Showing posts with label Water glass. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Water glass. Show all posts

Water Glass: The Liquid Marvel for Artistic Expression

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , Monday, July 1, 2024 4:56 AM

 


In the realm of art and crafts, versatility is key, and few materials embody this trait as remarkably as water glass, also known as sodium silicate. This liquid glass solution has captivated artists, crafters, and DIY enthusiasts alike with its remarkable properties and a myriad of applications. From intricate mold-making to decorative finishes, it has solidified its position as an indispensable tool in the creative arsenal. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the fascinating world of water glass, exploring its history, properties, and the boundless possibilities it offers to those who dare to unleash their artistic potential.

The Origin

Sodium silicate, or water glass, has a rich and storied history that dates back centuries. Its origins can be traced to the ancient Egyptians, who utilized it in the production of ceramics and as a binding agent in mortars and plasters. Over time, it found its way into various industries, including textile manufacturing, soap production, and even as a firefighting agent.

However, it wasn't until the 19th century that it truly gained recognition in the world of art and crafts. Artists and artisans began experimenting with this versatile material, discovering its unique properties and the boundless possibilities it offered for creative expression.

The Remarkable Properties

sodium silicate, is a combination of sodium oxide (Na2O) and silicon dioxide (SiO2). This unique chemical composition imbues water glass with several remarkable properties that make it invaluable in the world of art and crafts.

  • Moldability: One of the most significant advantages of this is its ability to set and harden into a solid, glass-like material. This property makes it an ideal choice for mold-making, allowing artists and crafters to create intricate and detailed molds for various projects, from sculpture casting to jewelry making.
  • Adhesive Strength: It possesses exceptional adhesive properties, making it an excellent bonding agent for various materials, including ceramics, glass, and even metals. Its strong adhesive qualities ensure a secure and long-lasting bond, essential for creating durable and lasting artwork.
  • Versatility: From acting as a protective coating to being a key ingredient in concrete and mortar mixes, it demonstrates remarkable versatility. Its diverse applications extend far beyond the realms of art and crafts, making it a truly multifaceted material.

Unleashing Creativity with Water Glass

Water glass has ignited the imaginations of countless artists and crafters, inspiring them to push the boundaries of their creativity. Its unique properties have given rise to a vast array of artistic applications, each one more captivating than the last.

  • Mold-making: Perhaps one of the most well-known applications of it is in the art of mold-making. By combining it with silica sand or other materials, artists can create intricate and detailed molds for casting sculptures, jewelry, and a wide range of decorative pieces.
  • Decorative Finishes: It can be used to create stunning decorative finishes on various surfaces, including glass, ceramics, and even wood. By combining it with pigments or other additives, artists can achieve a wide range of textures and effects, from glossy and smooth to textured and antiqued.
  • Concrete and Mortar Enhancements: In the world of construction and masonry, It is often used as an additive to enhance the performance and durability of concrete and mortar mixes. Its ability to improve workability, strength, and resistance to moisture and chemical attack makes it a valuable addition to these materials.

Embracing Sustainability

Beyond its artistic and practical applications, it also offers a sustainable alternative to traditional materials. As an inorganic, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly substance, it aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly products and practices in the art and craft community.

By incorporating water glass into their creative processes, artists and crafters can reduce their environmental footprint while still producing exceptional works of art. Additionally, it can be recycled and reused, further contributing to the sustainability efforts within the creative industries.

Conclusion:

At ArtMolds, we are passionate about empowering artists and crafters with the tools and materials they need to unleash their creativity. Water glass, or sodium silicate, stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities that lie within the world of art and crafts. With its remarkable properties, versatility, and eco-friendly nature, it has earned its place as a must-have material in every artist's toolkit.

Explore the wonders of water glass and let your imagination run wild. Visit https://artmolds.com/today and embark on a journey of artistic expression like never before.

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The Various Facets of Sodium Silicate

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Wednesday, July 13, 2022 4:24 AM

The compound sodium silicate has many applications. While industry folks are familiar with sand molded metal castings, artists prefer to use it to deflocculate clay slip and create antique finishes on ceramics.

Sodium silicate is a simple inorganic sodium salt that is also called water glass. It comes in a flaked solid or powdered form which is dissolved in water to make an alkaline solution.

This silicate lends itself well to a host of uses that are quite varied in nature. Consider this – sodium silicate is equally effective in both treatment of waste water and preservation of foods. It is used in paper and detergents as well.

