How to Cast Sand with Concrete

Casting with sand is a highly creative process that often starts with simple, wet beach sand and a bucket to form sand castles. By adding concrete to the mixture, your creation hardens into a lasting object, impervious to the elements. However, to be technically correct, concrete is the completed mixture, while cement is the powder additive that binds the sand. Portland cement is the common material used for casting with sand. Both sand and cement are inexpensive materials, so this is an economical way to make unique objects.

Molds
Vegetable oil, lard or plastic wrap
Portland cement
Bucket
Wheelbarrow
Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare your mold. This is not a standard process, as the varieties of molds are infinite. You might choose to use plastic lined boxes, sand piles or commercial molds. For solid surfaces or molds, lubricate them with vegetable oil, lard or plastic wrap, depending on their size and the applications. Place the mold on a solid surface, since sand castings are heavy.
- 2
  Mix the sand with the Portland cement in a ratio of 2:1 or 1:1, depending on how sandy you want the finished product to be. Stand upwind to keep from breathing in the dust. Use a large bucket or a wheelbarrow and a trowel for mixing.
- 3
  Add water slowly until the mixture forms a soft wet mass that holds together when you form it into a ball. If your form is very intricate, add a little extra water so that the wet mass will slump into the cracks and crevices of your mold.
- 4
  Pour the concrete into the mold, tapping the sides as you work to remove any air bubbles. Dry the mixture overnight.
- 5
  Invert the sand casting and remove the mold. Cure the object for another few days before using so the cement has enough time to bond firmly with the sand.

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