution.

Composition for waterproofing

To protect concrete surfaces from moisture, a solution is prepared from equal parts of sand, cement and glass. Water is added until a plastic consistency is obtained. This mixture can be used for processing hydraulic structures.

Composition for fire protection

Strengthening the LS of the masonry mortar helps to increase the effect of fire protection. The recommended composition of the masonry mortar: cement and sand 1:3, water is added until a plastic formation is formed, glass - 20% of the total mass of the mixture. ZhS is added after preparation of the CPR.

Antiseptic composition

To avoid damage to structures by mold, fungi and decay, it is recommended to treat the surfaces with an impregnation consisting of equal parts of water and LS. Both reinforced concrete and wooden structures are treated with this impregnation.

Repair composition

To eliminate cracks, seal joints between slabs and when pouring a screed, you must combine the following ingredients: 1 part ZhS, 1 cement and 3 parts sand. The mixture must be prepared to a sufficiently thick consistency so that it does not drain from the cracks during the work.

Mixing instructions

To properly prepare a mixture with the addition of ZhS, one should follow the recommendations developed for the compositions used to perform certain types of surface treatment and repair.

Mixing of the dry components of the solution is carried out separately, and the liquid is also separately diluted with water. Add dry ingredients to the aqueous solution gradually, mixing the layers. If you want to make the mixture more plastic, increase the volume of water.

The subsequent application of liquid glass to the treated areas should be carried out taking into account the technology of finishing work.

Material application methods

In the production of work with LS, it is necessary to use the means of physical protection of the worker, for which they use protective suits and protective masks. Contact with the solution in the eyes can cause significant harm to health.

Repair mortars containing cement are applied with a spatula, but when performing work, one should not forget about the instant setting of the mixture (usually within half an hour), so it is necessary to accurately calculate the volume of a single batch.

Waterproofing with liquid glass

Waterproofing mixtures with the use of ZhS allow the processing of any structures of their concrete and wood, established areas with humidity exceeding the norm.

foundation

To protect the foundation from destruction in a humid environment, it is necessary to apply liquid glass for concrete. The instructions for use indicate that for maximum protection this operation should be carried out twice. After application, the layer must dry completely, then the next one is applied. After impregnating the concrete base with glass, the insulation is reinforced with other technical materials.

To eliminate cracks and mask the joints, a repair compound is prepared in the ratio: cement - 1 kg, water 750 ml, ZhS - 50 grams. To ensure better protection of the concrete base, it is recommended to use ZhS in the form of an additive in the amount of 5% of the total mass of the mixture.

Basin

To eliminate leaks in the bathtub of the structure, it is necessary to treat the surface of the ZhS for concrete. The solution evenly treats the walls and floor of the structure. After drying one layer, apply the next. For reliable protection of the structure, it is recommended to impregnate three times.

From the impact of groundwater

Special concrete, which includes ZhS, can limit the flow of groundwater.

basement

This is a responsible building in the house and protecting it from leaks is the main condition for maintaining a favorable climate in the apartment and in the interior. Usually, owners are faced with the problem of cracks and poor waterproofing of joints. To get rid of the problem you will need:

  1. Clean cracks and seams from foreign objects and dust;
  2. Prepare a repair mixture in the ratio: cement - 20 hours, liquid glass - 1 hour. It is necessary to achieve maximum plasticity of the mixture, for which its consistency is controlled by the volume of water;
  3. Cracks are sealed with a repair compound;
  4. Level the place of repair by plastering it with the same mixture;
  5. The place of repair is smeared with water using a brush;
  6. After 24 hours, a layer of JS is applied.

When performing waterproofing work, it is necessary to remember about the chemical reactions that occur with mixtures in which LS is present. Due to the rapid hardening of the mortar, in order to save material, it is recommended to prepare small volumes for work.

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Liquid glass is one of the commonly available materials that are widely used in various areas of construction. The main feature of this composition is the ability to create a reliable waterproofing layer. In addition, liquid glass is able to increase the strength of concrete and the level of its moisture resistance, and accelerate the process of its hardening. Such material finds application in the field of decoration.

Unfortunately, many simply do not know about the potential of this composition. Others, perhaps, undeservedly forgot about it, against the backdrop of a modern variety of materials. Therefore, we will consider a question that may be useful for both one and the other: liquid glass - application in construction.