The same formula can also be used to reduce porosity in concrete, stucco and plaster. Applying a thin coat on masonry surfaces after they have cured will seal the surface, thus minimizing water penetration. In fact, sodium silicate displays excellent physical and chemical properties that are useful in bonding and coating applications. It will dry to form a tough, tightly adhering inorganic bond for metals, ceramics, glass, etc.

Apart from this, sodium silicate works as a deflocculant for clay slips and can also render an instant antique finish on ceramic surfaces.

But the most common and useful application is in metal or foundry mold making applications. A blend of sand and sodium silicate is used to make the mold. the mixture is packed into a core box of the desired shape and wires or rods are inserted as required for support. This is exposed to carbondioxide gas from a low pressure source or esters which induces a chemical reaction that will solidify the core. Once it has solidified, it is ready for use.

These molds are used in the iron, steel and cast iron industry. Molten metal is poured in the sand molds to make the casts.


Where to buy?


EnvironMolds is a veritable powerhouse supplier in the world of arts and crafts. The website is packed with a broad range of materials, supplies, tools and equipment for making molds, casts and life casts. All products are from leading brands with top quality, reasonable prices and environment safety being the differentiating factor across the board.

The repository includes sodium silicate from the inhouse brand of Artmolds. This inorganic multipurpose additive is formulated in aqueous form and can be used for different purposes. It is low cost, odorless, non-toxic, moisture-resistant and non-flammable too. As it is made from sand and alkali, it proves to be ecologically harmless in fresh water environments too.

However, it can irritate or burn the skin and eyes on contact. Observe safety precautions like wearing splash-proof goggles, rubber gloves and coveralls.

The company further advises that the product should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, removed from oxidizing agents, acids, active metals, heat or ignition sources and foodstuffs. It should be protected from physical damage and sealed properly when not in use. If properly stored, unopened containers can be good indefinitely.

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Sodium Silicate for Bonding, Sealing and Shell Molds

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Tuesday, May 17, 2022 2:05 AM

Sodium silicate is a versatile material that is easy on the pocket. It serves different purposes. Artists apply a coating of liquid sodium silicate to seal molds or make shell molds. Read on to find out more.

The compound sodium metasilicate is commonly known as sodium silicate, liquid glass or water glass. This aqueous solution is quite an economical product that finds various applications from ceramics and metal mold making to concrete and plaster sealing and adhesives. The multifarious nature comes to the fore as the same liquid can impart an antique finish to pottery, deflocculate clay and bind sand to form molds. That’s not all – it can also be used to bond metals and other materials apart from sealing concrete and plaster surfaces.
 


Fact is that sodium silicate forms a transparent film after drying. This film is found to display both adhesive and sealant properties.


  • Applying a thin layer on the surface of a metal, fiberglass, paper or other fibrous material before adhering another piece will form a tight inorganic bond between the two items. The adhesion not only stays optimum but is also resistant to moisture and high temperatures.
  • Water glass can be applied on concrete, stucco or plaster surfaces (after the initial cure) to seal the porous materials. The surface also becomes more wearable and water repellent.
  • Some use sodium silicate to preserve food items like eggs, which can then last for a full year.
  • Artists use sodium silicate to make a shell mold for blanket molds. The liquid layer will harden on drying, thus providing firmness to flexible molds. This will also render the mold surface impermeable, thus protecting the integrity of the mold. During casting, the mold will neither absorb the casting material nor leak in any manner.

Artmolds Sodium Silicate is easy to apply and a single coat should do the job most of the time. It dries quickly to form a tight and permanent bond. It is non-toxic and free of odors too.

The best part is that it gives a transparent finish and will not affect the color or detailing of the mold in any manner. However, the silicate film can be made semi-opaque by adding fillers like clay. Using alkali-resistant options like titanium oxide or aluminum pigments will make the coating completely opaque. Artists usually mix titanium oxide to get a white hue, lime-free iron oxide for red, chrome oxide for green, ochre for yellow or ultramarine for a blue hue. Adding grease-free carbon black will make the silicate coat black while umbers or siennas can be used to make it brown.

The brand does not really matter as all sodium silicates deliver the same results. The prime difference is whether it is available as a powder or aqueous solution. In liquid form, the concentration can vary from one product to another. The powder has to be liquified by adding distilled water.

