What's the drying time for sand mixed with Elmers school glue?

Lou
by Lou

I have researched about how to set the sand so the shells don't sink down into the sand. I have a 3 year old grand daughter that will want to "hold and see".I found that I can mix Elmers school glue with the sand to set it up. The instructions say to bake it to set it up. My little jar is plastic so baking is out. How long will it take to air dry and will it dry clear or stay milky white?Here is what I want it to look like. I put the dry sand and shells in the jar to see what it would look like. I will add more sand to the depth of an inch.

  6 answers
  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on May 20, 2019

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmE3y7igC5s

  • The glue will become clear. Leave it for a few days out of direct sunlight for best results

  • Lou Lou on May 20, 2019

    Thank you!! Just checking before I press the larger shells into the sand.

  • Janice Janice on May 21, 2019

    you can just use the plain sand. It will mix up when moved but just give it small little shakes and the sand will settle to the bottom again. actually would be quite fun for your little one. it is oddly satisfing to me

  • Jewellmartin Jewellmartin on May 21, 2019

    About 72 hours of drying should work for you. But setting the bigger shells and other decorations so they won’t move may take 72 hours or longer. They need something solid to attach to. Have a great summer with your little one. May I suggest , a fairy playground in a bucket or on a tree stump? My grand girls use tiny dolls and animals.

    • Lou Lou on May 22, 2019

      Thanks for the info. I waited a day before adding the shells. I'm happy with how it turned out. Great idea about creating a fairy garden in a container. I do have a fairy garden/gnome village but she isn't allowed in there. Having her very own will be fun far her.

  • Deb K Deb K on Sep 10, 2023

    Hi Lou, the drying time for wood glue is 24 hours, so I would start with that and check it after 24 hrs to see if it needs more time.