What is a deflocculant? How to find most suitable deflocculant additives in solid and liquid form, adapted for each type of use and application in the pottery

Sodium silicate is the common name for a compound sodium metasilicate, Na₂SiO₃, and is also referred to as liquid glass. It is composed of sodium oxide and silica, and the ratio of these compounds in aqueous solution influences its fluidity. Sodium silicate solution is commonly used in ceramics as a deflocculant in slip preparation by neutralizing the charges of particles in the slip, allowing for more even suspension and thinning. This is a pure sodium silicate solution and should be mixed with water to a 50/50 solution for most casting bodies.

In ceramics, sodium silicate can also be used in surface decoration to create a crackled surface texture on pots. Just follow these simple steps:
1. Brush the sodium silicate into the product while it's still wet.
2. Use heat to dry the outer layer of sodium silicate.
3. Apply a layer of slip or underglaze overtops of the sodium silicate.
4. Use heat to dry the layer of slip/underglaze.
5. Draw or carve through the slip/underglaze layer to expose the clay, or you can leave the slip as is.
6. The final step is what creates the crackle: place your hand back inside the pot and apply from the inside to open the vessel wider. The enlarging of the pot creates the crackling effect from the dried sodium silicate.
7. Fire and glaze as usual.

Quantity: 40 g. (1,41 oz.)
Form: Liquid
Package: Plastic bottle with a cap
Brand: Heraeus
Country of Manufacture: Germany