Liquid Glass

Liquid glass (sodium/potassium silicate) goes far beyond the scope of the construction sector. Its unique characteristics—exceptional adhesion, the ability to form water- and heat-resistant coatings, and chemical stability—make it an indispensable assistant in repairs, decorative work, and industrial processes. This affordable material combines ease of use with professional results, opening up opportunities for creative experiments and solving complex technical tasks.

Liquid glass effectively solves everyday problems of preserving and restoring objects.

• Repairing ceramics and glass requires a special approach. After thoroughly degreasing the surfaces, apply a thin layer of liquid glass to the joints. Press the parts tightly for 12–24 hours. The resulting seam is resistant to water and moderate mechanical loads. To enhance the effect, add finely ground quartz (up to 10% by volume) to the composition, which is particularly useful when restoring earthenware products or ceramic tiles.
• Protection of metal surfaces from corrosion is achieved with a mixture of liquid glass and water (1:1). Applied by brush, the composition creates a barrier layer for tools, fasteners, and garden equipment. When repairing leaking radiators or metal tanks, use a paste made of silicate glue and cement (3:1) applied to a cleaned surface. Such a patch can withstand temperatures up to 100°C.
• Strengthening substrates and priming is a key stage of repair work. A solution of liquid glass and water (1:3–1:5) penetrates the pores of old plasters, brickwork, and concrete walls. Adding 5–10% cement creates a strengthening primer that increases the adhesion of subsequent finishing layers. For wooden surfaces, use a 1:1 composition—this will prevent rot and the formation of fungus.

In the hands of a master, liquid glass turns into a tool for creating unique objects.

• Manufacturing of casting molds requires precise proportions. Mix liquid glass with quartz sand (1:3) for casting tin or lead. For gypsum castings, add chamotte clay (15–20% of the sand volume). The resulting mixture is formed around the model and, after hardening, withstands thermal loads up to 800°C while maintaining relief detail.
• Creation of protective and decorative coatings reveals the aesthetic potential of the material:
• For paintings and graphics: A thin layer on watercolors or pastels fixes pigments and creates a glossy surface.
• In woodworking: Impregnation of boxes or carved products (1:1 solution) emphasizes the wood texture.
• Interior design: Coating pebbles creates a "wet stone" effect for florariums.
• Textile processing changes the properties of materials. Impregnating heavy fabrics with a 1:2 solution provides stiffness for carnival costumes and theatrical scenery. Burlap treated with a composition containing 5% clay acquires fire-resistant properties, which is used when creating lampshades and eco-crafts.

The technological properties of liquid glass find application across various production sectors.

• Electrode Production requires strict standards. Potassium liquid glass (up to 25% of the coating composition) provides:
• Stability of the welding arc
• Formation of a protective slag layer
• Alloying of the weld metal through the coating
• Precise viscosity of the composition is controlled by adding kaolin.

1. Manufacture of Heat-Resistant Coatings for metal structures involves mixing silicate glue with zinc dust (2:1) and talc (up to 30% by volume). The resulting paint withstands up to 600°C, protecting industrial furnaces, chimneys, and heat exchangers. For aggressive environments, zinc chromates are added.
2. Molding Sands in Foundry Production utilize the reaction of silicates with $CO_2$. A mixture of sand and 3–5% liquid glass is compacted in flasks and then treated with carbon dioxide. Hardened molds withstand the casting temperatures of iron and steel (up to 1500°C), ensuring the precision of the castings.

Specialized Solutions solve engineering tasks:

• Acid-resistant compositions: A mixture with quartz flour and sodium fluorosilicate (3:2:0.1) for lining chemical reactors.
• Soil stabilization: Injections of a 1:3 solution to strengthen sandy bases under foundations.
• Antistatic coatings: Thin layers on plastic parts of electrical equipment.
• Sealing and Bonding in Industry includes:
• Joining insulation materials on hot surfaces.
• Sealing joints in refractory masonry.
• Assembling filter elements for aggressive environments.
• Fixing abrasive grains on grinding wheels.