Pipe Mud - the Miracle Salvage Compound

[Madbricky]

What is water glass and where do you get small amounts? Can you describe the mixture method and the consistency of the glass mud when it's applied? How long should it rest on the pipe before smoking?

I get the Sodium Silicate from Ebay in 16oz bottles. In the picture you can see the liquid on a styrafoam plate with just a small bit of Charcoal for this liner job. Mix with a disposable knife or spoon slowly to keep powder from flying until it's like toothpaste for burnout spots and like pastel paint for liner work. I swab the coating on with a folded pipe cleaner for relining into an even coat. It sets up fast in thin form and you can layer on spots until your fix is even. I will smoke it the same day as long as it feels smooth and hard. Point of reference, Sodium Silicate is vapor permeable, meaning it will breathe moisture like the original surface. If you mix it like putty or toothpaste it will want to sag and run. I use a cheap plastic pen like a rolling pin to keep it flat and even as it dries over an hour or two.