The main characteristics of liquid glass

Liquid glass is an alkaline aqueous solution of potassium or sodium silicates. In some cases, they are used in combination. Interestingly, the trade name for this substance is silicate glue. Yes, the one that is familiar to everyone from labor lessons at school, and that is sold in the stationery store.

  • Liquid glass, made on the basis of sodium silicates, is highly resistant to various acids. The coating from it turns out to be matte, that is, not having a shine.
  • Potassium liquid glass has high adhesive properties. In addition, it has strong antiseptic properties. Therefore, the concrete into which it is added during mixing is well resistant to fungal infections, the formation of moss or lichen colonies. And this is important, especially when building foundations in waterlogged areas.

In appearance, liquid glass is a translucent liquid, which may have a yellowish tint. The consistency of the composition depends on the concentration of the main substance. It is diluted with ordinary water.

Liquid glass consists of microscopic crystals, which, when applied to the surface and solidify, increase in volume, due to which the mass is able to “seal” small cracks and pores of concrete.

Thanks to this quality of the material, it is able to impart water-repellent and airtight properties to various surfaces. Liquid glass can be used for both residential and non-residential premises, as it is an environmentally friendly material.

It makes sense to immediately highlight the advantages and disadvantages of this material. Since you need to be familiar with them even before acquiring and planning work.

TO virtues liquid glass can be attributed to the following features:

  • The material is water repellent. Therefore, perhaps the main scope of its application is reliable waterproofing.
  • Antiseptic qualities prevent the occurrence of biological damage to building materials that include liquid glass in their composition or are coated with it.
  • Antistatic properties allow materials not to accumulate electricity.
  • Liquid glass acts as an effective hardener. The material to which the silicate composition is added or applied over it receives increased strength characteristics.
  • Glass is inert to chemical influences, therefore it is able to protect any surface from their aggressive influence.
  • A positive quality is also resistance to high and low temperatures.
  • High penetrating power allows good bonding of loose material structure.
  • Affordable price along with a high consumption of the solution makes liquid glass affordable for any consumer.

Liquid glass also has its own essential flaws :

  • First of all, it is incompatibility with organic substances and materials containing them.
  • Not too impressive service life of the liquid glass coating, which is only about five years. After this time, the silicate film begins to break down. True, the service life of the coating can be extended by timely painting of the surface.
  • Liquid glass is not suitable for coating brick surfaces.
  • There are certain difficulties with applying the composition.

Applications of liquid glass

Liquid glass has won a very wide scope. It has already been mentioned that the main direction is the waterproofing of various sections of the building and its utilities.

  • Solutions in a diluted state are used as a primer in preparation for painting.
  • When building a prefabricated foundation, liquid glass is added to the masonry mortar. Or, with the help of it, surface impregnating waterproofing of masonry joints is performed after the walls have been erected.
  • Such effective waterproofing is widely in demand in the arrangement of wells, pools, other artificial reservoirs, cellars, floors in garages and inspection pits.
  • Liquid glass will help when concreting paths and pouring blind areas of houses and garages on an individual site.
  • Silicate glue is also added to the mortar when laying furnaces.
  • It will not be superfluous to treat with liquid glass during the construction of structures that will be in contact with aggressive substances or high temperatures.
  • Similar silicate compositions are also used in the manufacture of moisture-resistant and acid-resistant concrete or fire-resistant bricks.

Concrete produced with the addition of liquid glass no longer requires additional waterproofing. It is also used as a mortar in the construction of structures that need increased fire resistance.

In addition, the silicate composition is added to concrete if it is necessary to reduce its setting and curing time. True, if the solution is being prepared for pouring the foundation, then liquid glass is not added to it.

There are many more areas in which a silicate composition can be used:

  • Since liquid glass perfectly protects metal from corrosion, metal structures and even car bodies are often covered with it.
  • With the help of liquid glass, tiles made of polyvinyl chloride can be glued to the wall, and linoleum or carpet can be glued to concrete floors.
  • The silicate composition is also suitable for wood processing. This is done in order to protect it from moisture and ultraviolet radiation, as well as various pests.
  • Another area of ​​​​use of this composition is horticulture. During spring pruning of fruit trees, cuts are covered with liquid glue. It is known that it is an excellent antiseptic agent that prevents the penetration of microorganisms and harmful insects into unprotected wood after trimming.

Given the versatile use of liquid glass, it can be called a universal material.

