Does Kinetic Sand Dry Out? Let’s find out, Kinetic sand allows children as well as adults to let their imagination out and practice their motor skills. It is fun and easy to use in molding pretty much anything you want. The creative possibilities of kinetic sand are endless for those who dare to imagine.
Whether it’s homemade or store-bought, how long can it last? Does kinetic sand dry out or harden if left in a place for too long?
Can Kinetic sand Dry Out?
Under the right conditions, kinetic sand does not dry out. This is because it’s made up of 98% sand and 2% silicone-based polymer, Polydimethylsiloxane, and water. The polymer is what gives it its malleable and ‘slimy’ property that enables it to be molded into different shapes without breaking apart.
This is the same compound that is used in making things like contact lenses. Since oil never dries out, kinetic sand is likely to retain its moisture content even when left outside for long periods. In fact, if stored well, it can last for more than two years while keeping its sticky or moldable properties.
However, you need to understand that kinetic sand is very sensitive to humidity and heat. It’s usually at its best texture at around 60% humidity.
Kinetic sand can feel dry due to the humidity of where it is being stored. When the sand feels dry, the texture will feel off and not hold as it should.
What to do if kinetic sand feels dry
Remember heat and humidity can affect the texture of your kinetic sand and make it feel dry. Heat and humidity will specifically evaporate the moisture from the sand making it lose the stretchy and moist properties needed for molding it.
If this happens, don’t throw away the sand. It is very easy to fix it and regain the original texture.
You can follow these simple tips to rejuvenate your kinetic sand and maintain its texture;
- First, you’ll need to check the moisture of the sand by trying to mold any shape. If it’s hard and has lost its bounce, then it means that it’s dry.
- Then, you need to sprinkle a little water on it and knead it as you feel the texture until the desired texture is achieved. Ensure that you don’t put too much water as this will make the kinetic sand to be too sticky.
- If your kinetic sand becomes too wet, dry it out by following the steps mentioned in our earlier article on how to dry out wet kinetic sand and regain its original texture.
How to prevent Kinetic sand from drying out
To prevent the possibility of your kinetic sand drying out, you should keep it in a well-sealed container that has a resealable lid or a plastic bag like a Ziploc bag.
If you decide to store it in a Ziploc bag, ensure that you squeeze out any excess air and seal the bag tightly. You could even place a paper towel inside the bag to absorb any additional moisture that could form over time.
When it’s placed in an airtight container, it will keep it away from air exposure that could dry it out or lead to the formation of clumps, hence retaining its original texture.
Additionally, keep it out of direct sunlight or extreme temperatures to prolong its shelf life.
When you are playing with it, also avoid spreading it too thin as this could cause it to dry out faster.
Wind-up
So, does kinetic sand dry out? The ingredients that make up kinetic sand like the silicone oil make it highly unlikely to dry out under normal conditions.
However, it’s no doubt that kinetic sand can be affected by heat and humidity hence making it feel dry to the touch. This will make it difficult to mold any shapes because of loss of moisture which gives it its sticky and moldable properties. But, if your kinetic sand appears dry, then you can add a small amount of water using a dropper and knead until the original texture is achieved.
Kinetic sand is an excellent resource for children and adults to play with but caution should be taken to prevent it from getting too dry as this will affect its texture.
To prevent your kinetic sand from drying out in the future, ensure that you keep it in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag so that it can retain its original properties.