Take 2 gm PVA powder in a beaker and add 98 ml distilled water. Put magnetic hot plate at 80C with continuous stirring. After few hours you get a clear solution of PVA binder. 

There are many different types of PVA available i.e. different molecular weight ranges and partially or totally hydrolysed.

Do these factors affect the binding properties for ceramics?

Use 5% wt/vol PVA in DI water, mix it properly in DI as it tend to make lumps. Then use ultrasonicator bath at 80deg C for 30min (keep an eye on it it can make lump ) or use magnetic stirrer on hot plate at 80degC for 30 min.