Preparation of mortars with liquid glass

Manufacturing proportions

To get the expected effect from the use of silicate compounds, they must be properly prepared for work. For example, if it is planned to cover the surface of a concrete floor with liquid glass, then it must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 2. That is, for 1 kg of glass, two liters of water are required. The consumption of such a solution will be 250÷300 g/m².

Liquid glass is used for waterproofing concrete floors and plastered surfaces, on which the coating has lost its strength and has irregularities over the period of operation. The silicate solution will bind the structure of the material, give it strength, make the surface smoother, and also create an antiseptic protection for it.

If liquid glass is added to a concrete solution, the proportions may vary depending on its application. The content of the silicate composition in different ways can affect the physical characteristics and the period of solidification of the solution. For a concrete solution reinforced with a silicate additive, it is necessary to use cement grades M300 and M400.

  • If liquid glass is added to the cement-sand mortar in an amount of 2% of the total mass, then the life of the solution will be 40 minutes. After that, the rapid hardening of the mixture will begin. A complete drying will take 24 hours.
  • If the silicate adhesive is 10% of the total volume of cement, then hardening will begin much faster. Such proportions of the components will ensure the beginning of the setting of the mixture after 5 minutes. Well, complete drying will be achieved after 4 hours.
  • If you make a 1: 1 solution, that is, use 1 kg of glue for 1 kg of cement, then solidification will occur within one to two minutes after it has been kneaded. This approach is often practiced to quickly eliminate leaks caused by the appearance of
  • For waterproofing the floors of bathrooms, basements, inspection pits, garages, as well as swimming pools, a solution of cement and liquid glass is used, drawn up in a ratio of 10: 1.
  • In the manufacture of a heat-resistant mixture for laying a furnace, the mortar should consist of 1 part of cement, 3 parts of sand and 0.2 parts of liquid glass. As a result of using such a proportion, a pasty plastic mixture should be obtained, which is convenient to work with when laying bricks.
  • If it is necessary to prepare a solution for waterproofing the well, then cement, sand and liquid glass are taken in a ratio of 1: 1: 1. The mixture must be brought with water to the consistency of liquid sour cream.
  • Refractory solutions consist of the same components, but taken in a ratio of 4: 1.5: 1.5.
  • To fill voids and cracks in a concrete base or load-bearing structures, the solution is prepared from 3 parts of cement, 1 part of sand and 1 part of liquid glass.
  • To strengthen the facade surfaces, a waterproof plaster mixture is made, consisting of 0.5 parts of silicate mass, 1 part of cement and 2.5 parts of sand.

The order of mixing the solution

It is not enough to know the proportions of the composition of the solution - you must be able to make it correctly. To make the material homogeneous and plastic, you should follow some recommendations:

  • First of all, you should choose the proportions for the manufacture of the solution, depending on the application.
  • To work on mixing and applying a solution containing liquid glass, it is necessary to prepare special clothing. With the expectation that it was not a pity to throw it away later. Washing the silicate composition from the fabric is a completely hopeless task.
  • Next, you need to collect water in a suitable container. Its amount depends on the volume of cement and sand that will be used for the solution.
  • The next step is to pour liquid glass into the water and mix thoroughly until completely dissolved.
  • Separately, a dry mixture is mixed, consisting of sand and cement, taken in the required proportion.
  • After that, the cement-sand mixture is gradually poured into the aqueous silicate solution and kneaded until a homogeneous state. It is better to carry out this process with a construction mixer or with an electric drill, installing a special nozzle on it.
  • If the solution turns out to be too thick, then it will be possible to carefully add a little water to it. The liquid mixture can be thickened by adding a little cement to it.

In the manufacture of solutions containing water glass, we must not forget that the "pot life", that is, before the start of its avalanche setting, is significantly reduced. Therefore, it is recommended to make the mixture in small portions so that you can use it in a short time. Naturally, their capabilities, the presence of assistants, accumulated experience, etc. are taken into account.

