The colloidal silica will only seal the ceramic fibers and make it a little more rigid so it's easier to apply the castable refractory. The silica will not be strong enough on it's own. 

Pnut

1 hour ago, MT Hammer said:

It's like a stale pound cake.

Stale pound cake is as good a description of how rigidized blanket should turn out as I've heard. You got it right but . . . yeah, less dye next time. Won't hurt but you only need a tint.

You're doing good. You'll be seeing "stale pound cake" as a descriptor from me henceforth.

Frosty The Lucky.

thankyou for sharing the information.