Kinetic Sand is a popular and inexpensive product used mostly by children and some adults for creative playing, relieving stress, or increasing focus. It’s a good resource for keeping children busy creating 3D designs, sculptures, and other interesting figures.
It has a very flexible consistency compared to traditional sand which allows one to make various shapes and structures without collapsing. It also comes in different colors.
Whether you are going to buy kinetic sand or have some at home, you might be wondering if kinetic sand can get wet.
Yes. Kinetic Sand can get wet if it comes into contact with water or if kept underwater. However, it will not be ruined. Even if it gets wet, the sand will still maintain its color and not turn muddy like traditional sand.
The ingredients that make kinetic sand make it almost waterproof preventing it from becoming soggy or clumpy.
When kinetic sand gets wet, the consistency changes to being sticky making it hard to mold it into different shapes because it will stick on surfaces. When you try to run your fingers through wet kinetic sand, you will feel it is gritty.
However, there is no problem with it being wet because it can be returned to its original texture with the appropriate measures.
Water will only change the texture of the sand but will not ruin it. The only problem with kinetic sand being wet is that if you leave it like that for a long time, it could get stinky and moldy.
In this case, it will have a bad smell and you’ll be able to see mold growing on it. If this happens, you need to throw it away and get fresh stock.
If by accident your kinetic sand gets wet, you will notice that it will be sticking onto surfaces making it hard to work with. If you want to improve its texture, you need to either let it dry out, mix it with some dry kinetic sand, or mix it with dry corn starch.
You can dry it out and return it to its original texture following these simple steps;
- Spread it out evenly on a flat surface and place it in an area that is not exposed to the sun too much.
- Cover the sand with a piece of damp cloth
- Let it dry on its own. This could take hours to days depending on the air quality.
- You can alternatively spread it out on a baking pan or sheet tray and place it in a 250 F oven. Let it sit for about an hour and turn off the heat. Allow it to rest for around 20 minutes while keeping the oven door slightly open to allow air circulation.
Get it out and let it rest for another 20 minutes to cool down before using it.
The sand should go back to its previous consistency. Sometimes it doesn’t take too long to dry because even air is capable of drying it out.
If you notice that it is too dry, you can add a few drops of water to put back some moisture into it.
You then need to store it well to avoid unnecessary accidents like spilling or making it wet again. It is best placed in an airtight container so that it retains its moisture.
If by any chance your kinetic sand gets into contact with water, yes it will get wet but not soggy. Wetness will interfere with the consistency of the sand by making it stickier hence a bit difficult to work with.
If your kinetic sand gets wet, left in water for extended periods, or left outside for long, then it runs the risk of getting moldy and stinky.
The good news is that you can still regain its texture by drying it out and continue molding your beautiful shapes. Let your imagination run wild while at it.
