You are here:

Ceramics/Soda Ash, Sodium Silicate

Advertisement

Expert: Sam Kelly - 10/28/2009


Question
I was given the recipe for 'magic water' at a workshop recently, which was recommended for using when making slip.  The 3 components are water, sodium silicate and soda ash.  What function do the sodium silicate and soda ash perform??

Answer
Majic water is used primarily for adhering handles etc. to pots. It is used straight(no added clay) applied to the pot/handle then joined together. The sodium silicate and soda ash act as defloculants.

http://www.answers.com/topic/deflocculant

Sam

Ceramics

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Sam Kelly

Expertise

questions with regard to all types of clay, glaze problems and glaze making and application. gas and electric kiln firing

Experience

I am a full time studio potter, also technical assistant in the ceramics department of our local college.

Education/Credentials
I completed a three year ceramics course with 6 distinctions and 5 credits. 2 years as a proffesional potter in on of Australia's largest potteries. Working full time as a studio potter.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.