Wood processing with liquid glass: pros and cons of

Because liquid glass, also called sodium silicate, has special protective qualities, it is becoming more and more popular for processing wood. By applying a liquid glass solution to wood surfaces, this technique produces a long-lasting, glass-like coating with a number of advantages. The procedure greatly extends the wood’s lifespan and increases its resistance to different environmental factors in addition to enhancing its natural beauty.

The outstanding waterproofing properties of liquid glass make it a prime choice for wood treatment applications. It creates an impermeable layer when applied, preventing moisture from getting into the wood. This makes it the perfect material for decks, outdoor furniture, and other weather-exposed wooden structures. Liquid glass is also renowned for its ability to withstand mold and mildew, which guarantees that the wood will stay safe and clean over time.

There are certain drawbacks to take into account despite its many advantages. To achieve a uniform coating, applying liquid glass requires precise planning and handling. It can result in uneven surfaces and a less appealing finish if applied incorrectly. Moreover, even though the shield is strong, damage to it may be difficult to fix. The protective layer and visual appeal of the wood may need to be preserved with routine upkeep and sporadic reapplication.

All things considered, applying liquid glass to wood processing provides a strong blend of improvement and protection for wooden surfaces. Liquid glass is a workable solution whether you want to protect your outdoor furniture from the weather or just maintain the natural beauty of your wood. Before selecting this treatment option, you must, however, balance the benefits and drawbacks and take your project’s particular requirements into account.

The expediency of wood processing

In many situations, the use of silicates in wood processing is justified. The impregnated wood retains its decorative quality and is more refractory, with a distinct wood texture.

Producers provide a range of liquid glass for wood; the combination has been used for two centuries. These additives are still used in the manufacturing process of lumber made with modern technologies. ZhS processes completed wooden structures from boards and foundations from a variety of sources (whole timber, circle, sleepers). When building private homes, bathrooms, and outbuildings, novice builders will be able to work with wood and liquid glass.

Liquid glass coatings are more effective at protecting wood from moisture than paint and varnish films, and they are also far more affordable and useful.

The impregnated wood retains its decorative quality and is more refractory, with a distinct wood texture.

Use liquid glass when processing different types of frames and structures that are highly susceptible to unfavorable effects. It is advised to impregnate using silicate mixtures:

• Salary crowns;
• Rafters;
• Roof elements;
• Floor for installing the floor;
• Wooden piles;
• Grillages;
• Structural elements of wells.

Mold won’t grow if the walls in cellars and basements are treated for fungus. Coating: a dependable way to keep wood safe from deterioration during cold snaps and condensation. The effects of precipitation and UV radiation preserve verandas, terraces, and arbors coated with liquid glass. Processing the locations of water and sewage pipes in wooden buildings is advised.

Liquid glass is applied to the surface, filling in cracks and unevenness and stabilizing the wood structurally. On the surface, a film forms that is impermeable to moisture.

For ten years, the coating’s protective qualities are retained. Next, ZhS needs to be applied to the tree once more.

The need to protect the tree

Every type of wood used for frames needs to be impregnated with waterproofing. Without protection, wood weakens and loosens with time. The tree takes in two drops of moisture from the atmosphere, swells, and turns into a nutrient medium for the mold spore. Dry air is bad because it compresses the fibers and causes deep fissures to form in the wood’s structure. The structural loading is greatly decreased.

The risk of fire is another issue. Unprocessed wooden frames quickly catch fire, and before long, the entire building will be enveloped in flames. There is less access to oxygen in a tree when its pores are clogged.

They don’t process the resulting protective layer or perform any additional polishing.

Fire composition

Mixtures based on sodium, potassium, and lithium silica that is soluble in water are made for use in construction projects. The composition additionally consists of:

• Organic compounds of silicon;
• Silicic acid in colloidal form;
• Various additives that improve the composition of the mixture.

ZhS is purchased bearing the label "Firebiobi -Promotion" in order to provide fire protection. The mixture melts between 600 and 650 °C, exhibiting antipyrene-like properties. The resulting film is non-flammable, puts out the flame, lessens wood smoke, and stops oxygen from penetrating. The instructions state that internal surfaces should be processed using organosilicate materials in compliance with fire safety regulations. Due to their higher hydrocarbon content, smolish species of coniferous trees are more likely to catch fire, whereas deciduous trees pose less risk.

ZhS is not utilized for fire processing surfaces that have an LKM final finish.

