How to Use Resin Sand Texture Medium: Step-by-Step Guide
Resin Sand Texture Medium is a thick, coarse acrylic gel filled with natural sand particles. Use it to build gritty, beach-sand texture, terrain and dimensional effects on canvas, wood and board, on its own or mixed with acrylic paint.
How to use resin sand texture medium: start with a clean, dry surface (prime raw or very absorbent surfaces with gesso). Apply the medium with a palette knife, scraper or firm brush, thicker for stronger relief, and shape it while wet. Mix in acrylic paint first if you want coloured texture. Let it dry fully, from hours for thin layers to longer for thick ones, then paint over it. Clean tools with soap and water.
Solid Solutions Resin Sand Texture Medium is a water-based, heavy body acrylic gel made with 100% acrylic polymer and natural sand. It dries to a matte white, sandy finish. Non-toxic and Australian made.
Shop resin sand texture medium →What Is Resin Sand Texture Medium?
It's a thick, coarse acrylic gel with natural sand particles that give both structure and texture. The "resin" is acrylic resin, not epoxy. Use it straight or mixed with acrylic paint, and paint over it once dry. It's formulated to grip canvas, wood and boards, and works well with palette knives, scrapers and firm brushes.
| Quick reference | Solid Solutions Resin Sand Texture Medium |
|---|---|
| Base | Water-based, 100% acrylic polymer gel |
| Texture | Heavy body, coarse, with natural sand |
| Dries | Matte white sandy finish; opaque to semi-opaque (more layers = more opacity) |
| Use | Straight, or mixed with acrylic paint |
| Surfaces | Canvas, wood, MDF and rigid panels |
| Tools | Palette knife, scraper or firm brush |
| Clean up | Warm soapy water, before it dries |
| Sizes | 250ml and 1 litre |
How to Use Resin Sand Texture Medium, Step by Step
Prepare the surface
Make sure it's clean, dry and free of dust or grease. For best adhesion on raw or very absorbent canvas, wood or board, prime first with acrylic gesso.
Apply the medium
Apply it with a palette knife, firm brush or scraper wherever you want texture. Apply it more thickly for stronger relief and more three-dimensional effects.
Mix with paint (optional)
Mix in acrylic paint to tint the texture. More paint gives richer colour; more medium gives heavier texture. Don't over-mix if you want a distinct, grainy sand look.
Shape it while wet
Create peaks, ridges or directional texture while the medium is still wet.
Let it dry
Drying time depends on thickness. Thin layers may dry within hours; thicker applications need longer.
Paint over it (optional)
Once completely dry, apply acrylic paint or other compatible finishes to add depth and colour.
Clean up
Wash brushes, tools and palette knives in warm soapy water before the medium dries.
Artist Tips and Advanced Techniques
Build layers with slightly different paint-to-medium ratios for natural effects like dunes, terrain and organic surfaces.
Apply the medium through stencils or masks with a palette knife for sharp, structured textured patterns.
Once fully dry, lightly dry-brush acrylic paint over the raised grains to highlight texture and add contrast.
While wet, press in fine sand, shells, fibres or mica for richer mixed media effects.
For high relief, apply several thin layers rather than one very thick one to keep it strong and help prevent cracking.
Once dry, seal or varnish the texture with a suitable acrylic varnish to improve durability and reduce dust pick-up.
Resin Sand Texture vs Modelling Paste
Both build texture. Choose resin sand for a gritty, granular, beach-sand surface. Choose modelling paste for smooth, sculptural relief you can carve, sand and stencil with crisp edges.
| Feature | Resin Sand Texture Medium | 3D Modelling Paste |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Coarse, grainy sand | Smooth, sculptable |
| Dries | Matte white, sandy | Opaque white, firm |
| Best for | Beach, terrain and gritty surfaces | Structural relief, peaks and stencils |
| Mix with paint | Yes | Yes |
Resin Sand Texture Medium Questions & Answers
Is resin sand texture medium an epoxy resin?
No. It's a water-based acrylic gel made with 100% acrylic polymer (acrylic resin) and natural sand. It cleans up with soap and water and is used like other acrylic mediums.
Can I mix it with paint?
Yes. Mix it with acrylic paint to colour and texture the surface in one application.
Does it hold peak texture?
Yes. Applied thickly with a palette knife, it holds peaks, ridges and strong three-dimensional texture.
Can I paint over it?
Yes. Once fully dry, paint over it with acrylic paint.
What surfaces can I use it on?
It adheres well to canvas, wood, MDF and rigid painting panels. Prime raw or very absorbent surfaces with acrylic gesso first.
How long does it take to dry?
It depends on thickness. Thin layers dry relatively quickly, while thick texture needs longer.
What colour does it dry?
It dries to a matte white, sandy finish, opaque to semi-opaque. More layers give greater opacity.
Is it archival and permanent?
Yes. The acrylic resin binder dries to a durable, flexible, permanent film, suitable for long-term artwork when properly applied.
Can I sand it once dry?
Yes. Light sanding can refine or soften the texture once it's fully cured.
Can it be sealed or varnished?
Yes. Once completely dry, seal or varnish it with a suitable acrylic varnish or clear coating to add durability and reduce dust retention.
Shop and Related Guides
Bring the beach to your canvas
Solid Solutions Resin Sand Texture Medium in 250ml and 1 litre.