How to choose liquid glass: sodium or potassium, module and packaging for the task
Liquid glass ETIZ is sodium liquid glass, aqueous solution of sodium silicate obtained from quartz sand and soda. This is a universal building concentrate: it waterproofs, strengthens concrete, serves as an antiseptic and fire protection for wood, works as a silicate glue and binder. It is important to immediately separate it from similar products by name: liquid glass is liquid-silicate, and not a sheet composite or a vapor glass insulation. We will analyze step by step how to choose a liquid glass for a specific task and not overpay for the excess volume.
Sodium or potassium: what is the difference
The first thing that starts the choice is the type of silicate. Both the price and the scope depend on it.
- Sodium liquid glass — a versatile option for construction. Responsible for waterproofing foundations, basements, pools and wells, added to concrete and cement mortars, used as a soil impregnation and antiseptic. It is the sodium liquid glass that produces ETIZ and it is standardized according to GOST 13078.
- Potassium liquid glass — a narrower product. More often it goes into silicate and fire-retardant paints, electrode coatings, heat-resistant compositions. It gives a more weather-resistant film, but it is also more expensive for typical construction tasks.
For the absolute majority of household and construction works — waterproofing, concrete, dedusting of floors, wood processing — the right choice is sodium liquid glass. If the task is associated with decorative silicate paints or fire-retardant paints, then they are already looking towards potassium.
What to look for when choosing
When the type is determined, the technical characteristics are evaluated. There are four key parameters.
- 7. Silicate module — ratio of silicon oxide to sodium oxide. For sodium liquid glass, a typical modulus range is about 2.6-3.4. The higher the module, the stronger and waterproof the film, but the faster the composition sets. Refer to the ETHYZ data sheet for the exact values.
- Density — the concentration of the solution. In sodium liquid glass, it is usually of the order of 1.4 g/cm³. A denser (concentrated) product is more economical in terms of the working solution, because it is diluted with water.
- Raw Material Purity,% — important for a stable result. A solution of natural quartz sand and soda gives a uniform film without foreign inclusions. A cloudy precipitate or stratification is a reason to doubt the quality.
- Packaging — under the scope of work. ETIZ offers cans 5 l (7 kg) and 10 l (14 kg). Small canister — for spot tasks and samples, ten-liter - for waterproofing the foundation or pouring floors.
Table: task → recommendation
Below is a quick reference point by product type, approximate dilution and suitable packaging. All proportions are approximate, check according to the instructions and the specific task.
| Purpose | What should I choose | Indicative dilution | Pre-packing for start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Membrane waterproofing of the foundation, basement, cellar | Sodium ZhS | Concentrate + water ~1:2–1:3 (tentative) | 10 l (14 kg) |
| Waterproofing of pool, wells, screeds | Sodium ZhS | ~1:2–1:3, in several layers | 10 l (14 kg) |
| Additive in concrete and cement mortar | Sodium ZhS | A small fraction of the weight of cement (according to the instructions) | 5 or 10 |
| Soil impregnation, dedusting of concrete floors | Sodium ZhS | Dilute with water under the absorption of the base | 10 l (14 kg) |
| Fireproofing and antiseptic for wood | Sodium ZhS | On task, usually diluted | 5 L (7 kg) |
| Silicate adhesive, refractory putty for furnaces | Sodium ZhS | In pure form or with filler | 5 L (7 kg) |
| Silicate and flame retardant paints, electrode coatings | Potassium ZhS | According to the formulation of the composition | — |
How much to take: volume calculation
The volume of purchase depends on the area and the number of layers. Membrane waterproofing and impregnation are usually applied in 2–3 layers, each subsequent layer — after drying the previous one. For point tasks (glue, putty, composition sample at the facility), a canister of 5 liters (7 kg) is sufficient. For waterproofing the foundation, basement walls or pouring floors, 10 liters (14 kg) are taken, and for a large area — several cans. It is useful to lay a small stock: liquid glass is convenient to store, and it is inconvenient to buy more in the midst of work. For current packaging options and characteristics, see catalogue of liquid glass ETHYZ.
Practical warnings
Even properly selected liquid glass requires careful work. Consider a few honest material limitations:
- Quick set. The composition hardens quickly, so apply it in small areas and work without pauses, do not knead more than you have time to work out.
- Brittleness of the clean film. In its pure form, the frozen liquid glass gives a fragile film. For waterproofing, it is usually used as a coating or an additive in a solution, and not as an independent decorative coating.
- Hand and Eye Protection: The solution is alkaline, so wear gloves and glasses, avoid contact with skin and mucous membranes.
- Compatibility Check the composition on a small area of the base, especially if the surface is painted or previously treated with other impregnations.
In total, the choice comes down to three steps: determine the type (for construction — sodium liquid glass ETIZ), check the module, density and cleanliness with the passport, and then select a packing of 5 or 10 liters for the scope of work. This approach will save unnecessary costs and give a predictable result — a strong, water-resistant and durable treatment.
FAQs
How to choose liquid glass: sodium or potassium?
For construction tasks — waterproofing, additives to concrete, dedusting floors, wood processing — choose sodium liquid glass, which is produced by ETIZ. Potassium liquid glass is needed in narrower cases: silicate and fire-retardant paints, electrode coatings, heat-resistant compositions. It is more expensive and redundant for typical works, so in most situations the correct and economical choice is sodium silicate.
What silicate modulus and density should I focus on?
Sodium liquid glass has a typical silicate modulus of about 2.6-3.4 and a density of about 1.4 g/cm³. The higher the module, the stronger and waterproof the film, but the faster the composition sets. A denser concentrate is more economical because it is diluted with water. The exact values should always be checked with the ETHYZ product data sheet — they depend on the specific batch and purpose.
What packaging of liquid glass should I take?
ETHYZ offers 5 L (7 kg) and 10 L (14 kg) canisters. The canister of 5 liters is convenient for point tasks: silicate glue, refractory putty, wood processing or sample composition at the facility. The canister of 10 liters is suitable for waterproofing the foundation, basement walls, pool and pouring floors. With a large area, take a few cans and lay a small margin on additional layers.
How to dilute liquid glass for waterproofing?
For membrane waterproofing, the concentrate is approximately diluted with water in a ratio of about 1:2–1:3 and applied in 2–3 layers with intermediate drying. To add to concrete, a small fraction of the cement mass is taken. These are indicative values — check the specific proportions according to the instructions and the task. Work quickly and in small areas, because the composition sets rapidly.
How does ETHYZ liquid glass differ from steam glass and composite sheets?
Liquid glass is a liquid concentrate, an aqueous solution of sodium silicate for waterproofing, concrete hardening, fire protection and bonding. It should not be confused with insulated steam glass or composite sheets: these are different products with different purposes. If you need a silicate solution for coating, impregnation or additives in concrete, choose sodium liquid glass ETHYZ in cans of 5 or 10 liters.
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