Prices for liquid glass TEX

liquid glass TEX

When waterproofing the foundation, liquid glass is applied in the following order:

  • If liquid glass is used to waterproof a concrete screed or foundation walls, then their surface must first be leveled, dried and cleaned of dust. If liquid glass is applied to a wet screed, it will begin to flake off the surface.
  • Then, on the surface of its walls (floor), liquid glass, diluted to the required state, is applied with a roller. The solution must be distributed evenly over the surface, leaving no untreated "islands".
  • If it is planned to strengthen concrete to a depth of up to three millimeters, then an airbrush, roller or wide brush is used to apply the composition. The solution in this case is applied in one layer.
  • If the concrete surface needs a deeper impregnation (and this is best done), then the silicate solution will have to be applied to the surface in three layers. After absorption and drying of the first layer, it is necessary to apply the second, and if necessary, the third layer of the solution. Each of them must dry for at least 30 minutes.
  • When the silicate impregnation is completely dry, you can begin to insulate the foundation.

If the previous layer was applied as a waterproofing primer, then the next step is the application of a protective concrete layer, also containing liquid glass. The solution for it is prepared from sand and cement, to which a silicate composition is added. The components are taken in a ratio of 3:1:1 or 3:1:0.7. The order of mixing the solution does not differ from that described above.

  • To make the coating even, beacons from metal guides are set on the surface of the primed base, which are set according to the level. The height of the beacons will correspond to the thickness of the leveling layer. It is also desirable to make slides for fixing beacons from the same cement sand mortar with a silicate additive. It will grab quickly, so you won't have to wait long.
  • The concrete-silicate layer may have a thickness of 30÷50 mm. The solution is applied above the installed beacons and leveled with a building rule or a wide spatula.

The solution should be made in portions so that it does not have time to grab before it is leveled. Well, when distributing the solution, you will have to show some skill.

In construction stores, many manufacturers present their products. In principle, there is practically no difference in the proposed compositions of liquid glass made in the factory. And it is difficult to single out any company - in fact, you can choose any option. Nevertheless, you should probably not give preference to a product whose manufacturer is “embarrassed” to indicate its name and legal address. And this happens sometimes. It would be more prudent to refrain from buying such products, even if they attract low cost. In this case, there is no guarantee that this is not an ordinary counterfeit, which is made without observing technology and in violation of proportions. And in the end, low-quality silicate glue will necessarily negatively affect the result of the work.

As a rule, the cost of the silicate solution is low. Wholesale is carried out from 15 rubles per kilogram. Well, a three-kilogram bucket can be purchased for 100÷110 rubles.

If there is a sodium and potassium version of liquid glass on sale, then the choice must be made depending on the use of the solution.

For example, the potassium composition is most often used for, as it has a higher viscosity. Sodium glass is more often used for processing other building objects.

If the silicate solution is sold in transparent packaging, it does not hurt to pay attention to its purity. It should not have a strong sediment, lumps and flakes. If such phenomena are noted, then it is better to refuse such an acquisition - it is easy to find better products.

* * * * * * *

Now, having figured out how this inexpensive, but quite effective material is used in construction, you can significantly reduce costs. For example, in some cases it would be quite reasonable to abandon more expensive compositions in favor of liquid glass.

Tury liquid glass prices

Tury liquid glass

True, not everything is completely clear. They talk about this on construction forums, in the comments on YouTube videos. In particular, there are many statements that the waterproofing qualities of this material are still greatly exaggerated. It is possible that the truth is really somewhere in the middle. And the reason for possible failures could be a violation of the technology of using liquid glass.

Video: Liquid glass as protection for a concrete surface

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Sergey, here are some ways:

After turning off the water, prepare a small amount of cement mortar of such a consistency that it resembles thick sour cream in viscosity.

Having cut off a piece about 20 cm long from a medical bandage (the length of the bandage should allow it to be wound around the pipe in an amount of at least 2 turns), soak the bandage in cement mortar, and then tightly bandage the pipe with it at the leak site.

For fidelity, repeat the procedure for bandaging the pipe with one or two more pieces of bandage.

Coat the treated area with cement mortar on top and refrain from using water for a day until the mortar finally sets. If the repaired section of the pipe is covered with paint, it will become not only more aesthetic, but also stronger.

Paradoxical as it sounds, but salt effectively helps eliminate leaks in heating pipes. If the leak is insignificant, it is enough to rub a small amount of salt into the place of the leak with your hand and the leak will soon be delayed.

In case of a more serious leak, bandage the pipe with a medical bandage, accompanying each turn with a sprinkling of salt.

Do not forget that this method of fixing a leak is temporary, “salt patches” will only hold back the pressure of water until the water in the heating pipes cools down.

To make it, you need an elastic rubber bandage, which is used by athletes or an ordinary bicycle camera. It will have to be cut, preparing from it a kind of rubber bandage about 10 cm wide.

