Inorganic binder
Potassium silicate
Potassium silicate solution (K₂O·nSiO₂) is the classic binder for mineral silicate paints. It reacts with the mineral substrate, a process called silicification, and bonds into it chemically. The result is a coating that breathes, does not burn and resists UV and mould.
Specifications: GHSK
- Composition
- K₂O·mSiO₂·nH₂O
- Appearance
- Transparent or translucent, slightly viscous liquid
- Solids
- 28 ± 1 %
- pH
- 11.0–12.0
- Density
- 1.190–1.250 g/cm³
- Modulus
- 4.0–4.3 standard; 3.0–4.8 made to order
- Packaging
- 25 kg, 140 kg drums or 1000 kg IBC, or to order
- Storage
- Room temperature; shelf life 12 months
- Classification
- Non-hazardous for transport, non-flammable, water-based; SDS and COA available
Applications
- Silicate (mineral) paints for facades and interiors. The binder silicifies with mineral substrates such as render, concrete and stone. The coating is highly vapour-permeable, non-combustible and colourfast.
- Purely inorganic coatings, used together with colloidal silica and lithium silicate.
- Inorganic zinc-rich primers, as an alternative or partner to lithium silicate binders (zinc-rich primers). Starting ratio GHSK : zinc dust (400 mesh) = 3 : 7.
- Inorganic binders and adhesives for high-temperature and mineral materials, including blast-furnace binders.
- Foundry and welding. A binder for moulding and core sand, and the main binder for welding-rod coatings and sintered fluxes.
- Concrete floor hardening. A densifier for new and existing concrete floors, alone or blended with lithium silicate (concrete floor hardener).
- Silicon fertilizers. The most widely used silicon source for liquid and foliar fertilizers, supplied to fertilizer formulators (silicon fertilizer raw materials).
Potassium, lithium or sodium silicate?
| Potassium silicate | Lithium silicate | Sodium silicate (water glass) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical use | Mineral paints, inorganic binders, silicon fertilizers | Self-curing zinc-rich primers, mineral coatings | Commodity binders, detergents, foundry sand |
| Efflorescence risk | Lower than sodium | Lowest | Highest |
| Guolian supply | Yes | Yes (GHSL) | Not produced |
Frequently asked questions
What is potassium silicate used for in paints?
It is the binder in mineral silicate paints. It reacts with mineral substrates to form a coating that is chemically bonded to the wall, vapour-permeable and non-combustible.
Can potassium silicate be combined with colloidal silica?
Yes. Potassium silicate, lithium silicate and colloidal silica are commonly combined in purely inorganic coatings to balance cure, water resistance and stability.
Do you supply sodium silicate?
No. We focus on potassium silicate, lithium silicate and colloidal silica.
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