In this guide on how to glue sand to paper, we share the easiest ways to create sand art and other crafts. There are two ways to do it, the right way or the messy way. Guess which you’ll be learning?
How to Glue Sand to Paper
Gluing sand onto paper is done by applying a clear-drying glue to thick paper, then pouring sand over it while the glue is still wet. Sand art can be great fun and very creative when we have the right tools for the job.
That rainy day when you’re stuck inside with your children. Sand art can help keep them entertained! A different take on the old coloring with crayons trick.
Popular with toddlers, but also for those under 10, sand art can be combined with normal drawing and painting to add a new dimension to the fun.
Which Glue Should you use for Sand to Paper?
The only hard-and-fast rule with gluing sand to paper is to use glue which dries clear. Other than that you are free, so get creative and see what works for you. The following list has great glue choices to get started.
PVA or Bottled Craft Glue
Bottled craft glue or PVA is the best for gluing sand to paper because it is so easy and safe to work with. You can layer it up or even mix sand into the glue for a rough textured finish. Bottled glue may take longer to dry than a glue stick, so be aware.
One type of PVA glue we always have in the cupboard at home is
Glue Stick
The school glue stick is an all-around great choice, especially for less fuss and mess than the other glues. Easy to apply, and available at most supermarkets, this glue is almost hassle-free. Nothing is hassle-free in the hands of a toddler.
The downside to the glue stick is they are generally quite wide, which limits the drawing space on a page. This can be solved by using a bigger page. We recommend A3 at a minimum.
The advantage of using a glue stick to glue sand to paper is the fast drying time and dryness. The drying time of this glue is roughly 5-10 minutes and the glue is not usually so wet that it ruins the paper.
Home Made Flour and Water Glue
Extend the fun (or the time they’re occupied) by making glue out of flour and water. This is fast and simple, however, can be potentially messy, so prepare for this.
How to Make Thin Flour Glue
- Mix 1 part flour with 2 parts cold water. Easy.
- Stir and mix until no more lumps.
- Add more flour or water as needed, if you want to change the consistency.
How to Make Thick Flour Glue
- Bring 5 cups water to a boil on the stove (shortcut: use the kettle to boil it).
- Mix a ¼ cup of flour with 1 cup of cold water in a bowl until it’s lump free.
- Add the cold mixture to the boiling mixture, reduce heat, and boil for 2-3 mins until it thickens.
Glue made with flour and water keeps in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. Stir in a teaspoon of salt to prevent mold from growing.
This is definitely the most fun glue but also takes the longest to dry.
How to Prepare Sand and Paper Before Gluing
Before gluing sand to paper we need to prepare with good glue and thick paper. The paper needs to be thick enough so the wet glue does not rip or ruin the paper. Craft store card-type paper will be fine to take the wettest of glues.
Printer paper will be absolutely fine when using a glue stick, but it likely won’t stand up to flour-water glue very well. If it is all you have, then double-layer the paper.
Hot Tip: First glue multiple printer paper pages together to make a bigger canvas.
Glue and children combined can create messy situations. Newspaper is great to lay down on the table before doing this. Preparation like this will shorten the clean-up time.
A quick warning: sand from the beach can contain bacteria and who-knows-what-else. So it is best to get sand from a craft store or anywhere that supplies sand for making child-safe sand pits.
How to Apply Glue to Sand and Paper
Gluing sand to paper is the fun part. Apply the glue to paper in creative designs and shapes, a small paintbrush can help move the glue around if needed. Make sure the glue is not applied too thick, so it doesn’t drown the paper and it dries quickly.
Avoid gluing sand to your hands by using a small container to pour the sand on the paper. Move the paper around to get all the glue covered in sand. Leave to dry and wipe off the excess sand.
You can also use a ruler to get straight lines and combine different glues for different ages and effects.
How to Cure Paper and Sand Glue
The glues mentioned above will cure for 5-15 minutes, depending on temperature. The flour glue may take a bit longer. You can hang it up in the air, like clothes on a clothesline, to make it dry faster.
Conclusion
The best glue to glue sand to paper is PVA craft glue, glue stick, or homemade flour and water glue. Best applied thinly to a thick craft-type paper. Prepare the area with newspaper to aid in cleanup. Got get creative!
We hope this simple step-by-step guide on how to glue sand to paper helped kick-start your craft project. Share your ideas below.
