Replies

1. 
   UncleDunc | Feb 11, 2004 07:41am | #1

   Is it in panels, or seamless? Is the surface sand imbedded in the matrix or just stuck to the surface? Smooth troweled or random sand texture?

   I've never done it or seen it, but here's one approach I could imagins. Sand and epoxy mix troweled on over diamond lath. Spray on more dry sand with a sandblaster until no more sticks. Brush off the excess after the epoxy cures.

1. 
   xMikeSmith | Feb 11, 2004 03:16pm | #2

   we use skim-coat plaster on 90% of our jobs.. with skim-coat... we always have a choice.. smooth or swirled..

    the swirled finish is done with a sponge float..

   the plasterer mixes  a very fine sand with his finish plaster.. this normally goes on about 1/8" thick.. each plasterer has his own pattern.. most are a variation of fan shapes

   swirled finishes are used on most ceilings.. we  usually spec smooth ceilings in baths and kitchens so we can get painted washable ceilings in those rooms.

    sometimes swirl finish is also use on walls .. for instance.. garages, closets.. attic stariwells.. swirl is faster .. so it saves the plasterer some time ( and money)..

   it also hides many minor imperfections..

   bottom line ... it is done by adding a very fine texture sand to the mix.. this usually comes in kraft bags from the plaster supply houseMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   JeffC | Feb 12, 2004 12:55am | #6

   What was unusual about this application is the binding agent for the sand wasn't readily apparent.  It looked as if it were sand at the beach but stuck on the wall.  The only difference is this appeared wet which I assume was the binder that held the sand in place.

   Thanks

1. 
   Floorman | Feb 12, 2004 04:00am | #9

   I just refinished a floor made out of Caribbean Walnut. It sticks to everything. I had to plastic off all of the walls in the house because of the sand textured paint job. It was an off white with multicolors sponged on.  I charged 1000.00 to plastic. One day for my two guys. I'll do anything if they pay. GW

2. 
   JeffC | Feb 12, 2004 12:50am | #5

   The sand is stuck to the surface of the portion of the wainscot.  The surface is rippled with no visible breaks.  Periodically a shell, bottle cap, or other object you'd find on the beach is embedded.  I found it appealing and a realistic representation of the beach.

1. 
   JeffC | Feb 12, 2004 12:58am | #7

   Oops, the first sentence should read: The sand is stuck to the surface portion above the wainscot.

1. 
   UncleDunc | Feb 12, 2004 03:16am | #8

   Sounds to me like some kind of clear plastic, maybe related to the kind of really thick clear finish that you see on some bar or restaurant tables, or the kind of plastic that people embed things in. If seen things like planters made of really fine gravel - or really coarse sand - with a clear plastic binder so they still looked wet even after they cured.

   Sorry I can't point you to a manufacturer or installer. Sounds like it would be fun to experiment with, though.

1. 
   JeffC | Feb 12, 2004 08:59am | #10

   I'm going to take a closer look when I'm back in the area.

2. 
   bill_1010 | Feb 11, 2004 05:33pm | #3

   mix sand in your paint is another option. But to get a solid sand look, youll need plaster

3. 
   MalibuJim | Feb 11, 2004 09:06pm | #4

   To get a course finish like you mentioned, you'll have to have a plaster skim coat hand troweled with sand added to the mix.  Be careful, though, this may be a little too rough for an interior wall.  An alternitive is to add sand to paint and paint it on.  Be sure to go to a good paint supplier and ask for their anti-skid additive.

   Tony