In a previous thread (http://www.woodturner.org/vbforum/showthread.php?t=2964), I pondered the wisdom of using sodium silicate as a slower-drying substitute for CA finish. It appears that is a non-starter.
One of my links identified US patent 4,612,050 (1986). The link was described as "instant petrified wood." That patent was issued to Hamilton Hicks of Greenwich CT. Hicks mentions deficiencies of straight sodium silicate as a wood coating: for strong solutions, tendency to crack and peel in high humidity environment; and for weak solutions, tendency to become soft and drip.
Hicks' invention consisted of augmenting the sodium silicate with a variety of minerals, including Microlite, China Clay, Pascalite Montana, Volcanic Ash, Desert Mineral Clay, and Bentonite. Hicks' objective was to create fireproof wood to be used in stables for expensive horses. He also suggested the addition of a bad-tasting surfactant to discourage the horses from chewing on the wood. (Maybe this would help protect my house from squirrels. :mad: )
I expect these added minerals, while extending the life of the coating, would negatively affect the appearance of the wood. So it is probably not the boon to woodturners that I initially imagined.
Any contradictory comments will be welcome.
JG
One of my links identified US patent 4,612,050 (1986). The link was described as "instant petrified wood." That patent was issued to Hamilton Hicks of Greenwich CT. Hicks mentions deficiencies of straight sodium silicate as a wood coating: for strong solutions, tendency to crack and peel in high humidity environment; and for weak solutions, tendency to become soft and drip.
Hicks' invention consisted of augmenting the sodium silicate with a variety of minerals, including Microlite, China Clay, Pascalite Montana, Volcanic Ash, Desert Mineral Clay, and Bentonite. Hicks' objective was to create fireproof wood to be used in stables for expensive horses. He also suggested the addition of a bad-tasting surfactant to discourage the horses from chewing on the wood. (Maybe this would help protect my house from squirrels. :mad: )
I expect these added minerals, while extending the life of the coating, would negatively affect the appearance of the wood. So it is probably not the boon to woodturners that I initially imagined.
Any contradictory comments will be welcome.
JG