Densification of cement plasters

Cement floor screeds or wall plasters can be densified by application of a solution of sodium silicate.
Sodium silicate is a liquid glass, that, simply put, bonds to the cement/sand matrix and reduces the spaces between particles in the matrix. This results in the hardening of the upper layer of the plaster, as well as reducing the porosity without fully sealing the surface. It is inexpensive, non-toxic, odourless and very easy to apply. This makes it an ideal option in certain applications, particularly where legislation does not call for the substrate to be sealed. There is no need to wait for the product to dry before walking over the applied area, as no film is forming on the surface. Lithium silicate is a slightly more costly variant, said to have better properties with regard to hardening.