How to dilute liquid glass: proportions for the task

Before we get to the bottom of this, how to dilute liquid glass, it's important to understand what you're working with. Liquid glass ETHYZ is an aqueous solution of sodium silicate (sodium liquid glass) obtained from natural raw materials: quartz sand and soda. This is a concentrate-liquid, not an insulation, not a sheet, and not a reinforcement. Precisely because it is a concentrate, it is diluted with water or injected into the solution in most applications — and the right proportion determines whether you get a durable waterproofing coating or a brittle peeling film.

What the proportion depends on

There is no single "correct" proportion — it is dictated by the task. Sodium liquid glass has several properties at once: it waterproofs (fills pores and cuts off capillary moisture), works as an antiseptic (suppresses mold, fungus, rot), gives fire protection (mineral silicate does not burn), serves as a binder and glue, increases the strength, water resistance and chemical resistance of concrete, dedusts and hardens surfaces. Each of these applications has its own concentration.

• Lubricating waterproofing — a more saturated mixture is needed, the film should cover the pores.
• Priming and impregnation — the solution is weaker so that it is absorbed deep, and does not remain a crust on the surface.
• Additive in concrete and mortar — it is not "part of water" that is considered here, but a fraction of the weight of the cement.
• Glass glue — often used in an almost undiluted form.

Proportions of liquid glass for the task: table

Values Below — indicative. They give a starting point, but check the final dosage according to the ETIZ instructions and your materials, because a lot depends on the brand of cement, temperature and porosity of the base.

Let us emphasize once again: the proportions are given approximately and according to the task. There is no hard "only true recipe" here — always check the instructions on the canister and make a trial section.

How to prepare a solution: technique

Correct dilution is not only to maintain the proportion, but also to observe the order and pace of work. The sodium liquid glass sets quickly, so the solution is prepared in small portions for the current site.

1. Prepare the base. The surface must be clean, dust-free and free of oil stains. Remove loose areas.
2. Measure the components. First, pour in water, then, while stirring, inject the liquid glass concentrate — so it is easier to obtain homogeneity without lumps.
3. Stir until well mixed. Mix smoothly, without intensive foaming; use clean containers.
4. Cook in small quantities. The mixture does not live long — do not dilute more than you have time to produce in 10–20 minutes.
5. Apply in thin layers. For waterproofing — 2–3 layers with intermediate drying; each subsequent layer according to the dried previous one.

An important practical caveat: in its pure form, liquid glass gives a rather fragile film, so for critical structures it is more often used as an additive to the solution or as a primer for subsequent finishing, rather than as an independent finishing coating.

Additive in concrete — how not to overdo it

When introduced into concrete, the liquid glass speeds up the setting and increases water resistance, but the excess reduces the final strength and dramatically reduces the time of working with the mixture. Therefore, a small proportion is taken (approximately units of percent by weight of cement), carefully distributed over the batch and work quickly. The exact dosage for the concrete grade should be specified according to the instructions and, if possible, checked on a trial mix.

Characteristics: what to focus on

Sodium liquid glass has key characteristics — silicate modulus and density. For sodium LC, modulus of the order of 2.6-3.4 and density of the order of 1.4 g/cm³ are typical; these are indicative, typical ranges, and the exact values are indicated in the passport of the ETIZ product. Sodium liquid glass is standardized by GOST 13078. The module and density determine how thick the concentrate is and how it will behave when diluted, so when performing exact tasks, rely on the passport data of a particular batch, and not on averaged figures.

Occupational safety

Liquid glass is an alkaline solution, so when working, observe the basic measures:

• Wear gloves and, if necessary, protective glasses — the solution irritates the skin and mucous membranes.
• Ventilate the room.
• After contact with skin or eyes, rinse with plenty of water.
• Do not allow the spray to dry on the tool and container — the dried silicate is washed hard, clean the inventory immediately.
• Keep canisters tightly closed to prevent freezing.

Pre-packing and where to buy

Liquid sodium glass ETHYZ is available in convenient containers — cans of 5 liters (7 kg) and 10 liters (14 kg). This format is convenient both for one-time waterproofing of the basement and for regular work with concrete floors. You can get acquainted with the product and characteristics in catalogue of liquid glass ETHYZ — in the same place, check the nameplate values of the module and density before accurately calculating the proportions.

Bottom line: to properly dilute the liquid glass, start from the task, start with the approximate proportion from the table, make a trial section and check the instructions on the canister. Finding the right volume for your project will help page of liquid glass in the catalog.

FAQs

In what proportion to dilute the liquid glass for waterproofing?

For membrane waterproofing of the foundation, basement or walls, the concentrate is diluted with water approximately in the ratio of 1:2–1:3. Apply in 2–3 layers with a brush or roller with intermediate drying. This is the starting point: check the exact concentration according to the ETIZ instructions and the porosity of the base, and before a large area, make a trial section and evaluate how the film fits.

Is it possible to apply liquid glass in a clean, undiluted form?

Sometimes yes — for example, as a silicate adhesive for paper, cardboard or glass, it is used almost without dilution. But for waterproofing and priming, pure concentrate gives a brittle, crack-prone film, so it is usually diluted with water or injected into the solution. Focus on the task and on the instructions: there is no universal "always clean" application.

How much liquid glass should be added to the concrete?

A small fraction of the cement weight — approximately one percent — is introduced into the concrete and cement slurry. It speeds up the set and increases the water resistance, but the excess reduces the strength and dramatically reduces the time of working with the mixture. The exact dosage for the concrete grade should be specified according to the instructions and checked on a trial mix, working quickly and in small volumes.

Why does the solution freeze quickly and how to work with it?

Sodium liquid glass by its nature quickly sets — this is its property, not marriage. Therefore, the solution is prepared in small portions for the current site and produced in 10–20 minutes. Do not dilute a large volume at once, clean the tool until the silicate dries and apply in thin layers. Such a pace of work is the key to a smooth coating without overlaps and delamination.

What is the modulus and density of ETHYZ liquid glass?

ETHYZ produces sodium liquid glass; it is typical of a silicate module of the order of 2.6-3.4 and a density of about 1.4 g/cm³. These are indicative ranges — the exact values for a specific batch are indicated in the product data sheet. Sodium liquid glass is standardized by GOST 13078. For accurate proportions calculations, rely on passport data rather than averaged figures.

Do you need safety measures when diluting liquid glass?

Yes. Liquid glass is an alkaline solution, so wear gloves, wear safety glasses if necessary and ventilate the room. In case of contact with skin or eyes, rinse with plenty of water. Dried silicate is difficult to wash off, so clean containers and tools immediately. Keep canisters tightly closed and do not allow them to freeze.