Understanding Sand-Fixing Glue: A Comprehensive Guide
Many beginners are confused about how to use sand-fixing glue, so we decided to write an article to address this question.
Currently, there are two main methods of using sand-fixing glue:
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Mixed Water Coloring Method: Mix water with colored sand, and then spray the sand-fixing glue after the coloring is complete.
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Mixed Glue Coloring Method: Directly mix the sand-fixing glue with the colored sand and then proceed with coloring.
Which Method is Better? What are the Differences in Their Applications?
Both methods are effective, as they essentially use the adhesive power of the glue to secure the colored sand to the baseboard. Therefore, as long as this goal is achieved, either method can be used.
However, we generally recommend using the Mixed Water Coloring Method. Here are some reasons why:
Advantages of the Mixed Water Coloring Method
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Smooth Surface
- Mixing glue directly with colored sand can make the sand sticky and reduce its fluidity, resulting in an uneven surface. The Mixed Water Coloring Method helps in maintaining a smooth and level finish.
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Avoiding Contamination
- If coloring isn't completed in one go, especially for large-scale artworks with intricate details, you'll need to add more glue to the sand for subsequent coloring sessions. With repeated applications, the colored sand ends up containing a lot of glue impurities, affecting the final result.
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Make the Most of Materials
- Because the Mixed Water Coloring Method only involves water, there are no glue residues in the colored sand. This allows the leftover colored sand to be reused in other projects without any contamination.
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Ease of Adjustment
- Using the Mixed Water Coloring Method allows for easy adjustment of colors in different areas until satisfactory, and then spraying with sand-fixing glue. This approach is more convenient and efficient.
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Health and Safety
- Using water instead of glue initially reduces exposure to glue fumes, which can be beneficial, especially in enclosed spaces. After coloring is completed, it only takes about one minute to spray the glue, and then place it in a ventilated environment so that people can stay away from the irritation of the glue.
When to Use the Mixed Glue Coloring Method
However, in some cases, the Mixed Glue Coloring Method is more effective:
- Curved Surfaces: Such as gourds or cups.
- Lower-Density Materials: When using lower-density materials for coloring, such as laser glitter powder, it is recommended to mix the glue with the glitter before applying it.