Aqueous water glass can be easily sourced from EnvironMolds at https://www.artmolds.com/artmolds-sodium-silicate.html

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Precautions for Using Sodium Silicate

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Wednesday, February 10, 2021 12:28 AM

Sodium silicate is an extremely useful material that lends itself to varied uses; but it needs to be handled with care and caution. In fact, it comes with its own set of safety and handling information.

Sodium silicate is formed from the reaction of sodium carbonate and silicon dioxide in a molten state. This universal compound finds multiple uses across diverse platforms. In the world of art, it is commonly used to give an antique finish to ceramic creations. It is also used as a clay slip defflocculant apart from aiding in making sand molds for metal castings.

The same sodium silicate serves excellent bonding and coating applications as well. The high-temperature can form a tight bond between any two materials; it also works to help harden cardboard cartons or applying labels. Also known as water glass, it is used to seal plaster, gypsum and stucco surfaces thus making them impermeable and water resistant. The same property comes in handy for sealing cracks in concrete floors, sidewalks and driveways.

The industry usage of sodium silicate ranges from cements, passive fire protection and refractories to textile and lumber processing and automobiles.



Care and caution


Like most other compounds, sodium silicate needs to be handled carefully. While it is essentially non-toxic, the solution can still irritate or even burn the skin and eyes on contact. Inhalation should also be kept to a minimum.

Therefore, users should make it a point to wear rubber or PVC gloves and overalls when using sodium silicate to make sand molded castings, clay slips or other usage. Wearing splash-proof goggles and rubber boots is also recommended, especially when using large quantities or where heavy contamination is likely.

These are the general precautions that should be carefully adhered. In addition, it is always advisable to vigilantly read the product label and get a handle on the safety measures that will be duly mentioned on the packaging. Following safe work practices will prevent untoward injuries or accidents when working with the compound.

Where to buy?


EnvironMolds offers a complete range of materials, supplies and equipment for making molds, casts and life casts. It is the favorite art store of all kinds of artists as they can find whatever they need and then some more.

ArtMolds Sodium Silicate is just one of the varied components on its broad menu of items that will be handy in the art studio. It is available in 1 pint, 1 gallon and 5 gallon packages. And it goes without saying that like all the other products, this water glass compound is also of top quality and offered at a reasonable price. The regular properties of sodium silicate also hold good – it is odorless, non-toxic moisture resistant, non-flammable and resistant to temperatures up to 3000° F.

The label on the bottle of aqueous solution obviously specifies the safety precautions to be observed while using the sodium silicate. In addition to this, the company website, https://www.artmolds.com also provides supplementary Material Safety Data Sheets for all its products as further guidance.

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Sodium Silicate Deflocculates Clay Slips

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Friday, April 17, 2020 5:05 PM

Slip casting is a common technique used for the mass production of complicated ceramic items. It is made by mixing dry clay with water along with an effective deflocculant like sodium silicate.

Pottery is the common method used to make pots, dishes and other items using clay or other ceramic materials. The potter fashions the piece on the wheel with his hands and it is then fired to give it a hard and durable form. However, there is another technique for making hollow ceramic and porcelain articles in complex shapes that cannot be fashioned on a potter’s wheel. This is known as slip casting of clay, usually along with sodium silicate.


Slip casting is a simple technique of pouring thinned clay into a mold. The mold is filled to the brim and the clay is allowed to settle inside. This allows the slip to build a thin layer inside the mold after which the excess material is drained out. The amount of time the clay slip stays inside the mold will dictate the thickness of the cast.

The clay is allowed to cure and demolded once it starts to separate from the sides of the mold. Usually, slip casting is done in plaster molds as the porous plaster will absorb the water from the slip and allow for quick casting.

When it comes to making the slip for casting, people usually assume that it is done by mixing clay with water. However, this requires a lot of water which in turn will take a long time to shrink and dry. Moreover, the clay may not disperse properly in the slip and will settle at the bottom of the mixture. This is why a deflocculant like water glass (chemical name – sodium silicate) is mixed with the clay before adding water. This will thin the clay or reduce its viscosity by dispersing its particles and thus require much less water. But it should be kept in mind that excess sodium silicate will have an opposite effect and will actually make the clay thicker or flocculate it!

Top quality liquid sodium silicate can be sourced from EnvironMolds at Artmolds.com.

