Liquid glass: application and where to use

When it comes to Liquid glass and his application, it is important to immediately understand what this material is. Liquid sodium glass ETHYZ is a concentrated aqueous solution of sodium silicate, a mineral binder on natural raw materials (quartz sand and soda). Unlike organic compositions, sodium silicate is non-combustible, is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation and serves for decades. It is the versatility that explains why the same product is used by builders, finishers, stoves and even restorers.

What is liquid glass and why is it so widely used

Liquid glass is a solution that, when dried, forms a strong vitreous film that fills the pores of the base. Hence the main functions: waterproofing, hardening, fire protection and antiseptic. ETHYZ product — namely sodium liquid glass, a versatile option for construction and waterproofing. Potassium glass (more often used in paints and flame retardants) is another product, and ETIZ does not position it in this line.

Key properties of sodium liquid glass:

• Waterproofing — fills capillaries and pores, cuts off moisture from concrete and stone;
• Flame Retardant — mineral silicate does not burn and protects wood from ignition;
• ❕ antiseptic; — suppresses mold, fungus and putrefaction;
• Binder and adhesive — works as a silicate adhesive for paper, cardboard, glass, porcelain;
• Reinforcing — dedusts concrete, increases water resistance, strength and chemical resistance of mortars;
• Accelerating Setting — reduces the hardening time of cement mixtures.

Where liquid glass is used: an overview of the main directions

Below is a summary table by application areas. It helps to quickly navigate under what task liquid glass is suitable and in what form it is used.

1. Waterproofing is the most popular application

Liquid glass coating waterproofing is a basic use case. Foundations, walls of basements and cellars, walls of pools, wells and basement structures are treated with the composition. For coating, the concentrate is diluted with water approximately 1:2–1:3 (specify the exact proportion according to the instructions and the task), after which it is applied with a brush or roller in 1–2 layers. The solution penetrates the pores and cuts off capillary moisture. Learn more about the product at catalogue of liquid glass ETHYZ.

2. Additive in concrete and cement mortar

A small proportion of liquid glass from the mass of cement makes concrete waterproof and acid-resistant, accelerates setting. Such concrete is used where resistance to water and aggressive media is needed: pits, hydraulic elements, acid-resistant floors. The dosage is set tentatively and depends on the task — always check the instructions, because the excess silicate accelerates the setting so much that the mixture can “get up” ahead of time.

3. Priming and dedusting of concrete surfaces

Concrete floors and walls are impregnated with diluted liquid glass before finishing. The composition binds dust, strengthens the top layer and improves the adhesion of subsequent coatings. This is in demand in garages, warehouses, basements and industrial premises.

4. Fireproofing and antiseptic of wood

Impregnation of wooden structures with liquid glass reduces flammability and protects wood from mold, fungus and rot. The mineral film does not support combustion. At the same time, it is worth remembering: glass-coated wood is worse than paint and varnish materials, so this method is chosen for hidden and technical elements (logs, crates, rough floors).

5. Silicate glue and refractory putties

In everyday life, liquid glass is known as silicate (stationery) glue — paper, cardboard, glass, porcelain are glued to them. In construction, refractory putties and mortars for masonry and repair of furnaces, fireplaces, chimneys are prepared on its basis — the seams are heat-resistant.

Characteristics of sodium liquid glass

The exact values are always indicated in the ETHYZ product data sheet. Approximate, typical for sodium liquid glass parameters look like this:

How to Properly Handle Liquid Glass: Honest Warnings

The material is simple, but requires care. A few practical rules:

• Work quickly and in small areas. Liquid glass sets quickly, so don't knead more than you can apply.
• Do not rely on thick film. In its pure form, the frozen glass gives a fragile coating that is better protected by a finishing layer (screed, plaster, painting on a compatible base).
• Observe the proportions tentatively and according to the task. For coating — approximately 1:2–1:3 with water, for concrete — a small fraction of the weight of the cement; always refer to the instructions.
• Protect your skin and eyes. Alkaline solution — use gloves and goggles, rinse the tool with water immediately after work.
• Don't confuse the products. Liquid glass is a concentrate-silicate, not steam glass-insulation, not a composite sheet or reinforcement.

If you only choose the material for your task, start by studying the ruler and packaging in catalogue of liquid sodium glass ETHYZ — there are cans of 5 l and 10 l for private and professional use.

Overview of main features.

Liquid glass is used wherever waterproofing, hardening, fire protection or antiseptic of mineral nature is needed: foundations and basements, concrete and mortars, floors and walls, wood, furnaces and gluing. Sodium liquid glass ETHYZ is a universal concentrate based on natural raw materials, which is diluted for a specific task. The main thing is to work quickly, follow the indicative proportions according to the instructions and protect your hands and eyes.

FAQs

Where is liquid glass most often used?

The most common use of liquid glass is membrane waterproofing of foundations, basements, cellars, pools and wells. It is also added to concrete and cement mortars for water resistance, used as a primer for dedusting concrete floors, as a fire retardant and antiseptic impregnation of wood, as a silicate glue and as a basis for refractory putties of furnaces and fireplaces.

How to dilute liquid glass for waterproofing?

For membrane waterproofing, the concentrate is diluted with water in a ratio of approximately 1:2–1:3 and applied with a brush or roller in one or two layers. These are indicative values: the exact proportion should be specified according to the ETIZ instruction and the specific task. It is necessary to work quickly and in small areas, as the composition quickly sets.

What liquid glass does ETHYZ produce — sodium or potassium?

ETIZ produces sodium liquid glass — a universal aqueous solution of sodium silicate for construction, waterproofing and concrete processing. Potassium glass, which is more often used in paints and flame retardants, is another product, and ETIZ does not offer it in this line. Packing of sodium glass — cans of 5 l (7 kg) and 10 l (14 kg).

Is it possible to add liquid glass to concrete?

Yes, liquid glass is added to concrete and cement slurry as a small fraction of the cement weight. This improves waterproofness, acid resistance and durability, as well as accelerates setting. The dosage is set approximately and according to the task: an excess of silicate dramatically accelerates hardening, so it is important to follow the instructions and not exceed the recommended amount.

What precautions do you need when working with liquid glass?

Liquid glass has an alkaline reaction, so you need to work with gloves and safety glasses, and wash the tool with water immediately after application. The composition sets quickly — knead as much as you have time to use. In its pure form, the frozen film is fragile, so it is usually protected with a finish layer. Refer to the ETHYZ product data sheet for exact specifications.