Hydrophobic sand (or magic sand) is sand coated with a water-repellent (hydrophobic) substance. The water-repellent substance (in this case, show polish) makes it so that the grains of sand can’t stick together. This makes it lighter and easier to mold and cuts down on the mess that you might get with plain sand. Making hydrophobic sand is a great sensory activity that brings the beach home to you!

You Will Need:

• A Glass Casserole Dish
• Fine Sand (in any color you like)
• Water-Repellent Shoe Polish Spray
• A Spoon

Instructions:

1. Pour 1-2 cups of fine sand into your glass container 
2. Give your sand a good spray with water-resistant shoe polish
3. Mix around thoroughly
4. Leave your sand to dry for around 48 hours, making sure that you stir it occasionally
5. That’s it! Your sand is ready to pour into water in various ways and see it magically come out “dry.” 

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