Internal surfaces are processed using organosilicate materials in compliance with fire safety regulations.

Liquid glass for wood: how to cook

You must read the label before discussing the composition of the lumber. The ZhS’s divorced proportions are disclosed by the manufacturer. Liquid glass used in wood processing needs to have a specific permeability in order to sink deeply and not just float on the top. The working solution should have a consistency similar to that of liquid jelly. Depending on the concentration, the amount of water is determined. Thirty to fifty percent of the mixture is available on the market.

The composition has to be applied twice for processing to be effective. Once the first has fully dried and hardened, the second is applied.

Preparatory work

Gloves and protective gear are worn during the processing of wood. Cleaning up, leaving the processed surface alone, and getting rid of the leftover chips and wood powder are all essential. Clean tap water is used to dilute liquid glass in glass or plastic dishes until the required consistency is reached.

The surface is free of exfoliated fibers, dust, chip residue, and wood flour. To reduce the price of the ZhS and increase the structural strength, it is advised to close the primordial gaps.

Although liquid glass is a material that is good for the environment, it can irritate lips and skin when it gets in there. Rinse under running water if you hit someone.

Cleaning up, leaving the processed surface alone, and getting rid of the leftover chips and wood powder are all essential.

Liquid glass wood processing provides a special way to improve and preserve wood surfaces while combining the advantages of toughness and pest, fire, and water resistance. The hard, glass-like finish produced by this process can greatly increase the longevity of wooden structures. But there are drawbacks as well, like a difficult application procedure and possible brittleness. Professionals and homeowners alike can make well-informed decisions about whether liquid glass is appropriate for their projects by being aware of the benefits and drawbacks of this method of wood processing.

Wood processing

Pre-impregnating dry wood with a primer that has half of its working composition diluted is advised. The wood is treated with liquid glass right away if the humidity level in the frames or blanks is at least 22%. It is acceptable to use an average consumption of –300 g/m2 to determine the required amount of the solution. Only before the work is done is liquid glass thoroughly mixed and diluted.

Any time of year is suitable for processing, as long as the air temperature is between -20 and +40 degrees Celsius. Using a felt roller or flak brush, the mixture is applied in the direction of the fibers. With dipping, small details are easier to handle.

Surface care

When dining tables are made, wooden shields are frequently treated with liquid glass. The fiber texture is evident on the countertops after applying a ZhS. Foods can be spread out on the film because it is chemically neutral, does not deteriorate when exposed to food acids and alkalis, and does not deteriorate when exposed to disinfecting detergents.

The inability to paint the processed surface is the sole drawback of silicates. The fact that the surface becomes mirror smooth helps to explain this. Clutch with regular LKM is problematic; silicate paints and varnishes are required. The tree is slightly darker after processing, but you can still get good decorativeness by using compounds with additives.

Liquid glass is highly consumable, low-cost, and protects wood from fire, insects, microbes, and atmospheric influences. While the properties of products from different manufacturers may be similar, the makeup of the additives may vary. It is preferable to buy liquid glass products from reputable manufacturers.

Liquid glass processing for wood processing has several advantages that make it a desirable option for a variety of uses. The robust barrier it forms against moisture, insects, and decay is one of its main benefits. This is especially helpful for decks, fences, and outdoor furniture because it can greatly increase the lifespan of wooden surfaces and constructions.

Liquid glass also improves wood’s resistance to fire. Particularly in regions where wildfires are common, this extra safety measure can be extremely helpful in lowering the risk of fire. Its glossy finish also gives wood a polished, tidy appearance that can be visually appealing for both indoor and outdoor applications.

But there are a few disadvantages to take into account. Applying liquid glass can be a labor-intensive process that needs to be handled with care. Applying it incorrectly can result in inconsistent coverage or decreased efficacy. Furthermore, it can be difficult to remove or refinish the wood once it has been applied, which restricts further changes.

Cost is an additional consideration. Generally speaking, liquid glass is more costly than conventional wood sealants. Not every project, especially one this size, can be able to afford this larger initial outlay. Notwithstanding these drawbacks, liquid glass is still a good choice for people seeking a strong and protective coating.

The decision to use liquid glass for wood processing ultimately comes down to the project’s particular requirements and priorities. Although it has significant protective and aesthetic benefits, one should carefully consider the costs and application challenges. One can make a more informed choice that best meets their needs for wood preservation by weighing these advantages and disadvantages.

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