Thursday 27 June 2024

The right kind of sand!

 What sand is the right kind for basing?


12 comments:

  1. I use a mix of silver sand and a coarse red sand. The local builders merchant usually gives me a couple of handfuls of the coarse red for the cost of drink. Silver sand is found in pet shops

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  2. I use sharp sand from B&Q stuck on with PVA glue.

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  3. 3d printed individual grains.....☺

    I'd suggest it depends what you want. Fine sand is the best, but is often improved by the odd rock or coarser grain.
    Sources, try play sand rather than builders as it is often finer. Play sand comes in large quantities. Budgie sand from pet shops often has shells or other debris so needs sifting.
    More expensive are ready mixes such as:

    https://www.geekgamingscenics.com/collections/base-ready

    Neil

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  4. I use stuff called Golders pumice gel. Picture sand but is already mixed in a glue like medium. Takes paint well.

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  5. I just use bog standard builders sand...mind you, it took literally MONTHS to dry out after purchase! Sand straight from the beach is fine too.

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    1. Removing beach sand is a criminal offence in the UK....under the Coastal Protection Act 1949 it is illegal to remove sand, pebbles, or stones from UK beaches. The law is enforced by local councils who have the power to issue fines of up to £1,000.
      Not sure how they enforce emptying it out of your shoes when you go home.....
      Neil

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    2. Beach sand has Salt in it. Don't fancy putting it near my figutes to be honest.

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    3. The Council hath no currency in the (former) North American colonies. Hal Thinglum uses a bucket of sand from Lake Michigan. I've used the stuff from different parts of the world I've been stationed.

      Eric

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  6. I use play sand from Hobby Craft, B and M.


    Willz.

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    1. https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/natural-decorative-sand-600g/6416951002.html

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  7. I use a large bag of builders' sharp sand from B&Q which is as cheap as chips. I'll put a few scoops onto a baking tray and leave out in the sun to dry out (or in a low heat oven for 5 minutes). You can sieve out the larger pieces of grit and keep these separately to use as rocks and stones. I've used this to base several hundred 54mm figures from a single bag of sand.

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  8. I use ‘Chinchilla Dust’. Very fine sand intended for things like gerbils and, well, chinchillas.
    Chris/Nundanket

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