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Using Sodium Silicate in the Art Studio

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , Wednesday, March 27, 2019 3:46 AM

There is practically no limit to the varied uses of sodium silicate. It can be used in artwork and beyond to aid production in factories as well. The utility value in the studio itself is very diverse.

There are many multi-purpose materials, and then there is ArtMolds Sodium Silicate. This comes in very handy in the art studio as well as in daily life. For instance, it can be used in ceramics, metal mold making, clay slip deflocculant, sealer for concrete and plaster, adhesives etc. It is equally useful in cements, passive fire protection, refractories, textile and lumber processing and automobiles.

Apart from the versatility, the product is also odorless, non-toxic and moisture resistant. The low price further adds to the appeal and utility. Let’s take a look at some of the regular uses of liquid sodium silicate:
•    The most common use of sodium silicate is to mix it with fine sand before exposing it to carbon dioxide. The activated silicate binds the sand to form a core or mold. This can be used for making metal castings.

•    Did you know that you can create instant antiquity on pottery too? All you have to do is brush a thrown ceramic piece with sodium silicate and dry it quickly with a blow torch. The heat will swiftly form a thin skin on the surface while the clay inside still remains soft. Using pressure to expand the clay from inside will cause the sodium silicate skin to crack and give a glazed finish to the ceramic.

•    The same sodium silicate also works as an effective deflocculant for clay slips. Just add a small quantity of liquid sodium silicate to clay and mix it will. This will reduce shrinkage later as you are not using water.

•    You can apply sodium silicate on a model or mold made of plaster, gypsum or concrete. This will seal the surface and control its porosity. Masonry can be made waterproof in this manner as well.

•    A thin layer of sodium silicate will dry to form a strong and rigid bond between any two materials.

You can source sodium silicate or water glass from EnvironMolds website, https://www.artmolds.com.


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Complete Mold Making With The Right Material

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Tuesday, January 9, 2018 9:15 PM

Sodium silicate is a multipurpose compound that is formed by the reaction of sodium carbonate along with the silicon dioxide in the molten form. The solution is used as a sealer, an adhesive, binder or deflocculant in cement, ceramics, lumber, textile, as well as automobiles.





Mainly the product is used in the manufacturing industry. The casting process involves pouring the molten metals in the sand molds. It is made with fine-grained sand which has been sieved with a hundred grade mesh.

Also familiar as water glass, the product is used in sand mold casting. All that you need to do is to apply a thin layer of the product between the two materials or on the surface and let it dry. The liquid will react under acidic conditions as well as form a hard glassy gel after drying.  It is a low-cost adhesive and for this, it is preferred by the artists.




Are you thinking from where to buy the product? There are several shops that offer it. However, if you want to get it from a reputable one, then choose EnvironMolds, LLC. They offer high-quality, environmentally-friendly products and that too at reasonable prices. Would you like to get any of the products? Do you have any queries? Then feel free to call at (866) 278-6653.

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Location: New Jersey, USA

Water Glass Works as an Effective Deflocculant too!

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , Monday, March 16, 2015 5:24 AM

I always thought that water glass or sodium silicate is mainly used for making sand mold castings and getting an antique finish on ceramics. I had vaguely heard that it works as a high temperature adhesive too, but was not aware of its binding and sealing properties.

However, it was only when I started working on clay slips for ‘gluing’ my clay pieces together, that I came to know that the same sodium silicate is the most powerful, economical and commonly used deflocculant for clay.

Sodium silicate will work to thin the clay or reduce its viscosity by dispersing its particles. This allows the slip to be produced with minimum water so that drying shrinkage can be curtailed as much as possible. This may sound hazy, but the simple effect is that sodium silicate works like magic! You have to see it to believe it.

However, you need to keep in mind that after a point sodium silicate starts having an opposite effect, i.e., it actually makes the clay thicker or flocculates it. This is why you need a precise formulation of clay, water and water glass, with the latter never exceeding0.5% of the entire formulation.

If you are wondering where to source this clay slip deflocculant, just turn to EnvironMolds. This leading manufacturer and supplier of all kinds of mold making and casting products and equipment also offers the versatile ArtMolds Liquid Sodium Silicate to suit different applications.

