A new member, "Putznutz" was asking me whether colored mica or sand was ever used on these houses, and if so, are any replacements available? I'm posting the question here to get the discussion started.

Putznuts, if you can upload photos of the projects you're hoping to refurbish, that might help our experts identify the material you need more precisely. Please resize your photos down to 800px wide or smaller if you can.

Best of luck, all,

Paul

Hi some of the houses do have a sandy finish on the bases as I recall. Let me contact our resident expert Tom H. and see if he will weigh in.

Hello,

I found an almost exact match for the sand at a pet store. They sell colored sand for hermit crabs that switch shells to crawl around in. It comes in little bags. They even have a white with little black specks like I have seen on some houses. I'm not sure if I can find the bag with the brand on it, but if I do, I'll weigh back in. If I have a chance to take some pics I'll do that too.

-Brian

Yes sand was indeed used. I have never seen any colored mica. Interstingly I found it easier to get an even stucco textured coating by sprinkling old fashioned powdered laundry starch over wet paint. I would then after the paint dried go over it again with a thin second coat. The sand I have used is very fine river sand called blow sand.