bowl coating mix.

[Albert.A]

Hey guys.

I have decided to start experimenting with bowl coatings, partially because I think my pipes rarely look really complete with the bare briar bowl, and partially because I like the idea of some extra protection in the bowl since I can't possibly know the smoking habbits of my customers.

I have a few questions though. After using the search function for a while I have learned that most people use components like activated charcoal, pumice, waterglass, honey, ash, buttermilk etc, and even though I know it's controversial (at least somewhat) I think I want to go with water glass, especially after seeing Todd Johnsons video with the tea lights.

From what I undestand, most people use a mixture of activated charcoal, pumice and water glass. Am I correct in this? And I also wonder about the mixing, should the water glass be the only wet thing in the mix or should there just be a tiny bit of waterglass mixed with the charcoal and pumice, which should then be diluted with something else to acieve the correct consisency? Water? Alcohol?

And also, the only water glass I can find in sweden is 57% water and 29% sodium silicate (I don't know what the remaining 14% is), is this the stuff I should use?

Also, if anyone have some good mixing ratios they'd be willing to share I would appreciate it.

Thanks!
/Albert

[PremalChheda]

Hey guys.

I have decided to start experimenting with bowl coatings, partially because I think my pipes rarely look really complete with the bare briar bowl, and partially because I like the idea of some extra protection in the bowl since I can't possibly know the smoking habbits of my customers.

I have a few questions though. After using the search function for a while I have learned that most people use components like activated charcoal, pumice, waterglass, honey, ash, buttermilk etc, and even though I know it's controversial (at least somewhat) I think I want to go with water glass, especially after seeing Todd Johnsons video with the tea lights.

From what I undestand, most people use a mixture of activated charcoal, pumice and water glass. Am I correct in this? And I also wonder about the mixing, should the water glass be the only wet thing in the mix or should there just be a tiny bit of waterglass mixed with the charcoal and pumice, which should then be diluted with something else to acieve the correct consisency? Water? Alcohol?

And also, the only water glass I can find in sweden is 57% water and 29% sodium silicate (I don't know what the remaining 14% is), is this the stuff I should use?

Also, if anyone have some good mixing ratios they'd be willing to share I would appreciate it.

Thanks!
/Albert

If you want to get more pure sodium silicate, contact a chemical supplier and ask for powder.

The only common material in everyone's bowl coat is charcoal/carbon powder.

The pumice can be added to any mixture as well.

The glues:
Sodium Silicate
Honey
buttermilk
sour cream
etc...

(I do not use any of the above, but mine is edible.)

The solvents:
Distilled Water
Milk
Alcohol
etc...

As to what proportions of this and that... TIAFO or do a few more searches on this forum.

Some waterglass solutions here in the USA have a little glycerin in the solution. It tends to dry a little too quick if you only have the pure SS and water plus carbon. I think the glycerin helps with the application. That extra 14% may be glycerin or something similar to prevent it from caking up too quick.

[Albert.A]

Thanks Premal, I at last feel like I have a vague grasp on things at least, much appreciated. But, TIAFO?

[PremalChheda]

Thanks Premal, I at last feel like I have a vague grasp on things at least, much appreciated. But, TIAFO?

Try it and find out.

Hint: use scrap briar sanded to 120 or 150 grit to test out your mixtures.

[Albert.A]

Ah great, now I feel like a fool for not knowing that abbreviation.

Thanks again.