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Location: 18 Bank Street #1, Summit, NJ 07901, USA

Water Glass Works as an Excellent Adhesive

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , Tuesday, February 24, 2015 4:08 AM

You couldn’t be more mistaken if you thought water glass – aka sodium silicate – can be used only for sand mold casting or metal mold making. While you may have heard that sodium silicate is often used to create an antique patina on ceramics, not many people know that it works as an excellent high temperature adhesive as well.

Indeed, the binding properties of sodium silicate make it an effective adhesive for bonding and coating applications. All you have to do is apply a thin layer of water glass on the surface or between two materials and let it dry. The liquid will react under acidic conditions and form a hard glassy gel after drying. This functions as a tightly adhering bond that is rigid, resilient, odorless, non-toxic, moisture resistant, non-flammable and resistant to high temperatures. It is also one of the most low-cost adhesives available!

Sodium silicate can be effectively used to bond different materials like metals, concrete, plaster, paper, glass, fiberglass, ceramics, and even refractory materials. Besides this, it works as an effective sealer for plaster and cement, and makes the surfaces where it is applied water repellant as well. It is a cheap and effective sealer for all types of concrete surfaces making them impervious to water and other liquids;think garage, shed and basement floors.

If you are wondering where to source this high temperature adhesive, just turn to EnvironMolds. This leading manufacturer and supplier of all kinds of mold making and casting products and equipment also offers liquid sodium silicate for varied applications like ceramics, metal mold making, concrete and plaster sealing, and adhesives.

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Location: 18 Bank Street #1, Summit, NJ 07901, USA

How to Bind Sand Molds?

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , Wednesday, February 11, 2015 9:41 PM

Mold making does not necessarily require specialized materials like alginate, clay, ceramic, polyurethane resin, silicone rubber or latex rubber for capturing the details of an object in molds. Even sand can be used to make molds of your choice.

Sand molds are paticulary useful in foundry casting as they can withstand the high temperatures of molten metals. However, regular sand will not do. You need fine grained sand for making sand molds – a 100 mesh is used to strain the sand particles.

This brings us to the question – while the fine sand can be poured into or around an object before being compacted to capture its shape and details, how will the sand particles harden and solidify to form a usable mold?

Well, the compound sodium silicate or water glass is used as a binder to glue the sand particles together.It is added to dry, clean sand and mixed.You can either mix by hand in a small container or use a sand mill for larger quantities. The mixture has to be cured with carbon dioxide gas which will activate the water glass to bind and set the sand.

You can always use ArtMolds Sodium Silicate solution that is available by both pints and gallons. All you need is 3% - 4% by weight. This is a high strength binder and will make the sand molds extremely strong and resilient.

Sand molds are normally used in manufacturing industries for casting metal objects. Molten metal is poured in the sand molds and solidifies to form the final object!

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Location: 18 Bank Street #1, Summit, NJ 07901, USA

Reproduce Almost Anything

Posted by EnvironMolds , Labels: , , , , Tuesday, June 10, 2014 3:43 AM

EnvironMolds proudly proclaims that it can help you ‘reproduce almost anything’! And the enormous repertoire of EnvironMolds’ art supplies more than amply backs up this tall claim. Indeed, the comprehensive product and equipment lineup encompass everything needed for any kind of art application – be it candle making, soap making, fake food making, culinary mold making, mask making, doll making, sculpting, cold metal casting, garage art and statuary making or life casting and body casting.
Additionally, the wide variety of supplies also lend themselves well for other advanced applications like special effects, antique restoration, ballistic testing, taxidermy, prosthetics, paleontology and fossil preservation.

And it’s not just professionals who can enjoy the huge range of products that are at their disposal. EnvironMolds even provides various instructional materials that can assist the amateur artists who wish to try their hand at any kind of art molding or casting. The website is replete with helpful tips and suggestions and every product also comes with useful guidelines attached. Then there are all-in-one kits for beginners that contain all the materials needed for creating beautiful, gallery-like pieces of art. Furthermore, EnvironMolds even compiles instructional books and videos for both the uninitiated and expert artists.
Going ahead, EnvironMolds’ catalog is not just limited to its in-house brand – ArtMolds. You will find a broad selection of other leading brands as well - Sculpture House, Mehron, Chavant, Robinair, BSN Medical, Alumlite and Skulduggery to name a few.
So, if you are interested in making a silicone mold, you will surely find a good variety of silicone rubbers along with a lot more!

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Location: 18 Bank Street #1, Summit, NJ 07901, USA
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