With a rubber bandage or a strip of the camera tightly, very tightly, wrap the pipe at the place of leakage, fixing it with 2-3 clamps or wrapping it with wire.

The use of a rubber band is a temporary measure to eliminate pipe leakage, although such a bandage can last more than one season.

In addition to the tourniquet, to eliminate the leak, you can use the factory bandage, consisting of sealing rubber and clamps.

There are also bandages, consisting of two halves, interconnected by bolts, a device resembling a clamp, with which you can temporarily neutralize the leakage of pipes of different diameters.

Cold welding:

For cold welding to adhere well, clean the surface of the pipe with a knife or coarse sandpaper from paint to bare metal.

An emery bar for sharpening knives will also work, the main thing is speed and accuracy. Try to clean the pipe so that the size of the leak does not increase.

Apply one-component cold welding immediately to the damaged section of the pipe or heating radiator, two-component - pre-knead thoroughly.

Press the adhesive mass with force into the place where the water flows, holding it with your hand for a while until the glue sets.

Each of the described methods for eliminating leaks in water and heating pipes is good in its own way. However, all of them are temporary in nature, the elimination of a pipe leak must be followed by its overhaul.

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

Types of liquid glass

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

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

Important! Often it is used for the production of fire-resistant mortars and impregnations.

  • Soda glass. Sodium liquid 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.

How profitable is using liquid 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 mixtures, plasters and impregnating solutions.

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

The following substances and compositions are made from a silicate substance:

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

If you start using hand-made liquid glass in repair and construction work, you will soon find several 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 structure being processed.
  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 work is the right decision if you want to extend the life of walls, ceilings or floors.

Methods for preparing a silicate mixture

Despite the fact that the construction industry is developing very actively, the use of liquid glass is still popular today. Making liquid glass on your own is quite difficult, but quite realistic. 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 mix

It is impossible to work with a primer only with liquid glass, so they make a mixture. For the manufacture of the mixture, only three constituent substances are required - water, cement and liquid glass:

  1. Mix cement and an aqueous solution of silicate in a ratio of 1 to 1 (that is, 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 too much. If the primer still thickens, you can add a little water.

Refractory coating

This composition is used for stoves and fireplaces in baths. The silicate solution is added at the last stage of preparation of the refractory mixture. Make the mixture in small portions so that it does not have time to dry and thicken strongly.

Waterproofing mixture:

  1. Diluted silicate material is added to dry cement, in a ratio of 1 to 10 (i.e. 1 kg of silicate adhesive 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 mortar has 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.

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 a silicate substance is quite simple:

  1. In a large refractory pot, one part of pure sand (without impurities) and four parts of soda should be poured.
  2. Gently mix and grind everything.
  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, is an aqueous solution of silicate.
  1. An aqueous solution of silicate has become an excellent solution for protecting against dampness in basements and wells. For 1 kg of water silicate, 10 kg of concrete is taken, the walls of basements and wells are treated with this composition.
  2. It is recommended to mix the aqueous silicate composition thoroughly with a brush or roller. The proportions of the components need to be determined only after you determine the purpose of using such a solution.
  3. If silicate is used as an additive in cement, remember to stir the mixture constantly. After applying the composition, wash your hands thoroughly in soapy water.
  4. If hydrosilicate comes into contact with the skin, it is recommended to immediately treat the contaminated area with running water.
  5. If you decide to treat the walls with the composition, you will first have to level and degrease them. To apply the substance, a conventional brush and spray gun are used. If you decide to make a more thorough and thick coating, apply several layers of the solution.

Important! Whether you use hydrous silicate in combination with other products or on its own, always take precautions. Wear protective gloves, a mask and, if possible, special goggles.

Liquid glass, application

Glass is made from sand, water and limestone. If we do not add limestone during melting, we will get two-piece glass, or soluble silicate. This vitreous mass after cooling becomes solid and transparent, but acquires new properties compared to mineral glass: it dissolves in water.
Such glass was already known in the 15th century, but its industrial production unfolded only in the 18th - 19th centuries. The German professor Johann Fuchs was the first to draw attention to the importance of liquid glass in industry and households.

He then called aqueous solutions of silicates (for example, silicates of lithium, sodium, potassium) liquid glass. For the first time, liquid glass was widely used during the North American Civil War: there was no rosin, and liquid glass was used instead in the manufacture of solid soap.

