Liquid floor glass: dedusting and hardening of concrete

Over time, the concrete floor begins to "grind": the surface gives off fine cement dust, the coating is abraded, and any finish coating does not hold well on the loose upper layer. Impregnation with sodium liquid glass is an inexpensive and proven way to dedust and strengthen such a floor. Below we will look at how it works liquid floor glass, how to dilute and apply it, what is the approximate consumption and in what cases to choose this material.

What is liquid glass and why is it impregnated with concrete

Liquid glass is a concentrated aqueous solution of sodium silicate obtained from natural raw materials (quartz sand and soda). ETIZ produces precisely sodium liquid glass is a universal composition for construction, waterproofing and concrete processing. It is a silicate liquid, not an insulation, not a composite sheet, not a reinforcement.

When the mortar hits the concrete, it penetrates the pores and reacts with free calcium hydroxide (lime), which is always abundant in cement stone. As a result, insoluble silicate compounds are formed in the pores, which "glue" loose particles, close the capillaries and seal the surface layer. The floor stops dusting, becomes harder and resists abrasion and moisture better.

What properties does the impregnation give

• Dedusting — binds cement dust and loose particles of the upper layer.
• Strengthening — increases surface strength and abrasion resistance.
• Waterproofing — fills pores, reduces capillary absorption of moisture.
• Chemical resistance — increases resistance to weak acids and aggressive media.
• Surface Preparation — creates a dense primer for paint, self-leveling floor, tiles.
• Antiseptic effect — inhibits the development of mold and fungus in the pores.

Typical Characteristics of Sodium Liquid Glass

The exact values depend on the batch and are indicated in the product data sheet. Below are indicative ranges typical of sodium liquid glass. Sodium liquid glass is standardized according to GOST 13078; specific indicators should be specified in the ETIZ passport.

You can choose the right volume and clarify the current characteristics in the section Liquid glass.

How to dilute liquid glass to impregnate the floor

For dedusting and hardening of the concrete floor, the concentrate is usually diluted with water — so the solution penetrates deeper into the pores and is distributed more evenly. The approximate proportions depend on the density of the concrete and the task:

• Dedusting agent — the concentrate is diluted with water approximately 1:2–1:3 (as it is absorbed, the composition can be made slightly richer for the last layers).
• Strengthening of loose surface — the first layer is more diluted for deep penetration, the second layer is more saturated.
• Concrete/mortar additive when pouring a new floor — a small fraction of the weight of cement.

All proportions are given estimated: Specify the exact formulation according to the instructions on the package and select it for a specific task and the condition of the base. Before working on the entire floor, check the composition in a small area.

Application technology in 1–2 layers

1. Preparing the substrate The floor is cleaned of dust, dirt, oil stains and flaking particles. It is better to seal large cracks and potholes in advance. The base should be dry or slightly wet — but without puddles.
2. First layer The diluted solution is applied with a roller, brush or sprayer evenly, without gaps. A more diluted first layer absorbs more deeply.
3. Intermediate drying. Allow the layer to soak and dry (approximately several hours, the exact time is according to the instructions and conditions in the room).
4. Second layer Apply in the same areas, if necessary with a slightly more saturated composition. For dense concrete, one or two layers are often enough.
5. Full Cure Before putting the floor into operation or laying the coating, the base is allowed to gain strength.

Estimated flow rate

The flow rate depends on the absorbency of the concrete and the degree of dilution; check the actual values in the test area. A loose and porous base always "drinks" more.

Practical warnings

Liquid glass is an effective, but demanding material. Consider a few important points:

• Quickly grasps. Work quickly and in small areas so that the train does not "grab" ahead of time and does not leave influxes.
• Gives a fragile film in its pure form. For the floor, it is the impregnation in depth that is important, and not the thick surface crust — therefore the first layer is diluted.
• Hand and Eye Protection: Alkaline solution: wear gloves and goggles, rinse off with water in case of contact with skin.
• Coating compatibility. Before laying the finish coat, make sure it is compatible with the silicate impregnation and allow the base to dry.

Where floor impregnation with liquid glass is used

Silicate impregnation is appropriate where dedusting, durability and moisture resistance are important: garages and workshops, basements and cellars, warehouses, utility and production rooms, technical floors. It is used both as an independent treatment and as a primer for paint, self-leveling floor or tile. In addition to floors, sodium liquid glass is used for membrane waterproofing of foundations and screeds, as an additive in waterproof concrete, fire-retardant impregnation of wood and silicate adhesive.

Ready-to-use canisters of sodium liquid glass for these tasks are presented in eTHYZ catalogue.

Overview of main features.

Liquid floor glass is a sodium silicate that de-dusts and hardens the top layer of concrete by reacting with lime in the pores. It is diluted with water approximately 1:2–1:3, applied in 1–2 layers with intermediate drying, the approximate consumption of the concentrate is about 0.2-0.5 l/m². Always check the exact proportions, characteristics and consumption according to the passport and product instructions for your task.

FAQs

How to dilute the liquid glass for dedusting the concrete floor?

For dedusting impregnation, the sodium liquid glass concentrate is usually diluted with water in a ratio of approximately 1:2–1:3. A more diluted first layer penetrates deeper into the pores, the second can be made more saturated. The exact proportions depend on the density and condition of the concrete, so they are always specified according to the instructions on the package and selected for a specific task. Before processing the entire floor, check the composition in a small trial area.

How many layers of liquid glass should be applied to the floor?

For most concrete floors, one or two layers are sufficient. The first, more diluted layer provides deep penetration and dedusting, the second compacts the surface and adds strength. Between the layers, the composition is allowed to soak and dry. A porous and loose screed is often treated in two layers, dense concrete is often sufficient to impregnate once or twice. Focus on the absorbency of the base and recommendations in the instructions.

What is the consumption of liquid glass per 1 m² of floor?

The approximate consumption of the concentrate is about 0.2-0.3 l/m² when dedusting dense concrete and about 0.3-0.5 l/m² when hardening the porous screed in two layers. The actual flow rate is highly dependent on the absorbency of the surface and the degree of dilution with water, so it is better to clarify it at the trial site. A loose base always absorbs noticeably more than dense, well-finished concrete.

Is it possible to put a tile or self-leveling floor on top of the impregnation with liquid glass?

Yes, silicate impregnation often serves as a primer for finishing coatings: it de-dusts and strengthens the base. It is important to allow the impregnation to dry completely and to ensure that the chosen coating or adhesive is compatible with the silicate treatment. In some cases, the surface is further dedusted or treated with an adhesive primer. Check the compatibility and order of work according to the instructions for both impregnation and finishing material.

Liquid glass ETHYZ — sodium or potassium?

ETIZ produces sodium liquid glass — a universal composition for construction, waterproofing and concrete processing, including dedusting and hardening of floors. Potassium liquid glass is another product that is more often used in paints and flame retardants; in this line, ETIZ does not position it. To impregnate the concrete floor, it is sodium silicate in cans of 5 l (7 kg) and 10 l (14 kg) that is used.