Sand Carving

Richardton-Taylor High School Technology Education Department

Richardton, North Dakota

Instructions for making a Graphic Sand-carving Project

Step One

Develop a project idea and project design.

The object that you are going to sand-carve on will determine your design limits. For example,

An object that is flat or round in one direction only, will accommodate a larger image.

Develop your design using any computer software or image generation process. The image can be hand drawn or scanned. The design should be black and white only and also line copy only.

Step two

Print your design from a laser printer. Check it for size on your substrate material.

If your design is satisfactory, print it once again on using vellum or tracing cloth.

Step three

Before exposing your design to photo mask material set up the spray attachment and set water temperature to 80 – 90 degrees.

Step four

Exposing the photo mask design.

Cut photo mask material slightly larger than your image design.

Place carrier side down (shiny side) on the exposing unit mat.

Place image design face down on photo mask.

Roll mat around exposing unit and expose for 30 seconds (first indicator line).

Step five

Developing the photo mask is also known as “washing out”. Place exposed photo mask on magnetic board. Using the sprayer, wash out the unexposed areas on your photo mask material. The image should appear within a few minutes. Continue washing until the image areas are clear.

Step six

Allow the photo mask to dry. Using blotting paper will assist in drying.

Hang your photo mask with image to dry in a dust free environment.

Step seven

Your substrate material needs to be clean. Clean glass or mirror with a glass cleaning agent.

Apply adhesive to your substrate material. Apply it evenly, and allow it to dry.

Wash out the sponge applicator with water.

Step eight

Transfer the photo mask onto your substrate and rub firmly with the plastic burnisher.

Step nine

Mask out any area that may receive any over spray from blasting with masking tape.

Step ten

Place the object to be blasted inside blasting cabinet. Make sure all connections are made to the unit.

Step eleven

Blast product carefully and evenly, checking your work often. Once a mistake is made your project cannot be repaired.

Step twelve

Clean up. Remove the photo mask and masking tape with or without water.

Your graphic sand carving is now complete.