The “recipe” for making liquid glass at home is simple: a mixture consisting of one weight part of pure sand and four weight parts of anhydrous sodium carbonate (soda) is poured into the crucible. These components must be thoroughly ground in a mortar and mixed. Then heat the crucible well to a high temperature so that its contents are completely melted. The sodium silicate obtained as a result of this operation is washed out of the crucible with hot water. The resulting solution, or sodium silicate dissolved in water, is liquid glass. In industrial practice, the silicate glaze melted in the oven floats in a continuous stream into the water. Small, sprayed pieces of glaze dissolve in water vapor.

Today, liquid glass is widely used. So, in the paper industry, it is used for the manufacture of cardboard, gluing paper, bags, boxes. In the food industry, it is used as a bactericidal and sterilizing agent, for example, in bottlers for washing milk bottles or beer barrels.

An egg immersed in liquid glass is covered with a shiny, impenetrable film. Such eggs can be stored for a whole year: they do not deteriorate and do not lose their taste.

In the textile industry, liquid glass is used for impregnation and as an admixture for bleaching and washing liquids.

In the construction industry, it serves as a binder for asbestos and insulating materials. Liquid glass can be used to strengthen soils that settle or crumble under the weight of structures erected on them. To do this, appropriately pointed tubes are driven into the ground, deep under the foundation of the building, and a liquid glass solution is injected through them. At the same time, a solution of calcium chloride is injected through other tubes and an electric current is passed. After such “pricks”, the soil becomes solid, monolithic, and the foundation ceases to settle. Thus, when the East-West highway was being built in Warsaw, the slope under the church of St. Anne was strengthened. Liquid glass is widely used to impregnate wood (impregnated with it, it becomes almost incombustible) and for the manufacture of paints. It is included as one of the components in the composition of detergents and cleaning products.

To get acquainted with the advantages of liquid glass, perform a few experiments for fun. Liquid glass for this should be bought at the store. If you want to get a fireproof coating for wood, carefully mix 25 grams of powdered barium sulfate, 1 gram of zinc oxide, 20 milliliters of water and 25 grams of water glass, and then cover the wood with this mixture (in a relatively thick layer). The impregnating mixture should be stirred frequently. After the first coating has dried, that is, after 15 minutes, you need to repeat this operation. To get a colored impregnating mixture, add a mineral dye that is used for painting walls.

Liquid glass is a reliable glue. They can glue broken plates, vases, papers, stick paper on tin, zinc or tin sheet. Glue is prepared in this way: dissolve 4 weight parts of sugar, slightly warming up, in 10 hours of liquid glass solution, and then add one part of glycerin. The resulting glue is colorless and dries quickly, and after drying, it becomes waterproof.
Liquid glass can also be used for the preparation of putties. It is only necessary to remember that such putties quickly harden (some within several or several tens of minutes). Therefore, putty should be made immediately before use. After drying, this putty does not dissolve in water, making the joints waterproof.

From a solution of liquid glass and chalk ground into a fine powder, we prepare the simplest putty, which should be immediately put into action (the slurry for gluing porcelain should be quite liquid). We obtain another kind of putty by mixing two parts of well crushed asbestos and one part of zinc white with such an amount of liquid glass solution that a thick slurry is formed. You can use only zinc white, but putty with asbestos is much better.
A heat-resistant iron putty can be prepared by mixing 10 parts manganese dioxide (brown or black), 5 parts zinc oxide, and 1 part borax until a slurry is not too thick. You need to get to work right away. After some time, the putty becomes very hard, but does not crack. Prepared in the same way from a mixture of one part of zinc white and one part of manganese dioxide, mixed with a solution of liquid glass, the putty can withstand even heat. These putties can be used for other purposes as well.

From cement mixed with a solution of liquid glass (in a ratio of approximately 2: 1), a putty is obtained, which is used in stone work. And this putty, since it quickly hardens, should be made immediately before use. Before applying the putty, the joints must be moistened with a solution of liquid glass. Such a putty is very hard, and therefore it can fill cracks in stone slabs and even large holes, repair damaged stone steps, cornices, etc. To do this, you can add a little fine sand to the cement. After 6 hours, you can already walk on the repaired slabs.
So, liquid glass is a versatile and cheap material that has a wide range of applications.
K. PSHZZDZIETSKA 3. VENGLOVSKII

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