❌ Avoid These for Plastering:
• Coarse sand (used for concrete): Too rough for smooth finishes.
• Desert sand: Too fine and smooth; poor binding.
• Sea sand: Contains salt which can lead to corrosion and poor bonding unless thoroughly washed.
• Dirty or clayey sand: Leads to cracks, poor adhesion, and low strength.
Tips Before Using Sand:
1. Sieve the sand to remove larger particles.
2. Wash if needed to remove clay, silt, or salt.
3. Do a “silt content test” – silt should be less than 6% for plastering sand.
4. Follow the plaster mix ratio: Commonly 1:4 or 1:6 (cement:sand) depending on application.