Liquid glass consumption per m²: how to calculate for the task

Calculate correctly liquid glass consumption need even before buying: it depends on how many cans to take and whether there is enough material for all layers. Sodium liquid glass ETHYZ is a concentrate that is diluted with water for most construction tasks, so the "norm per m²" is always a fork, and not a single hard number. Below we will analyze what the consumption depends on, give approximate ranges for typical tasks, a formula for calculating the area and show an example.

What determines the consumption of liquid glass

The same bucket of concentrate at different facilities "leaves" in different ways. The final need is influenced by several factors:

• Task type Coating waterproofing "eats" much more than a thin primer before painting.
• Base porosity and absorbency. Loose old concrete, gas block or plaster absorb more than dense factory screed.
• Degree of dilution. The concentrate for coating is diluted weaker, for impregnation — stronger, and this changes the flow rate of the concentrate.
• Number of layers. Impregnation and primer are often applied in 2–3 passes "wet over dried".
• Tooling and neatness. The brush and roller give less losses, the sprayer is more convenient, but with overspending.
• Temperature and roughness. The material lies thicker on a warm rough surface.

Therefore, any tables are a starting point. A reliable figure for your object is given by a test coloring: process 1 m², measure the actual flow rate and multiply by the area.

Approximate consumption for tasks

Below are typical ranges for sodium liquid glass. The values are given in terms of concentrate and are given estimated; check the exact norms according to the instructions for a specific task and according to the product data sheet.

The figures are cumulative for all layers. If the base is very porous or strongly absorbs the first layer, lay the upper boundary of the range. For the product and packaging, see the section Liquid glass — it is available in cans of 5 l (7 kg) and 10 l (14 kg).

How to calculate the flow rate per area: the formula

It is more convenient to count in two steps — first the total mass of the concentrate, then transfer it to the volume and cans.

1. Define the area of the treated surface S, m². For complex geometry (walls + cellar floor), fold the sections.
2. Select the consumption rate R (g/m²) from the table for your task.
3. Multiply: the need for concentrate = S × R (in grams), divided by 1000 — we get kilograms.
4. Add stock 10–15% on bumps, losses and trimming.
5. Convert to liters/cans. The density of sodium liquid glass is typically about 1.4 g/cm³ (the exact value is in the ETHYZ passport), that is, 1 liter weighs about 1.4 kg. So liters are kilograms ÷ 1.4.

Dilution with water does not affect the number of canisters of the concentrate: water is added separately, but you buy as much of the concentrate as you calculated according to the norm.

Calculation example

Task: membrane waterproofing of the floor and the lower part of the cellar walls, a total of 20 m², in 2 layers.

• The rate for coating — let's take an average of 400 g/m².
• Concentrate: 20 m² × 400 g = 8000 g = 8 kg.
• 15% margin: 8 × 1.15 ≈ 9.2 kg.
• In volume: 9.2 ÷ 1.4 ≈ 6.6 liters.

As a result, we take one canister of 10 liters (14 kg) with a small reserve, or two cans of 5 liters each. This is an approximate calculation: make a test painting of 1 m² and adjust the rate for the real absorption of your concrete.

How to reduce overruns

• Prepare the base. Remove dust, detachment and grease — a clean, dense surface absorbs smoother and more economical.
• Work in small areas. Liquid glass sets quickly, so dilute as much of the compound as you have time to apply; dried residues are direct losses.
• Apply thinly but in several layers. Two neat passes give a better result and less consumption than one thick “bay”.
• The first layer is more diluted. It penetrates better into the pores, the next one compacts the surface.
• Protect your hands and eyes. Alkaline solution; wear gloves and glasses — this is not about consumption, but about safety.

Remember: in its pure form, the solidified liquid glass gives a rather brittle film, therefore, under the loaded and external nodes, it is more often used as an additive in mortar or in conjunction with cement compositions, and not as an independent finishing coating.

What is important to consider before buying?

Sodium liquid glass is a universal material for construction, waterproofing and reinforcement of concrete; it is standardized by GOST 13078 (soluble sodium silicate). The sodium LC silicate module typically lies in the range of about 2.6-3.4 — for the exact characteristics of a particular batch, see the ETIZ passport. Before a large purchase, it is always useful to calculate the consumption according to the formula, lay the stock and check the norm with a trial site: this way you will not buy too much and stop the work due to a shortage of material for the second layer. You can choose the volume and clarify the characteristics in the catalog liquid glass ETHYZ.

FAQs

What is the consumption of liquid glass per m² for waterproofing?

With membrane waterproofing of the foundation, basement or screed, the approximate consumption of the concentrate is approximately 300–500 g/m² in total for two layers, when diluted with water about 1:2–1:3. Porous and highly absorbent bases go along the upper boundary. This is a benchmark: the exact rate for your concrete is given by the product passport and a test painting on an area of 1 m².

How to convert consumption from grams to liters and cans?

First you count the mass of the concentrate: the area in m² is multiplied by the norm in g/m² and divided by 1000, getting kilograms, then you add a margin of 10–15%. To go to liters, divide kilograms by density — in sodium liquid glass it is typically about 1.4 g/cm³ (the exact value in the ETHYZ passport), that is, 1 liter weighs about 1.4 kg. Next, pick up cans of 5 liters (7 kg) or 10 liters (14 kg).

Does dilution with water affect the amount of concentrate purchased?

No. Water is added to the solution separately and does not increase the flow rate of the concentrate — you buy as much liquid glass as you calculated according to the norm per area. Dilution affects the depth of penetration and the working consistency: the concentrate is diluted more strongly for impregnation, and weaker for coating. Proportions should be given approximately and specified according to the instructions for a specific task.

What margin to lay when calculating the flow rate?

Practical stock — 10–15% in excess of the estimated need. It covers the unevenness and roughness of the base, the losses on the tool, the trimming of the corners and the increased absorption of the first layer. For old loose concrete or gas block, take closer to 15% and the upper limit of the norm. The most reliable way is to make a test milling of 1 m², measure the actual flow rate and multiply by the entire area.

Why is the consumption for floor impregnation less than for waterproofing?

The primer and hardening impregnation are applied in a thin layer and more diluted with water (approximately 1:2–1:5), their task is to penetrate the pores and dedust the surface, and not to create a continuous coating film. Therefore, the approximate consumption of the concentrate is lower — about 150–400 g/m², depending on the absorption and the number of passes. Membrane waterproofing forms a denser barrier and requires more material.