rykk
spending too much on rocks
Member since September 2011
Posts: 428
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Post by rykk on Mar 8, 2013 0:56:58 GMT -5
So, how well does the method in the sticky using sodium silicate and energy pills work? I'm hoping to use it to get a good shine on stuff like Aussie Print Stone and Indian Paint Stone...
I've tried using Zap-A-Gap "super glue (same stuff as Hot Stuff) with very mixed success. Rick
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2013 15:48:33 GMT -5
for the purpose of making matte finish stones look shiny the simplest way I know is to use a commercial stone sealer and color enhancer. Like this one www.homedepot.com/p/t/100672860?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=stone+colo+enhancer&storeId=10051&N=5yc1v&R=100672860#.UTpN7DBnrtEIt fills small voids and leaves a smoother surface. We use it on marble and travertine counters to seal and protect but it works on lapidary stuff too. Apply it like stain allow to soak in and rub off like stain. Apply a couple three coats for a deeper shinier finish. Simple an easy one step process. No mixing and no polishing after application, although that extra polish may enhance the enhancer, I have not tried this.
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Post by deb193redux on Mar 8, 2013 18:17:08 GMT -5
Sodium silicate, as I understand, when treated to be water insoluble, is more successful at healing fractures.
For courser stones, I would recommend impregnating with Hxtal.
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rykk
spending too much on rocks
Member since September 2011
Posts: 428
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Post by rykk on Mar 12, 2013 23:19:26 GMT -5
Thanks - I think the Hxtal might be more expensive than the rocks I'd use it on(?) C-ya, Rick
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zarguy
fully equipped rock polisher
Cedar City, Utah - rockhound heaven!
Member since December 2005
Posts: 1,791
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Post by zarguy on Apr 16, 2013 12:42:04 GMT -5
The process to make sodium silicate permanent is way too time consuming for me. Helen, who's on this group sells a 2:1 epoxy that's supposed to be a clone of Xtal. I bought a small quantity & used it on soft & fractury slabs like Tiffany stone & Indian Blanket jasper. I was pleased with the results. It dries clear & hard. It's also much better than filling cracks with superglue. Lynn
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Post by deb193redux on Apr 16, 2013 13:31:01 GMT -5
Thanks - I think the Hxtal might be more expensive than the rocks I'd use it on(?) C-ya, Rick Yes it is expensive. It should be used on unusual pattern or exceptional examples of the stone. In this regard I don't see the problem, as the value of the finished effort should be worth a lot more than the raw materials or the rough stone. This is analogous to not working every piece, but reserving your efforts for those that look nicer than the others.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2013 16:33:25 GMT -5
silicate solution at my mailbox store.
experiments soon.
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<'))))>< Fish
Cave Dweller
Gone Fishing
Member since April 2005
Posts: 1,841
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Post by <'))))>< Fish on Aug 29, 2013 22:17:21 GMT -5
I use sodium silicate to glue rocks to a board, makes it easy to cut small rocks
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Aug 29, 2013 23:48:49 GMT -5
so did our class. somehow they lost the technique, or just stopped using it.
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