How to Sand Cast

Sand cast figure of a mother and child

Sand casting is the use of sand to make a mold for an object. An impression is made in sand, and the casting material is poured into the impression. The casting material is then allowed to set, after which the object is removed from the sand cast. Metals such as bronze and silver, and also plaster of Paris, can be used as casting material.

Things You'll Need

• Sand
• Vegetable oil
• Disposable pan
• Spatula
• Stylus (knitting needles, pencils, chopsticks, Popsicle sticks)
• Spoon
• Plaster of Paris

Instructions

1. Fill the pan halfway with sand. Mix in just enough vegetable oil so that the sand sticks together.

2. Use a spatula to build up the sand to form a 1/2-inch lip around the edges of the pan. Flatten and smooth down the rest of the sand.

3. Use your stylus to draw a simple human figure in the sand. Go down 1/2 to 1 inch into the sand. Use wider objects to make the head and trunk, and narrower objects to form the arms and legs. Toothpicks can be used to make eyes, lips, fingers and other fine details.

4. Use a spoon to place the plaster of Paris inside the lines of the figure. Fill up the figure to the height of the flat surface of the sand.

5. Wait for the plaster of Paris to dry. Remove the figure from the sand. Wipe off any sand that adheres to the figure.

Tips & Warnings

• Try adding patterns and details to the sand. Patterns on clothing can be reproduced by making fine lines in the sand. Make impressions of small objects by pressing them into the sand.

• Do not make figures the same depth throughout. Vary the depth of the lines and patterns in the sand to create figures and objects that look more realistic.

Resources

• Toys R Us: Plaster of Paris, Toys, Games and Crafts
• Oriental Trading sand cast figures, arts and crafts supplies
• Utrecht Art Supplies sand castings and art supplies